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Altoona residents urge limits on ICE cooperation; zoning question raised for 3620 B L Ave
Summary
During public comment at the Nov. 10 meeting, Lawrence Carter urged Altoona City Council to consider legislation limiting local cooperation with ICE, citing other Pennsylvania cities; another resident raised a zoning concern about 3620 B L Ave and was directed to city staff for next steps.
During public comment on Nov. 10, Lawrence Carter of 1105 Broadway urged Altoona City Council to consider an ordinance limiting local cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Carter said municipalities such as Allentown, Lancaster and Philadelphia have passed or are passing similar measures and argued local governments are not required by federal law to enforce immigration statutes. "Local government is not responsible for enforcing immigration laws," he said, recommending the council "consider legislation limiting cooperation with ICE activities, much like Allentown, Lancaster, and Philadelphia's legislation."
Carter emphasized concern about staff time and public-safety impacts if local police assisted ICE operations, and he raised concerns about potential effects on immigrant professionals who contribute to the local economy.
Later in the public-comment period, Devin Sailor (1515 25th Avenue) spoke on behalf of a constituent about a property at 3620 B L Ave that was placed in an RNA zoning district. Sailor said the zoning chart showed a minus symbol that appears to prohibit most commercial uses for the property, which had formerly been used as a garage, and asked whether a variance or appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board could create a path forward for the business owner.
Council and staff advised Sailor to begin by contacting city staff and zoning personnel to get details and next steps; staff offered to follow up after the meeting with contact information. "I would start with staff," the mayor said, and staff agreed to touch base with Sailor afterward.
No formal motion or council action on immigration policy or the zoning question took place at the meeting; both subjects were raised during public comment and staff follow-up was requested.
