Historic Haines House Rezoned Commercial

I regret to share that the Altoona City Council voted 4-1 in favor of rezoning the historic Haines House to C4 commercial. This decision means that the most historically significant house in Altoona will now be converted into a real estate office building, disrupting a 100% residential block.

We proposed alternative solutions to better preserve the house, such as landmark designation, while maintaining its use as a single-family home. We also hand-delivered an 80-page petition signed by concerned residents and supporters of keeping the house residential. Despite this, Jeremy Boka, Josh Dunwoody, Scott Duer, and Julie Stewart voted in favor of the rezoning.

I want to send a heartfelt THANK YOU to you and the hundreds of Altoona residents and supporters who stood with us and the residential neighbors of Olde Town. While this outcome is disappointing, your support and dedication were truly inspiring.