Many events are happening in Altoona: the farmer’s market, the upcoming summer concert series and races for charity. 

 

The biggest race in Blair County comes straight through downtown Altoona on the Fourth of July.  The streets will be packed with racers and police to keep everyone safe. 

 

“We could not run this race without their support,” said Hollidaysburg YMCA Executive Director Tom Kopriva.  “We cross some major roads, so if we didn’t have their help those racers, those participants, would not be in a safe situation.”

 

Organizations do not currently have to pay a permit fee or for the police presence at their events, but a new city ordinance could change that. 

 

The ordinance would require organizations to insure their events, which most already do, and make the whole process more official.

 

The proposed fees would go directly to Altoona police, covering overtime costs. 

 

“I think it’s something worth having because it’s not fair to the taxpayers of the city that they’re paying for to provide the police protection or services for events downtown,” said Altoona Mayor Matt Pacifico.

 

City leaders have a lot to consider before they would begin to draft or even implement these city ordinances.

 

“Certainly the amount of a fee would be of a concern,” Kopriva noted. “Taking away some of the proceeds we get from the race would lessen the amount that we could subsidize the financial assistance.”

 

“Since we’re trying to revitalize downtown and build up downtown and get more people into downtown, we certainly don’t want to do anything that’s going to disrupt that or hurt that in any way,” Pacifico said.

 

“Would it discourage us or others?” Kopriva considered. “Again, it depends on the percentage or the amount or how they decide they’re going to have to assess these events, but I don’t think it will in the long run.”

 

This ordinance is in its infancy at this point.  Mayor Pacifico said it will take some serious planning before an ordinance like this would be implemented in the city.