Hollidaysburg council approves final land‑development plan for Great Commission School

Hollidaysburg Borough Council on May 14 adopted Resolution 2026‑21 approving the final land‑development plan for Great Commission School, clearing the way for a proposed 13‑acre K–12 campus at 77 Beaver Bedford Street that is designed for up to 250 students.

Council considered the application after the borough planning commission and the Blair County Planning Commission both recommended approval. The borough engineer recommended conditional approval with items listed in the meeting packet. Mayor Chad A. Repko read the resolution and council members moved and seconded the measure; the resolution passed by voice vote.

Supporters who spoke during the public comment period said the school has restored an existing barn on the Stoll Farm site and worked cooperatively on stormwater concerns in the Gaysport area. "Great Commission School has done a beautiful job in restoring the old barn," resident Bridget Nail told council, and Sean Lighting of 407 Beaver Street added that neighbors expect the school to be a good neighbor.

Council members noted the approvals from planning bodies and the engineer's conditional items; staff said the plan will proceed to the remaining permitting steps and any conditions must be satisfied before construction begins. The packet also notes that Great Commission School agreed to remove a remaining street drain connected to the combined sewer on Bedford Street and that the Conservation District has agreed to accept the diverted stormwater.

The resolution does not specify construction start dates; staff indicated the next steps are final permitting, addressing the engineer’s conditions, and coordinating any required easements and contracts.