Altoona engineer proposes new prison site plan to Blair County commissioners

During a recent meeting of the Blair County Commissioners, discussions centered on the potential relocation of the county prison, with a focus on a proposed site in Altoona. An engineer presented a detailed proposal, highlighting the advantages of moving the prison to a five-acre plot off Seventeenth Street, which he described as having existing infrastructure, including water, sewer, and gas lines.

The engineer emphasized that the current prison site, located in Holidaysburg, has been largely accepted by the community, but he argued that relocating to the proposed site could offer significant cost savings and better facilities. He noted that the new location could accommodate a three-story building and a parking garage, effectively doubling the footprint of the existing prison.

Furthermore, the engineer pointed out that the relocation could create approximately 200 jobs, which would contribute to the local economy through earned income tax revenue for Altoona. He urged the commissioners to consider this vision and approach the city about the potential development, suggesting that the existing infrastructure would make the transition smoother and more efficient than expanding into undeveloped areas.

The meeting also included other public comments, but the focus on the prison relocation stood out as a significant topic with potential implications for both the local economy and community planning. The commissioners are expected to weigh these considerations as they move forward with discussions about the future of the county prison.