COMPREHENSIVE. PLAN for BLAIR TOWNSHIP

The preparation of the Blair Township Comprehensive Plan was financed in part through a comprehensive planning grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, under the provisions of Section 701 of the Housing Act of 1954, as amended and as administered by the Bureau of Planning, Pennsylvania Department of Community Affairs.

Contract Nos. 03-00-1113-22 July 77 - June 78 03-11-1092-22 July 76 - June 77 03-26-1083-20 July 75 - June 76

Blair County Planning Commission July, 1978

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i I

BIBLIOGRAPHIC- DATA- .- 11* No- 12. 13. Recipient's Accession No. SHEET I BTCP 1303-01-78 I I 4. Title and Subtitle IS. Report Date 4Blair Township Comprehensive Plan

U.S. Department of Housing 6 Urban Development Number Two, Allegheny Center Pittsburgh, PA 15212

of proposed development as well as the amount and location.

17. Key Words and Document Analysis. 170. Descriptors

17b. Identifiers/Open-Ended Terms Comprehensive plan Land use plan Centers concept Policies, Goals and Objectives I Environmental Steep slope Flood lain 17c. COSATI E)irld/Group 18. Availability Statement 19. Security Class (This 21. No. of Pages Report) Copies available at the Blair UNCI-ASSIFIED 123 'I County Planning Commission,Highland Hall Annex, 20. Security Class (This 22. Price Hollidaysburg, PA 16648 Page UNCLASSIFIED a-4 c5p USCOMU-OC 14952-Pi FORM NTIS-35 (REV. 3-72) THIS FORM MAY BE REPRODUCED RESOLUTION NO. '7 8 - /O I

I?ESOT,UTION OF TIIE BOAR0 OF SUPERVISOI

I Blair Township Planning Commission to study the present developmerit: trends, I physical attrilmtes (soils, geology, topography, and other 3;'nitat ons), and needs of Rlair Town::hip; and to prepare a comprehensive plan %o gu de future I growth and developmcnt it. Blair Township, and WHEREAS, t.he RLair Township Planning Commission, having studic,d soils, ge-

I ology, topography, present development patterns and needs , ar:3 pro. ected growth; I and having solicitec public opinion through two (2) pub1i.c input w' kshops, did prepare a comprehensive p'l.an, and I WEREAS, ti 2 Board of Supervisors of Blair Township did hold 2 mblic heal ing on A Comprehensive Plan for Blair Township on September 20. 1978, pursu: nt t to r tblic notice as required by Section 302 of the Pennsylvania Mu1 Jipalities I Plan ing Code (Act 247 as amended), and WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Blair Township did study ie support,r.g E data, A Compit:hensi\e Plan for Blair Township, and the testimony rc :ived at the pub1 ic hearir- .,

1 NOW, the.-efore, the i3oard of Supervisor::, of B1.aj.r Township, by a vote of 1 3 .__. ad.?pt k,v resolution A Comprehensive Plan for B1.air Township, containing: :laps dei'icting location of Blair Township, Blair Township geology

and geologic: interpetations, Blair Township soil , Blair Township topography, I x. Blair Township Exist ing Land Use , Blair Township Existing Facilities, Water , I Sewer, and Transportation. Blair Township Steep Slope and Flood Plain Map, Blair l Township Lanc? Use Plan (1985), Blair Township Land Use Plan (200O), Proposed I I ', . .a >\;Sher Service Areas, and Proposed lilater Ser -ice Areas; charts detailing gecl.ogica1

limitations, !'opulation nensity, Ilousing Un ts and Conditiov Land Use Compati-

bility, Acrea,:e Projec t:i.c,ns by Land Use and other data; anci textu:~l.matter. includ-

ing Physiogra:,hy, Land l!se Community Facil -:ties and Envirc:.mental Quality,

I Transportatic 1, Economy/Economic Rase Population, Housing, Goals and Objectives, 1 Population PI ijecti.ms, J .md Use Plan, Cornmunit; Facilities and Environmental Quality Plan. Trans:)orta-'i.on Plan, Economic Plan, Housing r an, Human Services

1 Plan, and Imp ement ition. Thi.s resolution hall become a J ,rt of A Comprehensive I Plan for Rlaii- Town:;hip. Ordained this 30th day of October, 1978. I I I

-- Date ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

BLAIR TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS

Robert A. Marshall, Chairman Arthur E. Taylor Francis Shaw G. Ray Cochran, Secretary, Blair Township

BLAIR TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

Dr. Robert A. Hill, Chairman Arthur E. Taylor, Vice Chairman Roland F. Meyer, Secretary Richard Greubel Lantz Hoffman Terry Ventre

Technical assistance in the preparation of this plan was provided by the Blair County Planning Commission

BLAIR COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

Cloyd F. Forsht, Chairman Cloyd E. Neely, Vice Chairman Mrs. William C. Bellamy, Secretary-Treasurer John R. Beyer J. Edward Biddle Harold E. Detwiler Robert A. DiVentura John M. Drake John L. Wike

BLAIR COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF

Richard T. Haines, Planning Director "Sheryl A. Stolzenberg, Planner I11 Patrick M. Miller, Planner I1 *Frank J. Burggraf, Planner I R. Michael McClain, Planner I Robert E. Madden, Planning Technician I1 Margaret C. Strueber, Secretary I11 Diane E. Schadenfroh, Secretary I11 Phyllis J. Grannas, Secretary I1 Thomas J. Haslett, Technician Intern Tawny L. Kehler, Secretary Intern Denise Morning, Secretary Intern

*The primary authors of the Comprehensive Plan for Blair Township I are Sheryl A. Stolzenberg and Frank J. Burggraf.

I ii Introduction

The preparation of this comprehensive plan represents an important part of the overall planning efforts of the citizens of Blair Township, The Board of Supervisors, and The Blair Townships' Planning Commission to provide for orderly growth and development in Blair Township. The planning process is continuous; including the (1) establishment of basic goals, policies, and objectives, (2) the study of existing social, economic, and physical conditions, (3) the formulation of plans to affect anticipated problems and to serve as guidelines for future growth and development, (4) the formulation of land use regulations that reflect and implement proposals initiated in this comprehensive plan, (5) and the continuous review and updating of the planning process to reflect the changing needs and conditions of Blair Township.

The Blair Township Planning Commission requested the technical assistance of the Blair County Planning Commission to document and study the existing conditions of Blair Township and to advise the Township on the development of the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan reflects the local goals, policies, and objectives established by the residents, tomship supervisors, and the planning commission of Blair Township.

The Comprehensive Plan for Blair Township incorporates three major sections. The first section includes studies of existing Physiography, Land Use, Community Facilities and Environmental Quality, Transportation, Economy/Economic Base, Population and Housing. The second section outlines Blair Township's Goals, Policies, and Objectives. The third section includes Population Projections, Land Use Plan, Community Facilities and Environmental Quality Plan, Transportation Plan, Economic Plan, Housing Plan, Human Services Plan and Implementation.

Documentation of the initial research data and public input is on file at the Blair County Planning Commission Office, Highland Hall Annex, Courthouse, Holli- daysburg, PA. TABLE OF CONTENTS

Starts on page I Introduction iii 1 Chapter I - Physiography Geographical Setting I Geology Soil

I Topography

1 Chapter I1 - Land Use 22 I Blair Township Land Use 22 Relationship to Adjacent Areas 28

1 Chapter I11 - Community Facilities and Environmental Quality 29

Historic Sites 29

Community Facilities 31

Recreation 33

Environmental Quality 3.3

Chapter IV - Transportation 41

Highway Systems 41

Railway Systems 42

Mass Transit 43

Air Transport and Taxi Service 44

Chapter V - Economy/Economic Base 47

Chapter VI - Population 49

Population Trends 49

Population Characteristics 50 Starts on page

Chapter VI1 - Housing 53

Existing Housing Stock 53

Existing Housing Conditions 54

Analysis of Blair Township's Housing Market 55

Chapter VI11 - Draft Goals, Policies, and Objectives 59

Chapter IX - Population Projections 62

Chapter X - Land Use Plan 64

Purpose, Scope, and Goals 64

Land Use Suitability 64

Land Use Compatibility 65

Land Use Configurations 73

Acreage Projections by Land Use 76

Chapter XI - Community Facilities 6, Environmental Quality Plan 80

Chapter XI1 - Transportation Plan 85

Chapter XI11 - Economic Plan 87

Chapter XIV - Housing Plan 88

Housing Projections 88 1 Housing Needs 89 Chapter XV - Human Services Plan 90

I Chapter XVI - Implementation 92 1 Environmental Assessment 97 Historic Preservation Assessment 104

V LIST OF MAPS

Plate E Number MaD Title -Page I . Location of Blair Township 1

1 I1 Geological Map 6 I I11 Geological Interpretive Map 9 IV Soil Map 20 1 V Topographic Map 21 VI4 Existing Land Use Map 26

I VI-B Adjacent Municipalities Map 27 D VI I Existing Facilities Map 36 VI11 Volunteer Fire Company Service Areas 37 1 IX Existing Public Utilities (other than sewer 38 and water) X Existing Water Service Areas 39

XI Existing Sewer Service Areas 40

XI1 Existing Transportation Systems 46

XI11 Steep Slope and Flood Plain Map 67

XIV Existing Centers of Development 77

xv Land Use Plan (1985) 78

XVI Land Use Plan (2000) 79

XVII Proposed Sewer Service Areas 83

Proposed Water Service Areas 84

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vi LIST OF TABLES AND CHARTS

Chart Starts Number Title On Page

I Geological Formation of Blair Township 5

I1 Interpretation of Blair Township Geology 7

I11 Soil Limitations 10

IV General Existing Land Use Summary 25

V Population Density Comparison 28

VI 1976 Blair Township Employees 47

VI I Number of Farms in Blair County 48

VI11 Population Trends (Blair Township 1850 - 1977) 49

IX Sex Composition and Ratios by Age Groups (Census Tract 111) 50

X Sex Composition, and Ratios by Age Groups (Blair County) 51

XI Blair Township Population Composition by Age and Sex 52

XII Change in Number of Housing Units in Blair Township 53 (1950 - 1977)

XI11 Number of Housing Units by Condition (1972) 54

XIV Number of Housing Units by Condition and Structure 55 Type (1972)

xv Number of Families and Income Ranges for Census Tract I11 55

XVI Optimum Housing Value Vased on Median Income 56

XVII Ratio of Housing Value to Median Income 56

XVI II Percentage of Income Paid for Rent 57

XIX Percentage of Housing Units by Condition 58

xx Population Trends and Projection (Blair County) 62

XXI Population Trends and Proj,ection (Blair Township) 62

XXI I Population Projections for Blair Township 63

XXIII Impact of Development on Natural Features 68

XXIV Land Use Compatibility 69

XXV Results Generated by Land Use Type 70 76 XXVI Acreage Projections by Land Use vi i - ...... - ...... " ~ ...... -.- . LIST OF TABLES AND CHARTS (cont'd)

Chart Starts Number Title On Page

XXVI I Proposed Timing and Location of Sewer and 82 Water Service Areas

XXVIII Employment Projections 87

XXIX Housing Unit Projections 88

xxx Housing Projections by Type of Unit 89

XXXI Areas of Environmental Impact 100 I t !

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viii I b I. I I I I I CHAPTER I PHYSIOGRAPHY I t I I I I I I 4 I I PHYSIOGRAPHY

Physiography is defined as the study of the natural features of the land. A clear understanding of physiography is necessary for valid planning of future development, because the natural features of land affect the type and amount of development which is possible. Features of land may attract, guide, or limit growth. In light of the importance of the characteristics of land, this chapter presents an overview of natural characteristics of Blair Township. This infor- mation and data summarizing present development will be used to shape the pro- posed plan.

Geographical Setting

Blair Township is located in the southcentral portion of Blair County. The county itself is situated in southcentral Pennsylvania.

The township is part of Planning Subregion Number 5 in Blair County, and is bounded by Allegheny Township and Duncansville Borough on the northwest, Hollidaysburg Borough on the north, Frankstown Township on the east, Taylor Township on the southeast, and Freedom Township shares the south-southwest boundary. Newry Borough located in the southwest portion of Blair Township, is surrounded by the township on all sides.

A land use survey of the township, conducted during 1975, revealed a total acreage of 8,792.26 for Blair Township. This represents a decrease in acreage recorded in the township in previous years. The decrease can be accounted for by annexations on the part of the Boroughs of Hollidaysburg and Duncansville. (Refer to Plate I; "Location Map").

Geology

The study of geology encompasses the examination of the location, com- posi.tion, and condition of rocks and minerals found beneath the surface of the earth. The importance of this study lies in the fact that the surface upon which we build is shaped and affected by subsurface conditions. The feasibility of building is governed by the conditions below the surface. Topography and soils are determined by the subsurface structure. The presence and condition of groundwater, and the stability and utility of subsurface conditions for foun- dations are determined by the geological structure. Since these factors are of' primary importance to the present and future development of Blair Township, th-is section will examine the geology of the township.

The source for the data used in this section is the Hollidaysburg Quad- rangle of the atlas entitled I'Interpreting Geologic Maps for Engineering Pur- poses", published by the United States Geological Survey, Department of the Interior, in 1953.

The atlas contains general purpose geological maps -- which depict the actual layers of rock -- and maps which interpret the geological layers in terms of the affect of geology upon development and groundwater availability. The maps and tables in this section summarize the geological data and inter- pretations.

1 BLAIR COUNTY

LOCATION OF BLAIR & TOWNSHIP I I I I R I I

1 I I I I I

PLATE I 1 e The Blair Township "Geological Map", Plate 11, illustrates the location of geological formations which affect the township. Table I identifies the b formation by rock content. Plate 111, the "Geologic Interpretive Map" of Blair Township, and Table I1 explain the limitations which the geological features of Blair Township pre- 1 sent for development. I Soils The soils present in Blair Township are important from an agricultural standpoint, but also will greatly affect the potential for development in the township. The characteristics of soil determine the ability of a site to support I construction, the feasibility of disposing of sanitary wastes in an area which is remote from development, and the affect which building will have on adjacent areas. Soils alone will not determine the future use of particular areas, but 1 the characteristics of soil must be considered in planning. Limitations in- herent in certain soil classes may render some areas unfit for development. Such development may be prone to flooding or may cause serious ground water 1 pollution which will affect areas downstream. Other soil characteristics however, may make an area ideal for residential development, but also ideal for ag- ricultural uses. The goals of the community will ultimately determine the uses planned for such areas, but this planning must also be based on soil capabilities 1 and limitations.

The information,contained in this section is taken from Soil Survey In- I terpretations for Blair County, Pennsylvania, and addendums to the Soil Survey report. This report was prepared by the United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania State University t Agricultural Experiment Station and Agricultural Extension Service, and the Pcnnsylvania Department of Agriculture.

The locations of soil series in this section are necessarily generalized. I Specific soil information for a particular site must be obtained by soil survey and testing of that site, and those who wish to develop a site should be ad- vised to contact Soil Scientists to conduct these tests. However, the general I overview provides information which can serve as a valuable guide in planning For the best uses of land in Blair Township. 1 The following Table I11 "Soil LimitationtF, identifies the soil series Wlli.ch appear in Blair Township, describing the assets and limitations of each soi1 series in terms of limitations for development. Soils are rated from sljght limitation to severe. Locations of the soil series are depicted on 1 Plate IV. \ I Topography The topography of Blair Township is a study in contrasts. High points and steep ridges form the southeastern boundary of the township and divide the 1 township into sections. However, the central portion of the township is char- acterized by a fairly level plain, crossed by the Frankstown Branch of the 1 Juniata River and several major transportation corridors. I

I 3 The highest elevation in the township - approximately 2,300 feet above sea level - occurs at the eastern most point of the township, which is part of Loop Mountain. The southeastern boundary of the township, slightly west of this peak, is 1,900 feet above sea level at its highest point on Short Mountain. From the southeastern boundary, the terrain moving westward drops to an eleva- tion of 1,000 feet above sea level. This elevation, with a few small excep- tions, is maintained for 3,000 feet westward. A portion of this plain continues to the western boundary of the township. Newry Borough is located in this por- tion of the plain. The rest of the terrain again rises in ridges to elevations of 1,400 feet above sea level. A major ridge which forms the boundary of the level plain is the Catfish Ridge. This ridge effectively separates developed areas in its northwest to northeast passage.

The topography has served to channel much of the growth in the township. The Villages of Vicksburg and Brooks Mill are situated on the plain. The more level areas adjacent to the boroughs of Hollidaysburg and Duncansville, in the northern portion of the township, are also experiencing residential growth which is displacing agricultural land. Topography can be expected to continue to play a major role in guiding the growth of the township.

The accompanying map, Plate V, "Topographic Map" illustrates Blair Town- ship's topography.

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4 Table I Geological Formations of Blair Township

Map Symbol Geological Formation

QAL. Alluvium.- Silt, sand, and gravel constituting the flood plains of present streams.

SMK MeKenzie Formation - Blue thin - bedded fossil- ferous limestone and soft gray and green shale.

SB Bloomsburg Redbeds - Lumpy red shale and thick bedded ridge-making red sandstone.

swc ' Wills Creek Shale - Chiefly gray calcareous shale and some greenish limestone.

STW Tonoloway Limestone - Thin bedded finely lanunated dark limestone; sparingly fossiliferous.

DHB Helderberg Limestone - Lower part is thick bedded gray limestone with thin gray chert at top, chiefly Keyer Limestone, overlying colymaus and New Scotland limestone which are thin and locally absent; contains valuable quarry rock called "calieorock" is fossilized throughout.

DS4 Shriver Limestone - Thin-bedded siliceous lime- stone, weathering to fine grained sandstone; black calcareous shale at bottom; sparingly fossiliferous.

DR Ridgeley Sandstone - Thick-bedded calcareous I sandstone weathering to coarse friable sandstone locally a fine conglomerate at top with quartz I pebbles, highly fossiliferous. DO Onoudogo Formation - Gray shale, probably 1 calcareous, and thin argillaceous limestone. DM: Marcellus Shale - Black fissile clay shale; grad upward into olive green shale.

I DH '' Hamilton Formation - Principally olive-green shale with even-layered blocky-jointed sandstone and thin limestone at top; ridge-making sandstone at two horizons; sparingly fossiliferous; locally a foot or two of limestone at top.

DBK Harrell Shale - Soft gray shale in upper part; Burkey black shale in lower part; highly fossil- I iferous. I 5 BLAIR TOWNSHIP

I PLATE II

I 6 ~~ Interpretation if B^1 ai r .Township G e o 1ogy

Map Symbol Explanation

A Excellent foundations, difficult excavation. Sandstone and quartzite. Requires blasting and power tools for removal. Strong, durable, well drained foundations. Minor slides may occur because of seepage. Fresh rock forms a very rough, rocky surface for unimproved roads.

,B Excellent foundations and difficult excavation except in weathered zone. Limestone and dolemite. Requires blasting and power tools for removal. Fresh rock forms excellent, durable foundations, well drained. Seepage may cause slipping of mineral blocks unless loose blocks are removed during construction. Unimproved roads will have very rough, rocky surfaces.

C Moderately durable foundations, moderately difficult excavation. Mixed shale and sandstone, some limestone. Hardness is variable, but rocks are generally difficult to excavate, requiring drilling and blasting and use of power equipment. Soil above varies in character but is usually I thin. Partly weathered rocks can be excavated by hand tools. Good foundations will be built on this geological formation where the layers are horizontal or are supported laterally. I Landslides may occur if inclined layers are under- cut. Drainage fair to excellent. If sandstone and shale are in distinct smooth layers and dip 1 toward a cut, slopes should be less than 30 -40 to prevent slipping due to seepage. I D Weak, poor foundations, easily excavated. Shale. Weak material throughout; very poorly drained, except in upper most weathered zone. Partly weathered and disintegrated to depths of 5 to 40 I feet. Clay soil above, which is very thin or absent. Easily excavated with hand tools. Roads in this geological formation require permeable I base course to provide drainage and eliminate frost heave. Foundation not stable.

7 Table I1 (Cont'd) Interpretation of Blair Township Geology

Map Symbol Explanation

E Poor foundations, easily excavated. Flood plain alluvium. Irregular layers of gravel, cobbles, sand, and silt. Good drainage where above water table, but low topographic position makes materials subject to floods. Irregular distribution of materials and lack of compaction make it a poor foundation; surfaced roads require excessive maintenance because of differential settling - solution is a heavy base course, well-laid and compacted.

F Poor foundations, easily excavated where weathered. Loosely cemented sandstone. Sand covering, due to weathering of rock. Can usually be worked by 'hand. Weak foundations, but generally good drainage.

8 I BLAIR TOWNSHIP

PLATE 111

,-, Table 111 Sail Limitations

~~ 1- Homesite Sewage Effluent Streets Location Lawns and Farking Lots ;oils 6 Mapping Symbols Disposal With Landscaping (On Site Septic Tank) Basements (Sub-divisions) (3 stories or less) delvin silt loam 4 SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE Flooding, high water Flooding, high water Flooding, high water Flooding, high water table table table table

I I I I I I Vewark silt loam 5 SEVERE SEVERE MODERATE SEVERE Seasonal high water Seasonal high water Seasonal high water F looding table, flooding table, flooding table , f 1ooding

I I I I

Pope loam 6 SEVERE SEVERE MODERATE SEVERE Flooding Flooding Flooding Flooding

1 I I I I I I Basher soils SEVERE MODERATE I Flooding I I I I

Basher soils 9 SEVERE SEVERE MODERATE SEVERE Flooding, Seasonal Flooding Flooding Flooding high water table 1 I 1 1 I I I I Atkins silt loam 10 SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE Flooding, high water Flooding, high water Flooding, high water Flooding, high water table table table table

I I I I . I I I I Whitwell silt 18 B SEVERE MODERATE SLIGHT MCDERATE loam Seasonal high water Seasonal high water Seasonal high water table, moderately table table, slope slow permeability Homesite Location Streets Sewage Effhent Lawns and Soils C Mapping Symbols Disposal With Parking Lots (On Site Septic Tank) Basements Liindscaping (Sub-divisions) (3 stories or less)

Monongahela silt 20 B SEVERE M 0 DERATE SLIGHT MODERATE loam Seasonal high water Seasonal high water Seasonal high water table, moderately table table, slope slow permeability

I I I I Tyler silt loam 21 SEVERE SEVERE MODERATE MODERATE Seasonal high water Seasonal high water Seasonal high water Seasonal high water table, slow permea- table table table bility I I I

Purdy silt loam 22 B SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE High water table, High water table High water table High water table slow permeability

I I I I Raritan silt 24 A SEVERE MODERATE SLIGHT MODERATE loam Slow permeability, Seasonal high water Seasonal high water seasonal high water table table table I I

Hagerstown silty 30 B MODERATE MODERATE MODERATE MODERATE clay loam Depth to bedrock, Hazard of sinkholes, Eroded, surface Slope, depth to hazard of ground depth to bedrock texture bedrock water contamination

30 C MODERATE MODERATE SEVERE SEVERE Depth to bedrock, Depth to bedrock, Eroded, slope Slope hazard of ground slope water contamination, slope . -_ .. I I Home site ! Sewage Effluent Locat ion Lawns and Streets Disposal With soils C Mapping Symbols Landscaping Peking Lots (On Site Septic Tank) Basements (Sub-divisions) (3 stories or less)

Hagerstown silty 30 D SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE clay loam ISlope Slope lSBYERESlope, eroded Slope Edom silty clay 130 B SEVERE MODERATE MODERATE MODERATE loam Depth to bedrock Depth to bedrock Depth to bedrock, Depth to bedrock, surface texture slope

Edom silty clay 31 C SEVERE MODERATE MODERATE SEVERE loam Depth to bedrock Depth to bedrock, Depth to bedrock, Slope . slope slope, surface texture I I I 31 D SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE 1 Depth to bedrock, Slope slope

Hagerstown very 34 CD SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE rocky silty clay Rockiness, hazard of Slope, rockiness ISEVERESlope, rockiness Slope, rockiness loam ground water contami- nation, slope

I I I I I I 34 EF SEVERE SEVERE . SEVERE Slope, rockiness Slope, rockiness ISEVERESlope, rockiness Slope, rockiness

Hublersburg 35 B MODERATE SLIGHT MODERATE cherty silty loam Hazard of ground Slope water contamina- tion, bedrock at 3% to 10 feet ~~ Homesite Sewage Effluent Location Streets Lawns and Soils C Mapping Sumbols Disposal With Parking Lots (On Site Septic Tank) Basements Landscaping (Sub-divisions) (3 stories or less)

Hublersburg 35 C MODERATE MODERATE MODERATE SEVERE cherty silty loam Slope, hazard of ground Slope Slope Slope water contamination, bedrock at 3% to 10 I feet

35 D SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE Slope, hazard of ground Slope Slope Slope ' water contamination

Opequon silty 36 C SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE clay loam Bedrock at % to 1% Bedrock at % to 1% Bedrock at % to 1% Slope, bedrock at CL w feet, slow permea- feet feet 3: to 1% feet bility

36 D SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE Bedrock at % to 1% Slope, bedrock at Slope, bedrock at Slope, bedrock at feet, slope, slow % to 1% feet to 1% feet, eroded % to 1% feet permeability

I I I I I Opequon silty 36 EF SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE clay loam Slope Slope Slope ISEVERESlope I I I I I I 1 I Frankstown 48 B MODERATE MODERATE SLIGHT MODERATE gravelly silt Depth to bedrock, Depth to bedrock Slope loam hazard of ground . water contamination

.. I Homesite I I Sewage Effluent Location Streets With Lawns and Soils C Mapping Symbols Disposal Landscaping Parking Lots (On Site Septic Tank) Basements (Sub-divisions)

1 (3 stories or less) I Frankstown 48 C MODERATE MODERATE MODERATE SEVERE gravelly silt Depth to bedrock, Depth to bedrock, Slope loam hazard of ground slope water contamination, slope

~~

48 D SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE Slope Slope Slope Slope

I I I I Morrison sandy 49 B SLIGHT SLIGHT MODE RATE MODERATE loam Hazard of ground Surface texture Slope water contamination P P ~~~ ~ ~ 49 c MODERATE MODERATE MODERATE SEVERE Slope, hazard of Slope Slope, surface Slope ground water texture contamination

I I I I 49 D SEVERE SEVERE Slope Slcpe Slope lSEYLRESlope SEVERE 1I I I I Morrison very 50 CD SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE stony sandy loam Hazard of ground Slope Slope Slope ,water contamination,

Morrison very 50 EF SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE .sandy loam lSEYERESlope Slope Slope Slope Location Streets . Sewage Effluent Lawns and Parking Lots Soils C Mapping Symbols Disposal With. Landscaping (On Site Septic Tank) Basements (Sub-divisions) (3 stories or less)

Berks channery 88 B SEVERE MODERATE MODERATE MODERATE silt loam Depth to bedrock Depth to bedrock Depth to bedrock Depth to bedrock

88 C SEVERE MODERATE MODERATE SEVERE Depth to bedrock Depth to bedrock, Depth to bedrock, Slope slope slope

88 D SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE Slope, depth to Slope Slope Slope bedrock

88 EF SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE Slope Slope Slope Slope

Wiltshire silt 91 B SEVERE MODERATE SLIGHT MODERATE loam Seasonal high water Seasonal high water Seasonal high water table, moderately table table, slope slow permeability

~~

91 c SEVERE MODERATE MODERATE SEVERE Seasonal high water Slope, seasonal high Slope Slope table, moderately water table slow permeability

Blairton Silt 99 c SEVERE MODERATE MODERATE SEVERE loam Seasonal high water Seasonal high water Depth to bedrock, Slope table, depth to bed- table, depth to bed- slope rock, moderately rock, slope slow permeability - Homesite 1 Sewage Effluent Location Streets . Lawns and Disposal With Parking Lots soils C Mapping Symbols Land sc aping (On Site Septic Tank) Basements (Sub-divisions)

Edorn-Klinesville 52 B SEVERE MODERATE MODERATE MODERATE complex Depth to bedrock Depth to bedrock Depth to bedrock, Slope, depth to surface texture bedrock

-

Dekalb very 57 AB SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE stony sandy loam Depth to bedrock Depth to bedrock Coarse fragments Depth to bedrock

' 57 CD SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE Depth to bedrock, Depth to bedrock, Coarse fragments, Slope slope slope slope

57 EF SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE . Slope Slope ISEVERESlope Slope

Lehew very 70 EF SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE stony loam Slope Slope Slope Slope

Edom-Weikert 76 B SEVERE MODERATE MODERATE MODERATE complex Depth to bedrock Depth to bedrock Depth to bedrock, Depth to bedrock, surface texture slope

Edom-Weikert 76 C SEVERE MODERATE MODERATE SEVERE c omp 1ex Depth to bedrock Depth to bedrock, Depth to bedrock, Slope slope slope, surface texture

I

76 D SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE Depth to bedrock, Slope Slope Slope slope

I I Location -. - Streets . Sewage Effluent Lawns and & Parking Lots Soils Mapping Symbols Disposal With Land sc aping (On Site Septic Tank) Basements (Sub-divisions) (3 stories or less)

Huntington silt 100 B SEVERE SEVERE SLIGHT MOPERATE loam, local Flooding Flooding Slope a 11uvi um

Lawrence silt 102 B SEVERE SEVERE MODERATE MODERATE loam Seasonal high water Seasonal high water Seasonal high water Seasonal high water table, moderately table table table, slope slow permeability

Murril1 108 AB MODERATE SEVERE MODERATE MODERATE extremely stony Large stones Shrink, swell Large stones First action loam

108 CD SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE Slope Slope Slope Slope

Murri 11 109 c MODERATE MODERATE MODERATE SEVERE gravelly Slope, hazard of Slope . Slope Slope ground water contamination

~ ~~

Murrill 110 D SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE gravelly Slope, hazard of Slope Slope Slope ground water contamination

.. Laidig extremely 112 CD SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE .stony loam Slope, moderately Stoniness, slope Coarse fragments, Slope slow permeability slope

I I .- I Home site I I Sewage Effluent Location Streets Lawns and Soils f Mapping Symbols Disposal With Parking Lots Landscaping (On Site Septic Tank) Basements (Sub-divisions) (3 stories or less) -

Laidig extremely 112 EF SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE stony loam Slope Slope Slope Slope

Brinkerton silt 113 B SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE loam High water table, High water table High water table High water table slow permeability

I

Laidig gravelly 114 C SEVERE MODERATE MODERATE SEVERE loam Moderately slow Slope Slope Slope * permeability

Laidig very 116 CD SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE stony loam Moderately slow Slope Slope Slope permeability, slope I

Buchanan very 119 AB SEVERE MODERATE SEVERE MODERATE stony loam Seasonal high water Seasonal high water Coarse fragments Seasonal high water table, slow permea- table, stoniness table, slope bility 1 119 CD SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE Seasonal high water Slope Slope, coarse Slope table, slope, slow fragments permeability

Andover gravelly 120 B SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE loam High water table, High water table High water table High water table slow permeability Iiome site Sewage Effluent Location Streets . Lawns and Soils Mapping Symbols Disposal With Parking Lots f Land scaping (On Site Septic Tank) Basements (Sub-divisions) (3 stories or less)

Andover very 122 AB SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE stony loam High water table, High water table High water table High water table slow permeability

Meckesville 124 B SEVERE SLIGHT SLIGHT MODERATE gravelly silt loam Moderately slow Slope permeability

124 C SEVERE \IODERATE MODERATE SEVERE Moderately slow Slope Slope Slope permeability I

Meckesville 125 AB SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE extremely stony Moderately slow Slope, stony Slope, stony Slope silt loam permeability, slope

Meckesville very 125 CD SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE stony silt loam Moderately slow Slope Slope Slope permeability, slope

~~~~

Berks and 188 CD SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE SEVERE Weikert shaly Slope, bedrock at Slope Slope Slope silt loams 1% to 3% feet

Blairton silt 199 B SEVERE UODERATE MODERATE MODERATE loam Seasonal high water Seasonal high water Depth to bedrock Seasonal high water table, depth to bed- table, depth to table, slope, depth rock, moderately slow bedrock to bedrock permeability I BLAIR TOWNSHIP I

SOILS MAP

PLATE IV

20 I (c I I i I I I I

I I I I I n I SCALE : 1” = 3400‘ DATE: MARCH, 1978 PREPARED BV BLAIR COUNTV PLANNING COMMISSION

PLATE V

21 CHAPTER I1

LAND USE I LANO ysE , . -. - ,- . b Blair Township Land Use Planning is concerned with the guidance of future growth, ,ut it must 1 build upon past and present development to be valid. A plan which does not consider the existing pattern of development will be unrealistic and possibly not feasible to implement. Existing development patterns were guided by phy- I sical limitations, as well as geo-political boundaries, economic and social considerations. Man made limitations may produce future development patterns which may not be in the best interests of the community if planning principles I are not used. However, existing land use patterns are a given condition, just as physical limitations are, and both must be considered when planning for the future. This chapter therefore summarizes existing land use in Blair Township as determined by a field survey conducted during 1977. (Refer to map of ex- isting land use PlateVI-A).

Residential

Much of the residential acreage in Blair Township is concentrated in strip developments which follow main transportation routes. There are several areas of clustered residential development in the township, including the villages of Brooks Mills and Vicksburg, and areas adjacent to Newry and Hollidaysburg Boroughs, as well as developed areas near the Boroughs. Much of the residential acreage represents low density single family housing, as well as scattered farm houses, but multi-family townhouse development appears in the newer subdivisions, and more high density residential land uses are present in the villages. The predominant pattern, however, is strip development.

Residential land uses occupy 863.19 acres in Blair Township, which repre- sents 9.82%of the total acreage in the township, and 19.85%of the developed area.

In addition, the residential category includes acreage for those residen- tial uses which occur in a mixed use structure, such as a building which has a commercial use on the first floor and apartments on the second level.

Industrial

Industry is not a major user of land in Blair Township. The principle industries:located in the township include Shaw Brothers Wholesale Meats, Robert- son Rim Company, Chatham Electric Company and the Berwind Railway Service Company.

Industrial acreage in Blair Township totals, 40.20 acres, which represents I .46% of the total acreage of the township and .92'% of the.developed acreage. Comerc i a1 1 The pattern of commercial land uses in Blair Township tends toward dis- persal. A true pattern of strip development of commercial uses is not evident, but neither is a pronounced tendency toward centralization of commercial develop- men t .

22 1 Commercial development is fairly concentrated at the intersection of U.S. Routes 220 and 22, and a large commercial area appears on Route 36, south of Kladder Station. The remaining commercial land appears in the villages of Vicksburg and Brooks Mill and along the main transportation corridors -- Routes 22 and 220, and legislative route 07011.

Commercial land in the township accounts for 67.08 acres, which represents .76'% of total township acreage and 1.54% of the developed acreage. Commercial development ranges from small retail establishments -- such as hobby shops, grocery stores, and service stations -- to automobile sales, restaurants, and warehouses which are local representatives of national chains. The commercial land uses therefore serve both local and transient customers.

Transportation, Communication, Utilities

Included in this category are uses such as street and highway right-of-way, utility depots and stations, railroad right-of-way, shops, and storage, motor freight terminals and depots, and other similar uses. A total of 382.57)acres of the township are accounted for by these land uses. This represents 4,35%of the total acreage, ana 8.8Xof the developed acreage.

Insti tutional

Land uses in this category include churches, schools, government offices, and similar land uses. Institutional land uses in Blair Township tend to be less dispersed than residential uses. The largest institutional land use is that of St. Bernadine's Monastery which is located near Kladder Station. Other uses include the township school, State Police Headquarters and churches.

A total of 26.06 acres in Blair Township fall into this category. This represents .30% of the total acreage and .6'0% of the developed acreage.

Open Space

The open space category includes cemetaries, open area amusements and recreation such as drive-in movies, baseball fields, stadiums and other outdo0 recreational facilities, and parks. This category does not include undeveloped vacant fields, which are classified elsewhere.

Open space is not a large user of land in Blair Township, comprising only 21.32 acres. This represents .32% of the total Blair Township acreage, and .49% of the developed acreage.

Agriculture

The largest amount of developed land in Blair Township is in agricultural usage. This category includes cropland, pasture, storage space, barns and barnyards, and land devoted to tree farming and forestry.

Agricultural uses account for a total of 2,949.22 acres in Blair Township, which represents 33.54%of the total acreage, and '6?.80%of the developed acreage.

Tree farming and forestry make up 3.00 acres of the agricultural land use total.

23 Vacant

Vacant land is the largest land use category in Blair Township. Included in this category are vacant open fields (298.87 acres), incidental land to residential property (land maintained but not developed with residential structure3 (50.74 acres), non-commercial forested land (4085.88 acres), state gamelands and areas in which development is not permitted, surface water, and reservoirs (7.13 acres). However, this category has declined since the first field survey of land uses was conducted in Blair Township in 1967. The original survey revealed a total of 4,689.17 acres of vacant land in Blair Township, which represented 51.57% of the total acreage of the township. The field survey conducted in 1977 yielded a total vacant acreage Of 4,442,62 which represents 50,!33% of the township. Agricultural acreage which totaled 2,949.22 in the 1977 field survey, has also declined from the 3,072.78 acreage recorded in the 1967 survey. These two statistics indicate that change is 1 occurring in Blair Township. The increased residential acreage (863.19 acres presently, and 712.30 acres in 1967) indicates the direction of the change.

The '1977 field survey identified the total developed acreage as 4,349-64 acres, which represented 49.47% of the total municipal acreage.

1 t

24 Table.. IV

BLAIR TOWNSHIP

GENERAL EXISTING LAND USE SUMMARY

1977

LAND PERCENT OF USE LAND USE AREA TOTAL DEVELOPED PERCENT 01 CODE CLASSIFICATION (in Acres) AREA GROSS ARE1

1 Residential 863.19 acres 19.85% 9.82% '

2 Industrial 40.20 .92% .46%

4 Transportation, 382.57 8.80% 4.35% Communication, and Utilities

5 Commercial 67.08 1.54% .76%

6 Institutional 26.06 .68A .30%

7 Open Space, Parks, 21.32 .49% .24% and Recreation

8 Agriculture 2,949.22 67.80% 33.54%

TOTAL DEVELOPED AREA: 4, 349.64 100.00% 49.47%

9 Vacant Land 4,442.62 50.53%

GROSS MUNICIPALITY AREA: 8, 792.26 acres 100.00%

The results of the above land use summary are displayed graphically on a map series including: 1" = 1,000' sca1e;and tax.maps of scales vapying from 1" = '40' to 1" = 400' scale. These'rnhps are on file at the Blair County Planning :ommission Office.

25 BLAIR TOW

SCALE: 1"=3,400' DATE : MARCH.1878 PREPARED BY BLAIR CCUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

PLATE VI-A

26 BLAIR TOWNSHIP

I

n $CUE: 1"= ?MILES DATE : MARCH,1978 PREPARED OV BLAIR COUNTY PLANNlNa CO"l$SlON

PLATE VI-B I 27 Relationship to Adjacent Areas I The Comprehensive Plan for Blair Township has been prepared to be compatible with the local plans, goals and policies of the adjacent municipalities. In formulating this plan, Blair Township considered the adjacent physiography and I land use, existing sewer, water, and community facilities and utilities, and the regional transportation network. I The relationship of Blair Township with adjacent municipalities, existing patterns of development, and muncipal activities indicate the need for a continued program of cooperation. Close cooperation between adjacent munici- I palities should be furthered in the area of utilities, recreation, public protection and transportation.

Concentrations of population usually denote concentrations of public and I private services. The following Table V compares and contrasts Blair Township with its neighboring municipalities. Plate VI-B, which follows the chart, shows graphically the municipalities adjacent .to Blair Township. 1

TABLE V I Population Density Comparison Municipal Gross Municipality Acreage Total Population Persons Per Acr Blair Township 8,792.26 4,333 .49 I Duncansville Borough 1,427 4.80 Hollidaysburg Borough 6,262 5.12 Newry Borough 8.07 I

Allegheny Township 18,500 5,943 .32 Frankstown Township 26,903 4,842 .18 I Freedom Township 11,200 2,522 .23 Juniata Township 17,140 879 .05 Taylor Township 14,960 2,003 .13 1 I 1

28 1

1 I 1 I I I CHAPTER I11 I COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMUNITY FACILXTTFS. D. ENVXRONMENTN. aQU,AT.ITY

Historic Sites

I Although there are few historic landmarks in Blair Township, those which are present are basic to the founding of the county and Blair Township. The location of historic landmarks in the township is indicated on Plate VII.

'I When originally incorporated the County of Blair encompassed eleven town- ships and the boroughs of Hollidaysburg and Gaysport. Captain Thomas Blair, one of the prominent residents of Frankstown Township in 1788 and the father of 1 Honorable John Blair was, prior to the beginning of the Revolution, a resident of Path Valley. His son, Hon. John Blair, was also a prominent and useful citi- zen, and resided for many years at the same place. His usefulness and standing I in the community made him one of the most important men of his day in this part of the state. He was foremost in the development of the Canal and Portage Rail- road. Blair Township was named in honor of him in 1839, and in 1846, when Hun- tingdon County was divided, his old friends paid another tribute to his memory I by giving the new county his name. 1 Catfish House "The old Catfish Hotel, near Kladder Station, has been in operation at least since 1846. (It may have dated from soon after the building I of the reservoir, 1839 to 1843, at least in the form of an earlier structure.) It faced the huge canal reservoir in Blair Township, which was stocked with all kinds of food fish, of which the favorite with the ? packers, drovers and wagoners were the ttcatties.lv The entire second floor facing down the road towards Newry was used as a ballroom, but on nights when no social activities were planned, beds were carried in and travelers accommodated. The original stables, now mostly disappeared, 1 could take care of one hundred horses. Many wagoners looked forward to breaking the journey from Bedford and beyond by a night at the Catfish House where there was always good company; fox hunters and their ladies, 1 canallers, woodcutters, musicians, traveling salesmen (called then "bag- men" or tfdrummerslf),or a group of young folks having a dancing party. Despite the fact that it was given out that one hundred head of horses could be accommodated, some nights the barns were full, and the big 1 Conestoga wagons, their bells chiming all night as thfy shook their shaggy heads, all carefully blanketed in snowstorms." I The Catfish House is now in use as a convalescent home. The amount of original structure remaining underneath the existing facade is not known. I 'Col'. Henry W. Shoemaker, "Old Highways and Inns of Blair County," in I Blair County's kirst Hundred Years, ed-by George A. Wolf, et. al.; the Blair County Historical Society; (Altoona, PA: Mirror Press 1945-3 ?.

1

I 29 Fort Fetter

"A bronze plaque erected on September 30, 1922, with the cooperation of the Society, to designate the site of Fort Fetter, alogg the'william Penn Highway one mile .west of Hollidaysburg.l!

The Blair County Historical Society has marked the original site of Fort Fetter. The "William Penn Highway" is now identified as U.S. Route 22 and the site is owned by the Vipond family. The marker is located next to the home.

The following is a short historical description of Fort Fetter's contribution to the protection of Blair County. "Fort Fetter was garrisoned during the Revolutionary War by militia and rangers to afford protection for the frontier settlers against incursions by the Indians. This was the fort farthest west in this section of Pennsylvania and was intended to cover the approach of hostile forces using the tfittanning War Path through the gaps of the Allegheny Mountains."

"There is no record of any of these forts being attacked or de- stroyed by the Indians, but many of the pioneers who refused to take advantage of this protection or did not have time to do so, were massacred or carried off into captivity. Many, upon return- ing to their homes from the fgrts, found their cabins burned and their possessions destroyed."

No physical remains of the fort exist today.

Holliday Graves The Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) have placed'a marker next to the graves of Adam and William Holliday. D.A.R. has also placed a stone monument in the Holliday burial ground to mark the area where William Holliday's children were massacred during the Revolutionary War. The area is presently surrounded on three sides by residential development. The Blair Township supervisors have accepted the maintenance of the site.

'Floyd G. Hoenstine, !'The'Blair County Historical Society," in Blair County's First Hundred Years, ed. by George A. Wolf, et al.; The Blair County Historical Society; (Altoona, PA: Mirror Press 19451, p. 420 'Ibid.- 4W. Ray Metz, "The History of this Territory Prior to 1846," in Blair County's First Hundred Years, ed. by George A. Wolf, --et al. ; thr Bhir County Historical Society; (Altoona, PA: Mirror Pres 19451, p. 13

30 Community Facilities

Community facilities are those basic services provided, for the most part, by local government, to insure the health, safety and general we3fare of the residents of the community.

The number, type and adequacy of these facilities determines to a I large measure the quality and general livability of the environment and the growth potential of the community. These facilities increase the ability of the municipality to attract new residents, reduce out-migration, I and attract new employers to locate in the area. As a result, the mun- icipal tax base is strengthened and the municipality can realize the max- imum return on dollars invested in improved community facilities.

I The facilities summarized in this section are graphically portrayed on Plate VII. 1 Municipal Buildings

I The township presently has no municipal building. Therefore, no central and easily accessible site is available for local government activities.

I Presently, the secretary of Blair Township conducts business and stores information in his home; the supervisors and planning commission have no central meeting place to conduct municipal business. The county of Blair and the Hollidaysburg School District permit the use of their facilities for meetings in Hollidaysburg.

Fire Protection

There is no centralized municipal or volunteer fire station located in Blair Township. The township is presently served by five (5) volunteer fire companies.'

Duncansville Volunteer Fire Company, located in the Borough of Dun- cansville, serves the western portion of Blair Township extending east to Route 36 south, Newry Borough area, Route 220 south, Penn Farms area and I development directly south of Duncansville.

The Phoenix Volunteer Fire Company, located in Hollidaysburg Borough, I also serves the Penn Farms area, as well as the Chimney Rocks and Loop areas, the Reservoir area south to Kladder Station, Route 36 south to Kladder Station, Fort Fetter area and areas of Blair Township surrounding Hollidaysburg I Borough. Geeseytown Community Fire Company serves the Reservoir area.

Freedom Township Volunteer Fire Company serves the southern portion of Blair Township including the McKee, Vicksburg and Brooks Mills areas.

Roaring Spring Volunteer Fire Company serves the McKee/Brooks Mills area of Blair Township.

31 Police

Blair Township presently employs one (1) chief of police, one (1) full time, and one (1) part time patrolman. One (1) fully equipped police cruiser is available and is operational around the clock. The communication link between Blair Township police and other municipalities' police facilities is the Blair Radio network, owned by Blair Township. Information is chan- I neled through the Pennsylvania State Police Headquarters Troop G, located directly west of Hollidaysburg Borough in Blair Township. Police assistance from Blair Township and other municipalities is made available through this communication system. The Blair Township resident need only dial 695-8260 I and this will connect him with the communication center who will then dispatch the officer. Again, because of the lack of a central facility, Blair Town- ships police records are located in the homes of the officers. The construc- I tion of a centralized facility is being discussed by Blair Township super- visors. I Educational Facilities

The Blair Township Elementary School is the only public educational facility located in Blair Township. This school is operated by the Hollidaysburg School District. The Blair Township Elementary School con- tains twelve (12) classrooms with a capacity to accommodate 360 students. The 1977-78 enrollment was 277 students. This is a drop of 88 students from the 1966-67 enrollment of 365. Twelve (12) full time teachers and two (2) part time teachers are employed by the district for this school. The prospects of adding on or of further developing the site are minimal.

The school teaches grades one (1) through and including five (5). A kindergarten, located in Frankstown Township, handles all students of kindergarten age in Blair Township.

All areas of Blair Township are served by Blair Township Elementary School except the following: I

Penn Farms area and the Fort Fetter area are served by Central Elemen- tary School of Hollidaysburg. The area of North Juniata Street is served I in part by Allegheny School No. 1 Cross Keys and also by Central Elementary School. I The fifth grade students only in the Loop area of Blair Township are served by the Blair Township Elementary School. The first through and including fourth grade students of the Loop area attend Frankstown Elemen- tary School. I

All non parochial students above fifth grade attend either the Junior or Senior High School of Hollidaysburg. I Saint Patricks Elementary School, located in Newry Borough, serves Blair Township with six (6) classrooms, five (5) lay teachers, one (1) sister teaching full time, one (1) sister who functions as a teaching principal and I three (3) sisters who teach part time. This educational facility handles first thz-ough and including sixth grade. Seventh grade was closed and the room is now being used as a library. Eighth grade was also closed and remains empty. In September 1978, a kindergarten class with a capacity for twenty-five (25) students will begin. This class will use the vacated eighth grade classroom. The 1977-78 enrollment of the school was 119 students, 165 less than the 1966- I 67 enrollment of 284 students. 32 I lg Recreation There are' few.developed recreational sites in Blair Township. Only three sites are known to exist. Plate VI1 identifies the location of I these sites. The first site is Newry Lions Park, located 1/3 of a mile southwest of Newry Borough on Lions Club Road. The facilities include a heated recreation hall, which houses full kitchen facilities and seats 170 people. There are I also two (2) ballfields, one of which is a little league field. A picnic area is also prqvided as well as a camping area for trailers. Electrical and I water connections are available. The Blair Township Elementary School is the location of the second site. The facilities include two (2) swing sets,\ablacktopped play area, and a 1 ballfield without a finished playing surface. A small ballfield is located in the Loop Area between legislative Route 07012, the Conrail right-of-way and the Frankstown Branch of the Juniata I River. There is a backstop erected on the site.

A fourth recreational site located next to Saint Patrick's School in I Newry Borough is available to Blair Township residents. Recreational facili- ties include a baseball field, basketball court and playground apparatus.

Environmental Quality

Utilities are the basic services which insure the health and safety of residents. Utilities such as water, sewer, and solid waste disposal may be I provided by local government when development is concentrated, or may be the responsibility of individual property owners when development is dispersed. Utilities such as electricity, petroleum, and natural gas are usually pro- vided through agreements between developers and the utilities, or individual property owners and the utilities. The availability, quality and adequacy of these services are a most important determinant for insuring the future orderly growth and development of an area. I Water The availability of sufficient quantities of potable water for drinking, and water for fire protective, is a primary determinant of urban development. I (Refer to Plate X, existing water service areas). Duncansville Borough owns and operates a water system comprised of a well field, impounding dam, chlorination facilities, transmission line, and distribution system. The Duncansville water system presently serves fringe areas of Blair Town- ship that border Duncansville Borough. This includes small areas south of the Wye Switches area and south of Duncansville. This also includes the Forshe Farm area and seven (7) customers served by a 2" line between Duncansville and Penn Farms area.

33 The Hollidaysburg Borough water system serves the Fort Fetter area, Jbniata Street development in Blair Township, adjacent to and including the State Highway Department and PennDOT District #9 Offices. Hollidaysburg also serves the Blair Township Elementary School and twenty-five (25) res- idences, Berwind Railway Service Company, Howard Johnson's and Wye Motor Lodge area.

Blair Gap Water Supply Company serves the Chatham Electric Complex. I

Fire hydrants are located on Plate X. Where no hydrants are available, the area is served by the adjacent municipalitie's pumper fire trucks. I

Sewer I

The availability of sewage treatment on a municipal scale is a prime determinant of the density of development permitted in an area. This is I especially relevant to municipalities in Blair County, because soil and subsurface conditions often preclude on site waste disposal systems. (Re- fer to Plate XI; existing sewer service areas). 1 Duncansville Borough provides treatment for small areas south of Wye Switches area and south of Duncansville. 1 Hollidaysburg Borough treats waste from all areas of Blair Township north of Route 22, including the Berwind Railway Service Company, Chatham Electric complex, Fort Fetter area, Howard Johnson's restaurant and Wye I Motor Lodge areas. The Perm Farms area was recently sewered, and is served by the Hollidaysburg treatment plant. 9 Solid Waste Disposal I Private collection of refuse is still the only type of collection system in.Blair Township. Proper refuse collection and disposal is essential to maintaining a healthy, aesthetically pleasing community and environment. I The Parshall landfill site in Antis Township is the only disposal site now utilized by Blair Township residents. I Electricity, Petroleum, and Natural Gas I The major electrical power, petroleum, and natural gas lines in Blair Township are depicted on plate IX. I The supplier of electrical power for Blair Township is the Pennsylvania Electric Company.

The Sinclair and Texaco companies on Route 220, south of Duncansville, I are supplied by the only major oil line in Blair Township - the Laurel Pipe Line Company.

34 Electricity, Petroleum, and Natural Gas (Con't)

Other oil companies have distribution facilities in Blair County, but have no major pipelines transversing Blair Township. The major natural gas lines in Blair Township are located in developed areas; including Juniata Street area, Penn Farms and Newry Lane area, the U.S. Route 22 area and the Fort Fetter area. I

I 1

I

35 BLAIR TOWNSHIP 4 I 3) I I I 1 I I 1 I 1

LEGEND

HISTORIC SITES - 1 @CATFISH HOUSE @FORT FETTER 0 HOLLIDAY GRAVES nA I i \\ .

. VOLUNTEER FIRE I I I I I I

I I !

I I

.. . .. -.-

AREAS - 1. DUNCANSVILLE 2.FREEDOM TOWNSHIP 3.GEESEYTOWN w:1"=3,400' COMMUNITY MVS : YIRcH,101b rnm BY UAlR CQWnr CLANWU3-

PLATE Vlll ~ BLAIR TOWNSHIP

1 I I I 1

I I 1 1 nA I -E: 1"=3,400' DATE : Y*RCH,1@78 I PREPARED BY BLAIR COUNTY PLANNINQ COYMISSION & 1 PLATE IX

38 I BLAIR TOWNSHIP b EXISTING WATER 1 SERVICE AREAS 1 1 I 1 I 1 t 1 I 1

SERVICE AREA

HOLLIDAYSBURG A SERVICE AREA n m

SERVICE AREA

FIRE HYDRANTS- I 0 EXISTING HYDRANT PROPOSED HYDRANT PLATE X I 39 BLAIR TOWNSHIP

PLATE XI 40 CHAPTER IV TRANSPORTATION 1 Highway Systems

The existing highway system of Blair Township has evolved since the first settlers came to the area in the late 1700's. For the most part, the major transportation routes are located along the valley floors, where a major portion of the development has occurred. An exception is a sec- tion of Route 36, (known locally as the 'Tatfish") which crosses Catfish Ridge.

(Refer to Plate XI1 for an indication of the highway transportation network. ) The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), has established a statewide highway classification system, which is an integral part of a National Functional Classification System. Functional classification is the process by which streets and highways are grouped into classes, or systems, according to the character of service they are intended to provide.

Paved roadways in Blair Township are described by three (3) categories:

1. Arterials A. Principal B. Minor

2. Collectors A. Major B. Minor

3. Local Systems

(1A) Principal Arterials

In the western section of Blair Township, a two lane, open access principal arterial, U.S. Route 220, traverses the township from north to south, connecting Altoona to Blair Township. U.S. Route 220 is a major north-south arterial in Pennsylvania. Locally, the arterial is utilized by commercial, industrial, and residential traffic entering and exiting the numerous and uncontrolled points along the highway. Adding through traffic to this situation slows traffic, and creates hazardous conditions along the length of U.S. Route 220.

In the northern section of Blair Township, a small portion of U.S. Route 22 in,theWye Switches and Fort Fetter area connects Duncansville with Hollidays- burg. U.S. Route 22 is a major east-west arterial in Pennsylvania. Locally, the arterial is utilized by through traffic and locdtraffic between Duncansville, Hollidaysburg, and Blair Township. The businesses located along the road, also I cater to the traveler.

A relocated U.S. Route 220 is proposed to be constructed east of existing I U.S. Route 220, as a four lane, limited access highway. A main purposed of this arterial will be to absorb inter-county traffic from the existing Route 220. No access will be available in Blair Township. The highway will divide a large agricultural tract of land in the northern section of Blair Township and will be adjacent to the residential development east of existing U.S. Route 220. The arterial may act as a negative influence on these few (existing residential

41 development) areas, for this residential area is already adjacent to one principal arterial and pressured by commercial development.

(1B) Minor Arterials I Route 36 traverses the township from Hollidaysburg in the north to the Brooks Mill area in the south. This route also connects Altoona with?, Hollidaysburg, Roaring Spring and Everett; and, by way of connecting Route 164, connects Altoona with Martinsburg. Locally this route is utilized I by the farming community of Kladder Station and south, as well as inter- township and inter-county travelers. There is a potential traffic problem slightly south of the Kladder Station crossroads area where existing sight I lines prohibit a safe entrance into and exit from the minor collector con- necting the Kladder Station Area with Newry Borough. I (2A) Major Collectors I Reservoir Road (legislative Routes 07011 and 07056) connects Route 22 at Frankstown in the north with Route 36 at McKee in the south of Blair Township. Locally this roaaway serves an area of low density residential dev- 1 elopment; traffic is mainly from single family and mobile homes, and some agricultural related traffic. This is also the main service road for Vicks- burg. I

(2B) Minor Collectors

Paved roadways connecting major residential developments, arterials, and major collectors are located in the Penn Farms, Newry, Vicksburg, Brooks Mill I and Loop areas. These minor collectors are fed by many local paved roads and unpaved roads. I (3) Local Systems 1 The local road system provides vehicular and pedestrian access to adjacent lhd, and provides service to travel over relatively short distances, as contrasted with collectors or other higher systems. Moving I traffic volumes should be light so as not to impair land access. Through traffic, buses and heavy trucks should be excluded on such streets, except where the street serves a commercial or industrial business. I Railway Systems I Two major Conrail lines pass through Blair Township. One line passes from the Hollidaysburg railyards south to Vicksburg where it divides, with one line traveling south along U.S. Route 220 to Bedford and one southeast toward Roaring Spring, and Martinsburg.

The second line splits at the Wye Switches and travels east to Holli- ,

42 daysburg, north to Altoona, west to the Muleshoe curve and back again .east and nort into Allegheny Township, eventually arriving at Gallitzen.

The rail traffic is freight oriented, serving only Suburban Gas Co. in the town of McKee. This service is provided five days a week, Monday through Friday. The rail right-of-way, for most of its length, passes through wooded and agricultural land. The grade crossing at Wye Switches presents a traffic flow problem in Blair Township, which is intensified when the principal arterials, U.S. Route 22 and 220 are blocked.

An overall view of the township reveals a north to south pattern of transportation routes following the valleys. Along these routes is an ever increasing number of business and residential properties. This development causes congestion of vehicular traffic and its subsequent dangers to the commuters and pedestrians of Blair Township. This problem may be alleviated by wise positioning of adjacent land uses in the future and centralization 08 development.

(Refer'toPlate XI1 for an indication of the railway transportation network.)

Mass Transit

The major bus lines which provide service to Blair Township are the Blue and White Lines, Inc., and Hollidaysburg Transportation Co., Inc. of Altoona. (Refer to Plate XI1 for an indication of the bus stops located near Blair Township.)

Two bus routes cover the central valley of Blair Township. The routes follow U.S. Route 220 from Duncansville, sould?.through Blair Township.

The first route connects Altoona with Duncansville, Roaring Spring, and Martinsburg. Locally this route stops at the State Hospital and in Hollidaysburg, Duncansville, Newry, Leamersville, East Freedom and McKee. The following is a schedule of the Blue and White bus service which serves

Blair Township: .. ALTO ONA- DUNCANSVILLE-ROARING WRING-HARTINSBURG - __

Holld.ysr New Years, Memorial, Mon or +Monday only. ,, Independence Labor Thanks , . Sun-Sunday only. 1 iving and Chkistrna; days. Sit.-Saturday only. I 12 d p rn.-Saturday only to State ESuH-Daily except Sundays and: Hospitfll \ Holidays. I -Will sto at Loreto College Friday Eisli-Daily except Saturday, Sun i on~v2 !h p.m. West I day and Holidays. MWF-Monday, Wednesday and 7 .Fridav . .--, . __ FSu or *-Frida and Sunday on1 I AM LI&:ht Face PM-Bold Pace. 11s-Tuesday {hursday and Sat - I1 urday onl; Creston. Portage to ! Johnitowti. DI Dail will operate first Tues: !&-dday only in thernonth. *-Operates via St. Thomas in &I- 1 Iitzin.

.. i (ETFiyed.' astern Time.-

I 43 The second route connects Altoona with Bedford, Breezewood and Cumberland, Maryland. Locally this route serves Hollidaysburg, Duncansville, Newry and East Freedom. The following is a schedule of the Hollidaysburg Transportation Co. bus service: -. - -.. . - . ALTO ONA-BE DF OR D-EREUEW 00 D- CUMBLRUND, MD. Mon or a-Monday only. 2213 UP Sun-Sunday only. Sat.-Saturday only. ESuH-Daily except Sundays and. Holidays. LuH-Daily except Saturday, Sui1 day and Holidays. MWF-Monday. Wednesday and Friday. I FSU or 0-Frida and Sunday onty. 11s-Tuesday. fhursday and Sat- urday only Creston, Portage to Johnstown. will operate first Tues- ' !k?$&day only in themonth. raperates via St. Thomas in Gal- , Iitzin. 9-Station having drop-off service ; for prepaid express on1 .-Agency station to whict bag- gage may be checked and pre- paid express only may be con-- si ned. (ET)-% astern Time. Holldayr: New Years, Memorial, ' Independence, Labor. Thanks- iving and Christmas days. 12 3% P. m.-Saturday only tn State Hospital. TWi-Trailways. Inc. t-Will stop at Loreto College Frid.ly GL- Greyhound Lines, Inc. only2 25 p.ni. West.

7-irnrl shwn in IlALICSrndi

Air Transport and Taxi Service

Although there are no airports in Blair Township, Blue Knob Valley Airport is located 1.5 miles northwest of the western municipal boundary, in Freedom Township. The facility can be reached by car by following U.S. Route 220 to Newry Borough, legislative route 07049 west toward Puzzletown, then north by routes 383 and 286. Existing facilities include hangers for fifteen (15) light planes, tie downs for twenty (20) light planes, and offices. The facilities are presently expanding. The runway direction is east to west, with planes taking off and landing from the east or west, depending upon wind direction. The flight pattern is directly over Newry Borough, at altitudes rangirgfrom 500 feet to 1000 feet.

As outlined in the Pennsylvania Statewide Airport System Plan, prepared by Michael Baker Jr., Inc. and R. Dixon Speas Associates Inc. for the De- partment of Transportation, the Blue Knob Valley Airport facility will be expanding as a basic utility airport. By the year 1995, the facility will have reached 42% of capacity and will serve seventy-eight (78) light aircraft.

This facility is available to Blair Township residents for private flights, flight training and charter flights. However, flight path and number of flights create a potentially dangerous condition for Blair Township's eastem slope, and the valiey floor adjacent to the airport's runway. This area would, therefore, better support the recreational, agricultural, and open space needs of Blair Township residents, and should not be used for residential development.

The Altoona-Blair County Airport is located one (1) mile south of

44 1 N. Martinsburg Borough. The airport lies nine and one half miles southeast of Blair Township and can be reached by car by following Route 36 to Roaring Spring, 164 east to Martinsburg and 866 south to the airport. The airport is classed as a "Commuter Service" airport by the Pennsylvania Department of b Transportation. As of 1973, the facility based 26 single engine and 12 multi engine aircraft. The major purposes for using the facility would be training flight (70% of general aviation); and business and charter flights (24% of the I general aviation).

(Refer to Plate XI1 for the location of the airports available to I residents in Blair Township.)

I Taxi Service The Yellow Cab Company service area covers all of Blair Township. This private service is available for a fee of 65@ at the outset and 50@ additional ,I charge for each additional mile. If more than one passenger is carried, the I cost of the trip can be shared among the riders. I I t R :I I 1 I I 1 I

1 45 BLAIR TOWNSHIP 1

PLATE XI1 I 46 1 CHAPTER V

ECONOMY/ECONOMIC BASE ECONOMY/ECONOMIC BASE

Employment data was obtained by using Bureau of Employment Security (BES)1 data and a detailed telephone survey conducted by the Blair County Planning Commission. Places os employment are grouped by the Standard Industrial Class ification (SIC) Code. The standard codes were further grouped into the nine (9) related groups below:

Table VI 1976 Blair Township Employees

SIC Code Categories Blair % of Total Township Employees in Employees Blair Townshin

Mining 2 .14 Contract construction 173 12.10 .. Food manufacturing and processing 49 3.40 1 Machinery manufacturing 8 1.00 Transportation 6 Motor Freight Service 303 21.20 Wholesale and retail trade 218 15.30 1 Finance, insurance, real estate 15 1.00 Services 31 2.20 Public Administration -629 44.00 ? Total Employees 1,428 100% Source: 1976 Bureau of Employment Security Department of Labor and Industry. 4 1976 Telephone Survey conducted by the Blair County Planning Commission. Agriculture and its related employment is not outlined on this page. II From this table, it can be seen that the largest employer is Public Admin- istration; 629 persons or 44 percent of the total persons employed. This large figure is due to the State Police District'#9 headquarters and the State high- I way Department located on Juniata Street. Transportation and Motor Freight Services, and Wholesale and Retail Trade make up a large part of the township's employment force; 521 employees or 36.5 percent of the work force.

I In Blair County as a whole, definite economic trends are evident. Agri- cultural employment and the number of farms are both declining. Some industrial growth is anticipated in the growth areas of the County, and the concentration I of retail establishments appears to be shifting. Agriculture is a large user of land in Blair Township. However, there is no reason to believe that Blair Township will not follow the county trend. The I number of farms and agricultural jobs can be expected to decrease, especially as the demand for residential units in the Township continues to grow.

'Department of Labor and Industry (BES)

2Standard Industrial Classification Manual, Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget.

47 The following table illustrates the declining number of farms in Blair county :

Table VI1

Number of Farms in Blair County I -1971 -1974 Cattle 600 490 1 Dairy 255 220 Hog 2 50 180 Sheep 40 45 I Chicken -170 -80 Total* 700 620 I Source: 1971, 1974: Bureau of the Census *Some farms produce more than one product. The total is the actual total, not I the sum of farms by product, Once farms are taken out of production by the stripping of land for con- struction purposes, the land in most cases never returns to good farmable land. I Therefore a decline over three years in farms is an accurate measure that farms are declining in number and will continue to decline unless something is done to conserve farmland or redirect future development. I The number of retail establishments in Blair County appears to have declined between 1963 and 1967. This is too short a time period to establish a definitive trend. However, growth in actual numbers of retail establish- ments was noted in Logan Township, for this same time period. It is likely that similar growth in retail establishments could occur in Blair Township, which is also in a "growth corridor" because of the Township's expected highway improvements and proximity to population concentration. I

48 CHAPTER VI

POPULATION POPULATION

This chapter is intended to provide an overview of Blair Township population as it relates to the future of the township. All phases of a planning*program in one way or another involves people. For example, plans are prepared for the movement of people; the provision of services and facilities to meet the needs of the citizens, and the environment in which people live. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the character- istics of the resident population which make up the township. The analysis of characteristics and growth trends of the population is essential in I determining future land area requirements of residential, commercial, in- dustrial, public, and other land uses. In addition, population needs bear a direct relationship upon the adequacy of community facilities, including educational and recreational facilitieg as well as the provision of service.

Population Trends

Many changes have taken place in the population of Blair Township, particularly within the past twenty years. The most significant change is that the population increased from decade to decade, from 1043 persons in 1900 to 4333 persons in 1977. As shown in the following table, the most substantial growth took place between 1960 and 1977.

Table VI11 Population Trends Blair Township 1850-1977

Year Population Increase From Previous Decade

Numeric a1 Percent

18 50 991 - 1860 1176 185 18.7 I' 1870 1571 395 33.6 1880 1094 -477 -30.4 1890 1279 185 16.9 1900 1043 -236 -18.5 1910 1134 91 8.7 1920 1441 307 27.1 1930 1828 387 26.9 1940 2068 240 13.1 1950 2105 37 1.8 1960 2478 373 17.7 1970 3228 7 50 30.3 1977 4333 1105 34.2

I 49 In 1900, Blair Township had a recorded population of 1043. During the next 4 decades, the Community flourished and the population doubled. How- ever, from 1940 to 1960, the population increased by only 410 persons, an increase of only 19.8%. In the decade between 1960 and 1970 and seven years of the present decade, the populatim increased by 74.9% or 1,855 persons. In effect, the township's population has almost doubled in less than two I decades.

Population Characteristics I

Age is a most important population characteristic. It is useful in predicting birth and death rates and the population change caused by the I differential in such rates. Studies of the number of people of each agd and sex reveals which age I groups occur most often or least often in a population group. This infor- mation is valuable in determining employment potential, birth rate, change in age composition and sex rates, and other factors which can serve as the basis for planning for the needs of the population. I

The following table contains the sex composition and ratios by age groups for the population of Census Tract I11 (Blair Township, Newry Borough 1 and Duncansville Borough), as presented in the 1970 Census of Population. Due to the fact that information concerning population characteristics is n'ot readily available for Blair Township individually, population character- istics will be furnished at the tract level. I

Table IX Census Tract I11 I Sex Composition 6 Ratios By Age Groups

Sex Ratio- I Age Group Male Female Total Males/100 Females

Under 5 Years 237 2 54 491 93.3 I 5 to 9 Years 274 243 517 112.8 10 to 14 Years 287 272 559 105.5 15 to 19 Years 237 2 44 481 97.1 I 20 to 24 Years 149 190 339 78.4 25 to 34 Years 315 330 645 95.5 35 to 44 Years 2 90 321 61 1 90.3 45 to 54 Years 305 320 625 95.3 I 55 to '59 Years 131 110 241 119.1 60 to 64 Years 95 101 196 94.1 65 to 74 Years 117 133 2 50 88.0 I i 75 Years 6, Over 67 77 144 87.0 1 . Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Bureau of Census, 1970 Census of Population

50 The preceding tzble illustrates that within Census Tract 111, for the age groups in the range from 15 to 74 years and over,there are generally more b females than males. A quick look at the same information concerning sex composition and I ratios by age group for all municipalities in Blair County reveals similiar findings. The following table lists this information for Blair County.

I Table X I Sex Composition 6 Ratios by Age Groups Blair County

I Sex Ratio- Age Group Male Female Total Males/100 Females

I Under 5 Years 5357 5260 10,617 101.8 5 to 9 Years 6297 5996 12,293 105.0 10 to 14 Years 6773 6265 13,038 108.1 I 15 to 19 Years 6032 6176 12,208 97.7 20 to 24 Years 3737 4833 8,570 77.3 25 to 34 Years 6771 7443 14,214 91.0 I 35 to 44 Years 7036 7900 14,936 89.1 45 to 54 Years 8101 9117 17,218 88.9 55 to 59 Years 3554 4179 7,733 85.0 60 to 64 Years 3165 3891 7,056 81.3 65 to 74 Years 4457 6119 10,576 72.8 - 75 Years & Over 2631 4266 6,897 ' 61.7

I Source: U.S. Dept. of.Commerce, Bureau of the Census, 1970 Census of Population.

I Table IX reveals that a large number of the residents incensus Tract'III are youngand older adults (25-54) while there are a smaller amount of older adults (60-75+). Also, there is a small amount of people between the ages of I : ( 15-24 ) .

These facts imply that Blair Township population is composed of an I increasing number of young middle age adults and young teenagers. The pop- ulation is also composed of a lesser number of older adults(60-754 and young adults (15-24).

I This type of information on population composltion is important where I plans are prepared for schools, parks, and other facilities.

I

I 51 Chart XI I BLAIR TOWNSHIP 1, POPU L AT ION COMPOSITION I BY AGE AND SEX I I I AGE I 75+ I 65 - 74 60-64 I 55-59 45-54 35 -44 I 25-34 I 20 -24 15 -19 I 10 -14 5 -9 0-4 I I I I I 1 ( POPULAT I ON) (POPULATION) I MALE FEMALE

I SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, BUREAU OF CENSUS, 1970 CENSUS I OF POPULATION 52 CHAPTER VI1

HOUSING .. HOUSING

This section of the Comprehensive Plan for Blair Township is oriented to an overview of housing in Blair Township. Emphasis is placed on the condition of housing as well as its availability in terms of meeting existing housing needs.

Existing Housing Stock

According to the definitions used by the U.S. Census of Population and Housing, a housing unit is defined as "houses, apartments, groups of rooms, and single rooms which are either occupied or vacant but intended for occupancy as separate living quarters." A unit should therefore not be equated with a structure. The information presented concerning the existing housing stock is avail- able from the U.S. Census Bureau, the housing survey conducted by the Blair County Planning Commission in 1972 and the land use survey conducted by the Blair County Planning Commission during 1977-78. The change in numbers of Blair Township's existing housing stock is sum- marized below in Table

Table XI1

Change in Number of Housing Units in Blair Township

(1950 - 1977)

1 I FIousing Housing Housing Housing Housing Housing Change Units Units Units Units Units Units in 1950 1960 1967 1970 1972 1977 Number of Housing 1950 - 1977

5 98 712 791 964 1116 1409 +813

~ 7- I I Source: U.S. Census of Housing, 1950, 1960, and 1970; Housing Survey by the Blair County Planning Commission, 1967 and 1972.

*Estimated housing unit count for Blair Township; Blair County Planning Commission.

Blair To-wnship new hotising construction has averaged approximately 50 units per year for the last five years. The township is well situated and can thus be ex- pected to continue experiencing new construction at approximately the same rate ' as it has in the past. According to the "Centers Concept" of growth used by the Blair County Planning Commission to estimate the location of future growth, Blair Township can be expected to continue developing around Hollidaysburg, Duncansville, and Newry Boroughs.

53 Existing Housing Conditions

In preparing the Housing Element of the Comprehensive Plan for Blair Township, the condition of existing housing must be analyzed in order to de- termine the stability of the municipality's tax base and the general safety I of the municipality's citizens.

The study of the condition of the township's housing was performed by the Blair County Planning Commission in 1972. The study consisted of an exterior i visual survey of all housing structures in the township which were recorded in the County Assessment department. The units were evaluated on a point system developed by the Blair County Planning Commission and its housing consultant. Units were then classified into the following categories of condition:

Standard/Sound - A unit which has no defects or only slight defects which are corrected during the course of regular maintenance. Can also be defined as a structure with no violations of housing or building codes. In Need of Minor Rehabilitation (Deteriorated to a minor degree) - A unit which is a substandard building having deficiencies which cannot be corrected through normal maintenance. Deficiencies are limited to noncritical structure elements such as inadequate chimneys, porches and stairs, doors and windows. I Extensive defects in a number of the above could qualify a structure for major rehabilitation.

In Need of Major Rehabilitation (Deteriorated to a major degree - sub- I standard structure having deficiencies in critical structural elements such as inadequate foundations, exterior walls, chimneys and roofs, but which is still salvageable. 9 In Need of Replacement (Delapidated) - A structure with a total lack or failure of a critical structural element to a point where major rehabilitation 1 is not feasible. Such housing does not provide safe and adequate shelter and its present condition endangers the health, safety and wel1;bsing of the occupants.

As noted in TableXII, above, the number of housing units in Blair Town- I ship has increased by 293 units since the 1972 survey. These new units will not be included in the analysis of the housing conditions. The analysis of housing conditions will be based upon the completed housing conditions survey 1 included in Part I1 of the Blair County Housing Plan and Program. The following tables present a summary of the township's housing survey.

Table XIII Number of Housing Units by Condition I 1972 Total Housing Standard Minor Major Need Units Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Replaced I 1116 928 4 178 6 100% , 83.2% 0.3% 15.9% . 0.6% I Source: Blair County Housing Plan and Program, Part I1 I1

54 1972 Housing Survey Table XIV

Number of Housing Units by Condition and Structure Type

Single Two Multi Mobile Mise.* TOTAL Family Family Homes

TOTAL UNITS 1013 18 84 233** 61 1409 % STANDARD 7 5% 8 3% - 81% 100% 8 3% % Minor Rehab. 1% - - 1% - 1% % Major Rehab. 20% 17% - 18% - 15% % Replace 4% - - - - 17% Source: Blair County Housing Plan and Program, Part I1 *Miscellaneous - Residential and Commercial mixed, residential hotels and transit lodging.

**Should have anchors or tie-downs in order to insure the safety of residents.

Table XIV reflects the information as obtained by the 1977 Land Use Survey" Detailed information is available which identifies all units by the various condition ratings. With this information, individual dilapidated and deter- iorated units can be identified. This information can be used in developing concentrated Neighborhood and Housing Rehabilitation Programs. I Analysis of Blair Township's Housing Market The purpose of a housing market analysis is to establish the number of housing units that are needed in the township. 1 The market analysis investigates the relationship of income to housing ex- penditure. The best indication of the ability to purchase or rent is reflected in the families income. Generally a family which lives in a rental unit should I spend about 20 to 25% of its gross monthly income on rent; a family which wants to own a home should spend 2 to 2.5 times its gross annual income for a home. 11 Table xv Number of Families 6, Income Ranges for Census Tract I11 I (Blair Township, Newry Borough, Duncansville Borough) Income Category Number of Monthly Housing Purchase Fami lies Rent Power Based Upon I Census Tract Ranges Income I11

All Families 1399 - - Less than $1000 9 $0-20 0-$2,000 $1000 - $1,999 42 20-39 2000-$4,000

55 Income Cat. No. of Fam. Mo. Rent Housing Purchase I

2000 - 2999 60 39-58 4000 - $6000 3000 - 3999 83 58-77 6000 - $8000 4000 - 4999 91 77-96 8000 - $10,000 I 5000 - 5999 86 96-115 10000 - $12,000 6000 - 6999 124 11 5-135 12C.00 - $14,000 7000 - 7999 137 135-154 14000 - $16,000 I 8000 - 8999 170 154-173 16000 - $18,000 9000 - 9999 85 173-192 18000 - $20,000 10000 - 11,999 226 192-231 20000 - $24,000 I 12000 - 14,999 126 231-288 24000 - $30,000 15000 - 24,999 112 288-481 30000 - $50,000 25000 - 49,999 36 481-962 50000 - $100,000 I 50000 or more 12 962 $100,000 +

Sources:l.U.S. Census of Housing, 1970. (Data available only at the tract 1 level 1 2.Blair County Housing Plan and Program I The median family income for Blair Township was $8,397 based upon,1970 incomes.

The median value of housing- for the municipality should be somewhere in line with the following table: Table XVI 1 Optimum Housing Value Based on Median Income .. Median Family Optimum Optimum I Income Rents Housing Value $8,397 $161 $16,800 t Source: Blair County Housing Plan and Program, Part I11 i Seventy-six percent (76%) of the housing units in Blair Township are owner- occupied. As can be seen, home ownership is far more popular than renting. The following table indicates the average value of owner-occupied housing with 1 the ratio of income level and the percent of income spent on rent. Table XVII Ratio of Housing Value to Median Income Median Family Averaee Value Ratio of Income of Owner Occupied Average Housing value to income

$8,397 $10,100 1.2

Source: Blair County Housing Plan and Program, Part I11 The above information indicates that people yho can afford higher valued housing are not purchasing it. The effect of this is to reduce the housing available to lower income families. Families at the lower income levels can find little housing that they can afford'and thus have to pay a higher ratio to satisfy their housing needs. In part, this can be explained by the lack 4 I

56 I I of low income housing in the township. The same general situation occurs in the rental market as indicated below.

Table XVIII Percentage of Income Paid for Rent

Number of Families by Income $0 - $4,999 $5,000 - $9,999 10,000 - 14,999 Under 20% 14 104 ** Over 20% 72 3 6. I **Information not available The above table indicates that the lower income groups in the township pay a rental fee which is a greater portion of the family income, and that families with higher incomes are paying less than they can afford for rent. An explanation for this may lie in the fact that most low income housing is I presently not constructed in the township. Chart XIX,depictsthe relationship of Blair Township's housing condition I with the other townships as a whole and Blair County. I

I I 'I I I

57 -.I)====rD-*==I==I-m= PERCENTAGE OF HOUSING UNITS BY CONDITION = BLAIR COUNTY (METROPOLITAN BALANCE), TOWNSHIPS BLAIR TOWNSHIP

90

LEGEND

BLAIR COUNTY coLn ml IMETROPOLITAN BALANCE I

BLAIR TOWNSHIP 69 TOWNSHIPS

SOURCE: BLAIR COUNTY HOUSING PLAN AND PROGRAM PARTII,III I

I I

CHAPTER VI11 DRAFT GOALS, POLICIES, AND OBJECTIVES

I I I 1 BLAIR TOWNSHIP I Draft Goals. Policies. and Ob-iectives Goals, policies, and objectives were prepared for Blair Township by the Blair Township Planning Commission, following two (2) public workshops. The goals and policies are based upon public opinion regarding the desired future for Blair Township, as well as existing conditions, state and federal laws, )environmental and economic considerations, and historic and esthetic values. The objectives are specific statements of actions which will be I encouraged, in order to achieve the desired goals.

LAND USE

GOAL: Encourage the best use of the township land to accommodate future growth.

Policy 1: Encourage growth in areas closest to utilities.

Policy 2: Encourage growth in proximity to transportation.

'Policy 3: Provide appropriate sites for industry. I Policv 4: Prevent the mixing of incompatible uses. t Policy 5: Encourage orderly, staged development. Policy 6: In areas where studies have been performed in accordance with the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program and the llfloodwaylf(area of actual passage of flood waters), I and "floodway fringe" (the remainder of the 100 year flood plain" have been identified, restrict the use of the floodway 1,;. to recreation, open space, or agricultural uses. Floodway fringe areas shall be developed in accordance with the building code ordinance adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Blair Township to comply with the regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program. In areas where studies 1 identifying the floodway, and floodway fringe areas have not been conducted, the flood plain will be delineated with the use of soils information from the soil survey conducted I by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Soil Conservation Service. In these instances, developers will be asked'to furnish proof that the proposed development will not take place in a floodway. Such proof shall be I provided by engineering studies, or documented information detailing flood elevations in the area. Development of floodplains identified with flood soil information, where I a floodway is not present, shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of the building code ordinance adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Blair Township to comply with the regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program. When studies identifying the floodway and floodway fringe are completed, these studies will be used to amend the land use plan, and regulations governing the floodway shall then I take effect. 59 Policy 7: Discourage development of steep slopes.

OBJECTIVE 1: Tree farming and recreational uses will be encouraged in I the steep slope areas of the township such as Loop and Short Mountains, east of Reservoir Road, through the use of a zoning ordinance.

SOCIAL GOALS

-GOAL: To encourage growth of educational opportunities and provision of health services.

OBJECTIVE : To encourage reservation of appropriate sites for schools.

OBJECTIVE : To reserve "appropriate site(s ) for a clinic.

OBJECTIVE : To encourage fuller use of educational buildings for evening adult classes, recreational uses, and day care centers (for example ) .

OBJECTIVE : ' To encourage the use of ramps as access ways for the handi- capped into public buildings.

ECONOMIC GOALS

-GOAL: To 'reserve appropriate sites for economic development within the township. -GOAL: To assist in retention of existing industries, and to attract new industries.

POLICY: To provide water and sewer to sites where industry should be encouraged. -GOAL: To assist in retention of the highest quality agricultural land. OBJECTIVE: To encourage the development of a farmers market.

OBJECTIVE: To avoid placing development pressures on agricultural land.

-GOAL: To promote the development of environmentally sound recreational industry in steep slope areas.

OBJECTIVE: Short and Loch Mountain area east of Reservoir Road, from McKee to the Loop in the undeveloped areas should be used for recreational uses such as the following:

1. Camping 2. Hiking 3. Hunting in season 4. Snow mobiling and dirt biking in specified areas 5. Cross country skiing

60 OBJECTIVE 2: Adoption of a zoning ordinance to guide growth.

OBJECTIVE 3: Adoption of a subdivision ordinance to guide growth.

TRANSPORTATION

1 -GOAL: To provide an efficient, safe, and economical transportation system for the township. I Policy 1: Provide improved access into crowded areas. OBJECTIVE 1: Alleviate the traffic tie up around Leighty's Market'with 1 the use of signalization. OBJECTIVE 2: Widen the curve at the Sam Rea Shops, install signalization, I or use one way entrances to alleviate congestion. Policy 2: Encourage public transportation for those people in need of it. I COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

-GOAL: To provide adequate water, sewerage, and solid waste disposal services I to the developed and developing areas of the township.

Policy 1: Maintain consistency with previously adopted plans for the I county and Southcentral Blair County.

Policv 2: Encourage all new utility lines to be put underground.

Policy 3: All public utility lines (sewered and water) should be mapped, and maps should be given to the township.

I -GOAL: To discour ge growth in and protect environmentally and historicall sensitive areas.

I Policy 1: Growth shall not be encouraged in environmentally sensitive areas such as major watersheds and ccnservation watersheds, on the sites of historically or archeologically important findings, or on sites of great natural beauty.

I HOUSING GOAL: To encourage provision of a wide choice of adequate housing that w __. 1 1 serve the varying housing needs of the township. Policy 1: Adoption and use of housing and building codes to maintain I and enforce housing standards. Policy 2: Encourage rehabilitation of substandard houses through low interest loan program. 8 Policy 3: Encourage fair housing in the township. I Policy 4: Adopt subdivision regulations to guide housing development. I -61- I b 1 I I I I I I CHAPTER IX P POPULATION PROJECTIONS 1 I 1 I I I 4 I I I b POPULATION PROJECTIONS Of all the population studies prepared for planning purposes, the pop- I ulation projections are by far the most important. In order to plan effect- ively for the future orderly growth and development of Blair Township an I indication of the probable future size of the population must be available. Comparison between growth rates of Blair Township and Blair County reveals that even though county population declined from 1950 to 1970, Blair I Township's population continued increasing. .r The following displays the population trends and projection for both Blair I Township and Blair County. Population Trend and BLAIR COUNTYChartxx Projection 160 + I 150 -- 140 --

130 CI -- I v) 120 n -- 110 aZ -- v) 100 3 I 0 -" 90 I er I- 80 - *P t 70 -- 60 -- 50 -- I I I 0 I I I I I I I I I 1 I I 1 I I I I i . 6000 -I r? 857 5000 2 -- 4000 5 -- 3000 -_ 2068 2000 g -- ' lOOO~,, ii I 1943 I

I

I 62 Blair Township's past population figures indicate a continual increase in the township's population. Future projections also indicate additional increases in the population. This increase, however, may not be as rapid as b increases in the past decade but rather a gradual and steady increase.

For the purpose of this study the township's projections are made for I three (3), five (51, and ten (10) year periods - the years 1980, 1985, 1990, I 2000. This information is displayed in the following table. Table XXII I Population Projections for Blair Township

Change I Year Population Numerical Percent

1977 4333 L_ -- 1 1980 4807 474 10.9 1985 5070 263 5.5 1990 5332 262 5.2 I 2000 58 57 52 5 10.0 I Source: Blair County Planning Commission, 1974 and 1978.

63 I b I I I i' I I I CHAPTER X

I LAND USE PLAN t 8 I I I I I 4 I I PURPOSE, SCOPE AND GOALS

The Land Use Plan for Blair Township is the synthesis of basic studies in the aforementioned sections of this Comprehensive Plan, acreage projec- tions, basic design standards, public input, and goals, policies and ob- jectives outlined in a previous section. The purpose of the Land Use Plan is to provide a guide for future development of Blair Township, identify appropriate land use relationships within the township, and formulate desirable criteria for determining the land use configurations. The Blair Township Land Use Plan is consistent with the land use goals and policies of the Blair County Planning Commission. Although the Land Use Plan for Blair Township confines itself to the municipal boundary, adjacent municipal plans, studies, ordinances, and existing development have been taken into consideration in developing the Blair Township Comprehensive Plan. This was achieved through technical assistance by the Blair County Planning Commission and consistency with Blair County's Areawide Comprehensive Plan.

As stated in the "Goals, Policies and Objectives" section of Blair Township's Comprehensive Plan, the township prepared this plan to encourage the best use of the land to accommodate future growth. The following sections of the Land Use Plan identify the constraints used in formulating this plan.

LAND USE SUITABILITY

The majority of developable land in Blair Township is either farmland, wooded, or vacant land. The'farmland close to centers of development is presently pressured to develop due to its proximity to utilities, existing development, and transportation. By concentrating development in close proximity to utilities, transportation, and developing centers, the rural nature of Blair Township, specifically agri- I cultural land located in the more remote areas of Blair Township, will hopefully be conserved as expressed by public input workshops held by the Blair Township Planning Commission. I Flood Plain Land

As stated in Policy six (6) of the Blair Township Land Use "Goals, Policies, I and Objectives", the policy of identifying and restricting development of flood plain land is directed toward concern for the health and welfare of the residents of Blair Township. The areas depicted on Plate XI11 are outlined using available 1 data on floodway, floodway fringe areas, and flood prone soils as stated in Chapter I of the Comprehensive Plan for Blain Township. I Detailed updated floodplain studies will be available within the next two years. These new studies will enable Blair Township to prohibit development in the identified floodway and restrict development on flood fringe areas. The land use plan will be revised upon obtaining this information. I

64 I

Flood plain development is hazardous not only to the individual developer, but also to existing development which is downstream of that development. The displacement of flood waters by additional development increases the flood D level above projected levels, thereby covering additional real estate. Agricultural and non-intensive recreational development are ideally suited to the floodplain. Presently Blair Township complies with 24 CFR Sections 1910. I 3C and 191,WD of the rules and regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program and new construction in the flood plain is restricted. Once the detailed studies are completed by the Federal Insurance Administration, a stronger control I of the flood plain will be available to Blair Township. Steep Slope

I Development on slopes of 25% (a rise of one (1) foot in elevation for every four (4) feet of horizontal.distance) and greater dhould not be encouraged. Slopes over 25% are considered unsuitable for development because of safety problems this would create for roads and the difficulty encountered in building I on and extending services to these slopes. Steep slope areas of 25% and greater are depicted on the steep slope map, Plate XIII. I ChartMII& describes the ,impact of development on natural features such as soil groups and slope groups.as defined in Chapter I, ffSoilsff. I Some types of development gnd land use are compatible with steep slope characteristics. Examples are hunting, hiking, tree farming, skiing, and re- stricted snow mobile tracks. Also, some types of industry are compatible with this type of topography, such as lumbering, if the amount and location of the harvest and re-planting is *controlled. Uncontrolled development in either the flood plain areas or steep slope areas now, can make irreversible and costly environmental effects for existing development, ground water supplies, recreational possibilities, and watershed areas. Limited steep slope development may not damage the community, but such developments must be carefully regulated.

LAND.USE COMPATABILITY An effective land use plan-meets the diverse needs of different land uses. Commercial and industrial development requires access to major transportation routes to receive basic materials, to distribute manufactured products, and to handle the influx of employees. Residential development is primarily associated with public services such as police, fire, water and sewer, solid waste disposal, schools and churches, and other public utilities and facilities. The roadway systems utilized by new residential development are usually extensions of existing local roads. Institutional facilities are large traffic generators and although they are not inherently a problem for residential areas, do gen- erate a good deal of noise and,traffic congestion. Outdoor recreational uses of the less intensive nature, i.a. play lots,

I

I 65 tennis courts, ballfields, etc., are compatible with residential areas. On the other hand, stadiums, ice rinks, race tracks and other intensive re- creational development are not compatible with residential development. Industrial and commercial areas of the same intensity are usually compatible with one another; but industrial and most commercial are not compatible with 1 residential (specifically single family units) development. Refer to Chart XXIV. 1 I I I I

1

66 I I BLAIR TOWNSHIP

1 I t I

nA -E: 1"=3,400' DATE : UARCH,1978 PREPARED ey BLAIR COUNTY PLANNINQ COYY18810N

PLATE Xlll 67 IMPACT OF DEVELOPMENT * ON NATURAL FEATURES

I I 1 I 1

b .Chart XXIV '

I LAND USES i I

I 8 MEDIUM I 1 I t I I B.' 1 I I

I 1 69 Table XXV Results Generated By Land Use Type

Definitions and Intensitv of Generates Development d Residential High Multifamily high rise i Traffic Multifamily apartment Need for parking space Mobile home park Need for utilities, protection, schools) Rowhouses with more than 10 units Need for recreation & pedestrian Hotel, motel (16-50 H.U. per acre) facilities Residential Mediu.m I Two family duplex Traffic Rowhouses - less than 10 units Need for parking, utilities, Two story duplex - 4 family protection, schools, recreation, Small apartment buildings pedestrian facilities I low rise (6-15 H.U. per acre) Townhouses Mixed - apartments above store 1

Residential Low Single family (1-5 H.U. per acre) Traffic 1 Single mobile home Minimal utilities, protection, Farmhouse recreation Single family, large iot I Industry High Major heavy industry - steel, refinery, Pollution - air water noise paper mill Traffic Industrial district - several adjacent Truck delivery industries Rail delivery Industries generating a polluting or Requires special utilities dangerous by-product Large land need Food industry (large) Mining, Quarrying Buffers needed Industry Medium Food industry (small) Industry Medium Light industry industrial park Traffic Truck, rail delivery pollution Special utility needs Large land need

Industry Low :, Single light industry (small) Traffic Small food industry Minor pollution Construction industry Truck transportation Commercial High Large shopping mall Traffic Commercial "stripftof large stores Large parking need Central Business District Truck or rail shipping Warehouses, bulk fuel storage Need for major road Highway related commercial

70 Table XXV (continued)

Definitions and Intensity of Generates Development

Commercial Medium Neighborhood shopping center Traffic Large retail or wholesale store Parking need Gas station Need for arterial road Res taurant Truck shipping Drive in restaurant, drive in bank, grocery Indoor amusements (bowling, etc. ) Supermarket

Commercial Low Individual small neighborhood- store Some traffic (pharmacy, etc .I Some truck delivery small stores on one street, primarily walk in business Home business - (dress maker in home, etc.) Institutional High Major hospital Traffic College or university Need major parking Major governmental building Special needs - quiet, isolation Large museum, zoo, library, Large land need planetarium Emergency traffic Large care center - Salvation Army hostel, etc. Jail ,Concert halls, large theatres

Institutional Medium High school, junior high Traffic Clinic Pedestrians Small government office building May produce emergency traffic Fire, police Need parking Large church Halfway house Nursing home Small museum

Institutional Low Grade school Pedestrians Small church Some traffic C parking Neighborhood type institutional

Recreational High Arenas Large land need Stadiums Parking, traffic Ice skating rink Noise Race track Drive-ins Amusement parks, marinas, miniature golf

71 . Table xxv . (continued)

Definitions and Intensity of Gene rate s Development

Recreation Medium Golf course Large land use need Parks, playgrounds Parking Open fairground Traffic Passive recreation Noise Open playgrounds, baseball diamonds Movie theatre

Recreation Low Mini park Pedestrians Tot lots Parking

Transport, C.U. High Railroad right-of-way Large land need RR shops, repair, storage Traffic Motor freight terminal C depot Noise Bus terminal C depot Air pollution Taxi terminal Water pollution Airport Odor Sewage Treatment Plant Power plant Power lines Highway thruway - limited access Radio C TV Tower - interchanges

Transport, C.U. Medium Small treatment plant Land need Utility right-of-way above ground Noise Parking garage or lot Possible water pollution Television station Air pollution Radio station Traffic Arterial, open access highway

Transport, C.U. Low Small generator Traffic Underground utility Parking Collector streets Land Small parking lot Air pollution

Agricultural High Large dairy farm Large land need Large cropland Water pollution Large produce farm Odor Forestry

Agricultural Medium Medium, dairy, crop, produce Land .need Water pollution Odor

Agricultural Low Truck farm Land need Stables Odor

72 1

LAND USE CONFIGURATIONS (1985 and 2000)

Public workshops were conducted by the Blair Township Planning Commission to gather public opinion on the desired future direction of Blair Township. One point stressed by workshop participants was the conservation of farmland and the preservation of a rural atmosphere in Blair Township.

Agricultural land is unique because the land is suitable for farming and is also suitable for development. Agricultural land is usually well drained, shallow sloped and cleared, presenting few conservation problems and reasonable construc- tion costs for new development. Agricultural land in close proximity to existing developing centers is being pressured into development, while more rural areas of li' farmland are still secure. Agricultural areas close to development are also close to utilities and, services which are other incentives for the developer. Blair Township officials recognize that unguided growth is occuring in agri- cultural areas. Planned development around existing centers leads to an I efficient use of land, services and utilities and the conservation of the more rural areas in the township. Centralization of development in environmentally 'I sound areas is the major planning concept carried throughout this plan. Centers of existing development that also have adjacent developing land areas are located in the Penn Farms Estates area, Loop Area, Reservoir Road area, McKee/Vicksburg/Brooks Mills area and the area adjacent to Newry. Also the land between Duncansville and Newry Borough and along both sides of U.S. Route 220 exemplifies an elongated center of commercial and industrial development.

Nine (9) centers, with areas of developable land adjacent to existing development are displayed on Plate XIV. 1 Centers 1, 4, 6, and 7 are presently residential centers. Center 1 is served by water and sewer. Centers 1, 4, 6, and 7 are constrained by either flood plain or steep slope or both. Proposed residential development has been I allocated to existing centers 1, 4, 6, and 7. Center 2 is presently industrial/commercial in nature. Easy access to major transportation routes, presence of large areas of developable land, exist- 1 ing industrial/commercial firms, plus isolation by natural barriers are factors which make Center 2 suitable for further industrial/commercial expansion.

Center 5 is also located near major transportation routes, isolated by natural and man made barriers, and located in an area containing large areas of developable land. Buffer zones are outlined on the proposed land use plans i between the proposed industrial and the existing residential development. Center 3, the area surrounding Newry Borough, is presently composed of residential, heavy industry, agricultural land, cemetaries and recreational 1 facilities. Major transportation routes cross this area. A proposed relocated, reconstructed Route 220 limited access highway corridor is located east of Newry Borough. Flood prone soil covers the area south of Newry Borough. Eliminating all flood prone land, steep slope areas adjacent to the proposed

I73 Route 220 corridor and existing development leaves little developable land ad- jacent to the existing center of Newry Borough. Eliminating proposed residential and other similar land uses because of the flight paths of the Blue Knob Air- port facility, only commercial land use is suited to this area. This would be compatible with the existing heavy industrial and commercial development. I Hollidaysburg Borough and Duncansville Borough Centers are the largest developing centers adjacent to Blair Township. These concentrations of de- velopment support the Township of Blair by providing employment, recreational, I educational, and cultural opportunities and in many cases provides services such as water, sewer, fire, and police protection to the residents of Blair Township. Centralization of additional development for Blair Township in close proximiti to Hollidaysburg and Duncansville Boroughs would be advantageous to the future I of Blair Township. In some cases this was not possible because of conflicts with environmental criteria (steep slope and flood plain) and sound planning principals (compatible adjacent land uses). Centers 1 (Penn Farms Area), 2 (ex- i isting U. S. Route 22C. Area), and 7 (Loop Area) are proposed with the direct influence of the large centers of Hollidaysburg and Duncansville in mind. I Proposed Route 220 Area --

The envircnmental impact of the proposed Route 220 from Duncansville to Leamersville makes this area unsuitable for residential development in its I immediate vicinity. The corridor crosses farmland, vacant and wooded land. The amount of inter-county traffic presently using existing route 220 should decrease when proposed Route 220 is constructed. Local traffic will continue to use 1 existing Route 220. Between existing Route 220 and the proposed corridor of 220 there is a strip of land presently occupied by single family residential structures. The impact of the two major arterials eventually cause deterior- t ation of the existing residential properties, and the impact renders this area less suitable for new residential construction. Therefore, tlopen space", to act as a buffer zone between the highway and existing development, is proposed for this area. R

Land use proposed for Blair Township is geared to promote a maximum con- servation and at the same time development policy. Conservation of all flood 1 prone and steep slope lands in Blair Township is viewed as a future source of recreational and agricultural development, as well as a protection against future loss of real estate. Conservation of the flood prone areas is viewed as one way to promote and conserve existing agricultural development. I

Other areas of potential conflict between adjacent land uses are, in the plan, proposed as open space areas, specifically in Centers 2 and 3, 5, 6, and an area I along the Catfish Road.

Refer to Plate XIII, Flood Plain and Steep Slope, for areas in Blair Town- ship suited for conservation and preservation. 1

Acreage proposed to be developed for recreation purposes is specifically projected from existing recreation acreage in Blair Township and is proposed in I Centers 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7. This acreage is in addition to the non-specific open space proFosals. To promote harmony among existing development, future development and & the natural environment, the mixing of incompatible land uses is discouraged. Incompatible land uses are identified by the impact each use has on ethers. Im- m

74 pacts are judged by defining the results or by-products of each land use (see .Table XXV) and evaluating the effect of those by-prcducts on the other land uses. The results of this evaluation are summarized in ChartXXIV .

Land use plans for the years 1985 and 2000 are depicted on Plates XV and XVI respectively. The land use plans incorporate public input, and are based upon the goals and policies summarized above.

75 BLAIR TOWNSHIP ACREAGE PROJECTIONS BY LAND USE

The following land use projections are based upon existing and projected population estimates * and the 1977 Land Use Survey Update conducted by the I Blair County Planning Commission.

Table xxv~

Land Use 1977 Additional 1985 Total 1985 Additional 2000 Total 2000 Existing Acreage Plotted Acre age Acreage Plotted Acreage Acreage

Residential Single Family 724.75 151.99** 876.74"" 111.55** 988.29**

**Multi Family 15.85 , 2.95 18.80 2.65 21.45 Mobile Homes 109.97 4.83 114.80 4.27 119.07 Commerci a1 67.08 11.41 78.48 12.18 90.66 Industrial 40.20 4.09 44.29 4.09 48.38 Recreational 14.2 5 2.42 16.67 2.59 19.26

Source: 1977 Land Use Survey Update, Blair County Planning Commission/l978 Blair County Planning Commission population projections. *Detailed information relating to population projections and methodology is on file at the Blair County Planning Commission office. **Includes institutional projections, and highway right-of-way projections.

***Transient Lodgings and group quarters [Existing acreage 8.41 and 4.21 acres respectively are not projected and are not included within the totals. The above projected land use is depicted on Plates XV and XVI. I

76 BLAIR TOWNSHIP

PLATE XIV

77 BLAIR TOWNSHIP

Industrial Y\ mopen Space \ -4 0 Recreation &Proposed Route 220

PLATE XV 78 I 1 BLAIR TOWNSHIP

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT\ RESIDENTIAL

=single Fami ly =Mobile Home Mu Iti family

Commercial Industrial mopen Space Recreation -Proposed Route 220 PLATE XVI 79 CHAPTER XI

COMMUN ITY FACILITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY PLAN

I I I COFIBIUNITY FACILITIES and ENVIRONP~lENTAL QUALITY PLAN b Recreation The township of Blair has few highly clcveloped recreational facilities within its municipal boundaries, but this is consistcnt with the citizens' I wisd to retain the rural atmosphere of Elair Tomship. Large developed facil- ities are accessible to the majority of residents of Blair Tomship. Ex- amples of developed facilities in adjoining municipalities .include, I but are not limited to: the Dell Delight Legion Parlc, Blairrnont Country Club, Dysart Park, and the YMCA in Hollidaysburg Borough; Canoe Creek State Parlc and the Scotch Valley Golf Course in Frankstorm Township; the Meadows Driving I Range and Pine Ridge Golf Course in Allegheny Township.

Blair Township's wooded land, in some cases, offers small and large game I hunting in season.

The recreational proposals for Blair Township are of two types. The first I type proposed is developed recreational areas in the growing residential ten- ters. This could include tcnnis/basltetball/volleyball courts, baseball fields, 02 tot-lots and similar pre-school and elementary age play areas. This might I also include recreational sports such as swimming, roller and ice skating. However, because of the availability of large developed recreational facilities in adjoining municipalities, the proposals for Blair Township emphasize out- I door courts, play fields or tot-lots to serve each growth ccntcr.

The second type of recreational proposal is the utilization of the stcep slope areas of Blair Township for less 5n-l;ensive outdoor recreational purposes. This type of recreation includcs camping, hiking, hunting, cross country ski- ing and possibly snow mobile and 'dirt bike tracks in -specified areas. Rec- I reational uses of this nature will be encouraged by the tormship in an cnvir- u onmentally sound manner.

I A municipal building site is presently being sought for the construction of a ccntrally located facility which will house offices and meetliig--.co_oms1.- for Blair Township officials. This facility would also provide space for-a cornunity I meeting room and act as a base for police operations. 7.- i Historic Sites

There are few known iiistorical sites in Blair Township. it is recommended 1 that existing historic sites be protected, especially the.IIolliday Grave Site. This site, because of proximity to developing housing sites, it vulnerable to damage. The township should consider historic 'district zoning. I

80 I i Sewer and Water

With the ever-growing population of Blair Township,.new housing sites are developing, creating certain utility needs unique to more densely populated areas.

Sewer and water services are of the utmost importance in densely populated areas. The developing centers of Blair Township were described above. The I timing and proposed areas of sewer and water service are depicted on Plates XVII and XVIII.

I * Most fire protection in the township is provided through the use of pumper and tanker fire trucks. It is a logical protective measure to incorporate pumper fire hydrants along all new water mains serving areas where few or no I hydrants exist. This practice is now being incorporated into the new Blair Gap water supply system for the Penn Farma area.

/ I Future water service by the Blair Gap Water Supply Company is feasible in all areas of Blair Township except the "Hamil's Hill'' area, a mountain located behind Penn Farms development and east of existing U.S. Route 220. This is due to the difference in the elevation of this area as compared to Blair Gap's water supply.

The borough of Hollidaysburg is now under edict by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to serve certain portions of Blair Township if required. These areas are very small, and have little potential for future development because of land use planning criteria such as steep slope, and flood plain. It is unlikely that Hollidaysburg Borough would extend the service area in the near future due to water pressure problems. Therefore, it is recommended that II Blair Township investigate the possibilities of developing additional sources of water supplies and/or purchasing and improving the existing Hollidaysburg Borough owned reservoir (above the Reservoir Road Area) and water line system in I Blair Township to serve developing areas of Blair Township. The Reservoir Road Area and the Loop Area, two areas steadily developing and facing environmental I.health problems, should be considered for water service within the near future. Future sewer service for Blair Township is dependent upon the future treat- ment capacities of existing sewage treatment plants in neighboring municipalities I and the possibility of a regional treatment plant in the Kladder Station area. Presently, Hollidaysburg Borough is accepting customers from Blair Township. However, the township of Blai? or private developers must connect from the de- I sired service area to Hollidaysburg Borough's existing system. Duncansville Borough is presently not permitted to accept additional customers for their I municipal sewage treatment plant outside of municipal boundaries. Approximately 25% of the county's existing population of 135,35$ persons is dependent upon well water supplies. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has found approximately two-thirds of these to be unsatisfactory, primarily

I 1. 1970 U.S. Census of Population

I 81 due to inadequate on lot sewage treatment. In 1965, the Department of Health also conducted a reconnaissance soil survey to determine the spil suitability for individual sewage disposal systems and the potential of ground water . contamination in these soils. The Loop Area of Blair Township is one developing center that needs immediate atkention to preserve the health and welfare of the residents. I The following table describes the timing and location of service areas proposed for Blair Township. I

BLAIR TOWNSHIP Table XXvII I Proposed Timing and Location of Sewer and Water Service Areas I Sewer Service Areas Years 0- 5 6-10 11-20 I Penn Farms Area X X Loop Area X X 1

' Reservoir Road Area X X Newry Borough/Kladder I Station Area X Land Adjacent-to Newry Borough 6, Kladder Station X North Existing U.S. Route 220 Area X I Brooks Mill Area X Water 'ervic e I Penn Farms Area X Loop Area X Reservoir Road Area I Newry Borough/Kladder Station Area I Land Adjacent to Newry Borough and Kladder Station Area I North Existing U.S. Route 220 Area I Brooks Mill Area

82 I BLAIR TOWNSHIP

n SCALE: 1"=3,400' DATE : YARCH,1978 PREPARED BY BLAIR COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

PLATE XVll 83' BLAIR TOWNSHIP I

I I I I I I

11 TO 20 YEARS I PLATE XVlll 84 I I I I I I I CHAPTER XI1 TRANSPORTATION I PLAN

I I I I I I

I I TRANSPORTATION PLAN

One of the major sections of Blair Township's Comprehensive Plan is the section -which provides for the .efficient and safe movement of people and goods I within and through the township. Traffic problems occur when improvements to highways do not parallel the rise in automobile ownership. Highways in many cases provide not only access I to adjoining land but also provide on street parking. This, plus other factors, such as blind curves, narrow cartways, inadequate road shoulders and poor signalization and lighting, contribute to the problems of congestion, delay and lI traffic hazards. Since traffic congestion is detrimental to the economic growth and development of an area, not to mention the hazards to the residents of Blair Township, it is the concern of Blair Township to take measures to alleviate I these problems. Basic highway design standards should be met to lessen these problems in the developing centers of Blair Township. Sufficient off street parking in all I cases of new development should be provided and required in preliminary plans before construction takes place. Parking along arterials or collectors should be avoided. Lines of sight from a property's exit and entrance to local and I collector streets should be clear. Minimum grade and sufficient width of new local road systems should be consistent to provide easy maintainance, delivery I of goods, and safety. With the construction of the relocated and reconstructed limited access U.S. Route 220 proposed for Blair Township, an opportunity will be present to improve highway safety conditions along existing U.S. Route 220. The proposal of a buffer zone of open space along the eastern side of existing U.S. Route 220 will- alleviate somewhat the entrance and exit problems of the remainder of the commercial establishments along the route. This proposal will, if imple- I mented, provide a safer thoroughfare for inter-township traffic. This will not necessitate a higher speed posting, but the flow of traffic will be more I consistant and smooth. Along with this problem of a consistant flow of traffic along the length of existing U.S. Route 220, is the problem of existing traffic tie ups in the II more southern commercial area; specifically, the area to the south of Newry Borough. A signalization system is needed to provide safe access from the principal arterial north, and south to the local road system and Leidy's Market I Area. The area closest to the br2dge is not recommended for this safety fea- ture because of the poor line of sight and stopping distances from the Newry Borough Area.

I Another large area of traffic congestion is located around the Sam Rea Shops. Recommended solutions to this problem include the widening of the curve that begins in the Loop area of Blair Township, installation of signal- I ization, or the use of one way entrances to alleviate congestion. It is obvious that in this specific case, no parking along the minor collector through the Loop Area should be permitted. Since this congestion of traffic originates

85 in Hollidaysburg Borough, it would be to the township's advantage to initiate discussion concerning this safety and traffic flow problem with the borough of Hollidaysburg and all concerned parties.

The inadequacy of public transportation is a problem not only for the rural communitfes of Blair Township, but also for the adjoining boroughs of Duncans- ville and Hollidaysburg. To determine the need for public transportation of the general nature, a survey of the need and feasibility of additional service should be undertaken.

It is noted in the "Transportation Plan for Handicapped and Elderly Persons1!, published in 1978 by the Blair County Planning Commission, that there are 215 elderly people in Blair Township (persons 65 years of age and older) according to the 1970 U.S. Census of Population. There are also 136 disabled persons, as identified by the 1970 Census, in Blair Township. There is a need for special services for elderly and handicapped persons, and this need is addressed in the previously mentioned "Transportation Plan for Handicapped and Elderly Persons". The coordinated Transportation/Escort Service detailed in the above plan is only one non-profit organization offering specialized transportation services to Blair Township. The Community Action Rural Transit (CART) program, operated by the Blair County Economic Opportunity Council, provides services for the rural areas of Blair County. The CART program is limited to persons with income at poverty level or below. Trip purposes are also limited as identified in the "Transportation Plan for Handicapped and Elderly Persons". The Easter Seal Society transports handicapped children with no means of transportation, to and from the Easter Seal Society's location. The Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens (PARC) provides some transpor- tation for mentally disabled citizens. An increasingly elderly population in Blair County is projected to increase the overall need for specialized trans- portation services for those who are unable to use standard means of transpor- tation. In future years, this situation may also hold true for Blair Township.

Presently, Blair Township residents who are in need of specialized transpor- tation are eligible for service through referral to the Transportation/Escort I Service. Accessibility to standard public transportation for those who can use it, however, is considerably more limited. A detailed survey is required to determine the need for standard public transportation in Blair Township. I

86 ‘I I I , D

CHAPTER XI11

I PLAN t ECONOMIC I I 1 I I I & & ECONOMIC PLAN One goal for Blair Township is to strengthen and stabilize the economic I base, thereby providing a strong basis for the continued growth and dev- elopment of Blair Township. The means for accomplishing this goal include assisting-in the retention of existing industries and to attract new industry I by reserving appropriate sites for economic development. The desire to retain a rural atmosphere was emphasized by the Blair Township citizens, and a goal is therefore to retain the highest quality agricultural lands and to relieve development pressures on these rural farm lands. The township I visualizes using environmentally sensitive areas (such as steep slope areas) for environmentally sound recreational industries. It is now evident that the population and work force is increasing in Blair Township. It would be I to the economic benefit of the community as a whole to provide more employment opportunities in Blair Township for Blair Township's residents. I Blair Township's employment projections are based on the County's pro- jected growth in employment from the year 1975 to 1985 and 2000 by Standard I Industrial Code (SIC) categories. Table XXVIII I Employment Projections

Blair County Blair Township

1975-85 Percent 1985-2000 Percent 1975 1985 2000 Change by SIC Change by SIC No. No. No. I SIC Code Categories Categories Categories Employees Employees Employees

Mining 5.85 2.84 2 2 2 I Contract construction 39.71 5.76 173 242 2 56 Food Manuf. C Process. 10.64 9.62 49 54 59 Machinery manuf. 10.47 9.48 8 9 10 Trans. C M.F. Service 10.18 4.84 303 334 3 50 I Whole C Ret. Trd. 8.70 4.17 218 237 247 Finance, ins., real est. 12.32 15.60 15 17 19 Services 5.85 2.84 31 33 34 I Public Administration 2.50 3.22 629 645 665 1 Total Employees ...... 1,428 1,573 1,642 Source: 1975 Bureau of Employment Security/l977 Blair County Planning Commission Employment Projections.

I Total change in employees for 1975 to 1985 = +145 Total change in employees for 1985 to 2000 = + 69 Total change in,employees for 1975 to 2000 = +214

The largest projected increase seen for the future (1975-2000) is in the category of Contract Construction; an increase of 83 employees or 48 percent of the contract construction categories.

a7 I I I 1 , I I CHAPTER XIV HOUSING PLAN I

I I I 1 I I HOUSING PLAN

This section of the Comprehensive Plan for Blair Township summarizes I the projected housing needs for the township.

Information regarding population change, and population characteristics I is required in order to realistically project housing needs. Using the cohort survival methodology, which considers population characteristics and past-trends, the Blair County Planning Commission prepared population proj- I ections for Blair Township, for the period 1980 through 2000. The projected population was then used to calculate projected housing units. The pro- jection was prepared by dividing the population projected for each time I period by the projected number of persons per housing unit. The following table summarizes the projected number of housing units which will be needed in Blair Township. The number of housing units in 1977 I was obtained through the land use survey conducted by the Blair County Plan- ning Commission, 1975-1977. I Table XXIX Housing Unit Projections I Blair Township

.Projected Person/Housing .Housing Unit I Year Population Unit Growth (Existing) 1977 4333 3.08 1409 1980 4807 2.98 1613 1985 5070 2.80 1811 I 1990 5332 2.77 1925 2000 5857 2.70 2169 I Source: Blair County Planning Commission

I Housing Projections Housing Projections take into consideration a number of factors which operate' on the housing market with varying degrees of intensity. Population I growth, availability of developable land, family income, accessibility to jobq store% and schools are some of the influencing factors. I Blair Township has experienced a high percentage of growth by increasing its housing stock by 35 percent from 1960 to 1970 and 46 percent from 1970 to 1977. The township, which is also well located, is expected to experience continued population increase. Housing in Blair Township is expected, to increase by an additional 34 percent by the year 2000.

88 I*

b Table XXX Housing Projections By Type of Unit I Blair Township (1985-2000) Change I Type 1977 1985 2000 1977-2000 Single Family Residential 1013 1315 1584 +571

I Multi Family

Two Family 18 23 28 +10 I 3-4 Family 79 103 124 +45 5+ Family 5 6 7 +2 I Mobile Homes 233 3 03 365 +132 Transient Lodging 61 Not projected Not projected -

I Group Quarters 2 Not projected Not projected - I TOTAL 1409 1750 2108 Source: Blair County Planning Commission t ~ Housing Needs I In addition to the number of housing units projected as a result of market conditions, there is a need to construct an additional number of units to replace units which should be demolished due to their delapidated con- .I ditions. Also relocated, U.S. Route 220 highway construction scheduled for Blair Township represents another potential source of housing displacement. Construction has been temporarily suspended pending stabilization of the motor vehicle license funds; however, seventeen (17) units have been iden- I tifledfor displacement by the highway. There is no other major project which will require replacement housing.

I In.-additjontothe preceding short and long-term growth demands, there is a need to replace six (6) units that are beyond rehabilitation due to their I delapidated condition. It must be emphasized that any demolition program should be coordinated with new construction in order that sufficient replacement housing is available I when needed. & I I 89 I

I I I I I I CHAPTER XV I HUMAN SERVICES PLAN

I I I I I I HUMAN SERVICES

Human services are an interrelated set of activities performed to alle- viate particular human problems or prevent particular human problems from oc- curring. A human service is most often established as an organizational unit within private or public agencies. Examples of human services include visiting I nurses who provide services to individuals in the individual's home, specialized transportation for handicapped persons, counseling services, and programs such as Meals on Wheels, which bring meals to many who cannot prepare them. I

There are presently eighty .(80) units providing human services in Blair County. Some of the service providers are social service agencies; others are I private nonprofit organizations. None of the service providers are based in Blair Township, but Blair Township residents are eligible for many of the human services provided in Blair County. I At present, Blair County lacks a human services plan for the county. At the,request of the Board of Commissioners of Blair County, the Blair County Plan- ning Commission has initiated a human services planning effort. The human ser- I vices planning effort began with the preparation of a work program to guide efforts, and has now entered into the inventory stage. During the inventory stage, human service providers and the services they provide will be identified, I and a common language will be used to describe services. This information will then be used to aid in assessing where gaps occur in human services, and in iden- tifying potential overlapping or duplication of services. Until this effort is completed for the entire county, the human service delivery effort will remain I as it is at present. When the human services plan is completed, any services specifically identified for Blair Township residents will be incorporated into the provisions of this section of the Comprehensive Plan for Blair Township.

The need for human services can be projected from population characteristics. Blair Township's population shows a large number of males and females in the age I cohorts of 25-34, 35-44, and 45-54. There is also a sizeable population which . ranges in age from 5-14. On the other hand, the population of persons aged 55 and above is considerably smaller. Blair Township's present population appears to be mainly families with children, rather than older persons. Therefore, those I human services which may be needed by elderly persons (specialized transportation, home nursing and chore services, Meals on Wheels programs, and similar services) are probably not greatly needed by Blair Township residents. On the other hand, I services for families with children (day care services, recreational activities, job training activities, and similar services) may be needed by Blair Township residents. The site of such services may not need to be Blair Township; however, eligibility of Blair Township residents for such services (if the services are I provided) should be assured. Another means of determining the need for human services is the economic I strength of a population, measured in terms of income. The median income of Blair Township in 1970 was $8,397, as reported in the U. S. Census of Population. This is above the census definition of poverty for a nonfarm family. However, some residents of Blair Township earn less than the median income. In addition, I eligibility for human services based on income varies from agency to agency.

90

_. Therefore, a need for human services related to income deficiencies (school lunch programs, transportation, low interest loans and grants for housing rehabilitation, Economic Opportunity Council programs, and similar services) may be present in Blair Township. I At the present time, the need for particular human services in Blair Town- ship has not been clearly established. When the Blair County Human Services Plan has been prepared, any particular service needs of the township's popula- tion may be identified, and incorporated into this section of the Comprehensive I Plan for Blair Township. In the interim, it is recommended that the Board of Supervisors of Blair Township look favorably upon private or public proposals for day care centers and/or recreational facilities for children in the townsh%p, ~I because of the age make up of the township population.

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91 f I I CHAPTER XVI IMPLEMENTATION I t I I~ I 1 I I 1. b IMPLEMENTATION The success of any planning effort is dependent upon the effective I implementation of the recommendations presented in each section of the comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan provides guidance for a municipality seeking to direct future development, but a comprehensive plan I is not a law. However, implementation measures such as building codes and zoning ordinances do have the force of law. Adoption of implementation measures which are based upon the goals and policies of the comprehensive I plan serves to implement the recommendations of the plan. The direct responsibility of enforcing the majority of implementation measures available to a municipality rests with the elected officials. One I tool of implementation - subdivision regulations - is implemented through the planning commission. I Implementation measures available to a municipality include: building and housing codes, the zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, capital improvements program, Act 537 plan review, and measures such as public I education. I Building and Housing Codes A building code is a legal document which sets forth requirements to protect the public health, safety and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures. This is achieved by setting minimum acceptable standards for those portions or aspects of structures regarded to be in need of regulation. Areas of regulation may include exits, fire protection, wastewater facilities, design of the I' structure, ventilation, and light. Building codes become necessary when the density of development in a municipality increases, or when persons other than the owners of a structure occupy the structure or use the structure. With a building code, a municipality such as Blair.Township can protect residents and those employed in the township from the dangers of fire, flooding, structural collapse, and unsanitary conditions.

Building codes are classified as either "specification" codes or "performancettcodes. The specification code describes in detail exactly those materials which shall be used in construction, the required size and distance between units, and the permitted methods of assembling units. A I performance code prescribes the required objective which must be accomplished by those constructing a structure, and allows those constructing the building I to choose'materials and construction methods which will meet the objective. IGeorge N. Thompson, Preparation and Revision of Building Codes, U. S. Department of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards, Building Materials and Structures Report BMS 116 (Washington: U. S. Government Printing Office, 1949) p. 2, as cited in Richard L. Sanderson, Codes and Code Administration, Building Officials Conference of America, Inc. (Chicago: Building Officials Conference of America, 1969) p. 13

I' 92 Blair Township presently has a building permit ordinance which regulates construction in flood hazard areas. The ordinance requires elevation of structures to a level which is one (1) foot*above the flood elevation, flood proofing of structures to minimize damage to the structure and its neighbors, I and limitations to basement and first floor usage. This building permit ordinance will be further modified following the completion of the Floodplain Information Study of Blair Township presently being conducted by a consultant for the Federal Insurance Administration, Department of Housing and Urban I Development. At that point, the Blair Township building permit ordinance will be amended to exclude construction from the floodway, (that portion of the one hundred year (100) floodplain through which the flood waters pass) and to I carefully regulate development in the floodway fringe (the remainder of the 100 year floodplain.) I Adoption of a building code which regulates other aspects of construction - such as ventilation, exits, and fire protection - will also assist in implementing the health and safety objectives of the Comprehensive Plan for Blair Township. It is recommended that a general building code, based on the model code of the I Building Officials Conference of America, Inc'orporated (BOCA) be enacted by Blair Township in the future. I Housing codes serve as maintenance codes which assure minimum levels of safety in structures. Often, housing codes are a part of building codes. I Separate housing codes are more frequently enacted at the present time. Adoption of a housing code is also recommended for Blair Township, to assist in the implementation of the housing goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan for Blair Township. Enforcement of these codes is the responsibility of a code enforcement officer designated by Blair Township. The code enforcement officer may also I be the Township secretary; however, as development increases, a housing and building inspector is required to assure compliance with the codes. Townships or townships and boroughs may elect to jointly employ such inspectors in order I to reduce the cost of enforcement to each municipality. I Zoning Ordinance A zoning ordinance is a legal document which divides a municipality into districts, and regulates how the land may be used in each district. Unlike a I building code, which regulates only how a structure may be constructed, a zoning ordinance regulates where a land use may take place, and how that land use must be spaced, its permitted height, and coverage of land, &ong other I factors. The objectives of the zoning ordinance should be the goals, policies, and objectives of the land use section of the comprehensive plan. The districts of the zoning ordinance should approximate the proposed land use classifications of the future land use map in the comprehensive plan. In this way, the zoning ordinance can be clearly related to the goals of the plan, which were prepared with the opinions of the residents of the township. Also, in this manner the zoning ordinance serves to implement the land use section of the comprehensive plan.

93 Blair Township does not presently have an adopted zoning ordinance. However, the Blair Township Planning Commission is presently preparing a zoning ordinance, at the direction of the Board of Supervisors of Blair Township. The zoning ordinance is based upon the goals, policies, and objectives of the comprehensive plan, and will therefore serve as an effective means of implementing the land use policies of the comprehensive plan.

Enforcement of the provisions of the zoning is the responsibility of the Zoning Officer, who is appointed by the Board of Supervisors of Blair Township. The Zoning Officer may be a governmental employee already in the township's employ, but the Zoning Officer cannot hold elective office. Further, the Zoning Officer may only issue permits or check for violations of the ordinance. The Zoning Officer has no discretion in the matter of issuing permits; appeals of the Zoning Officer's actions, requests for variances or special exceptions, or other actions must be resolved by the Zoning Hearing Board.

The Zoning Hearing Board is composed of three (3) members appointed by the Board of Supervisors of Blair Township. One (I) member of the Zoning Hearing Board may also be a member of the Blair Township Planning Commission. It is recommended that Blair Township adopt the zoning ordinance being prepared by the Blair Township Planning Commission, in order to effectively implementthe land use policies of the Comprehensive Plan for Blair Township.

Subdivision Regulations Subdivision regulations govern the transformation of land to residential areas. These regulations are formulated to insure an orderly development pattern which protects and promotes the health and safety of municipal residents. Subdivision regulations may contain regulations governing permissable slopes for development, especially road development; requirements governing right-of-way, cartway, and surface of roads; requirements for such utilities as interceptor sewers and public 'water lands; and requirements for the reservation and maintenance of open space, among other requirements.

Blair Township does not presently have an enacted set of subdivision regulation When the Board of Supervisors of Blair Township wish advice while reviewing proposed subdivisions prior to granting building permits, the Supervisors presently request subdivision reviews of an advisory nature from the Blair County Planning Commission. However, the County Planning Commission reviews are advisory only, and subdivision permits are not issued. It is suggested that the Board of Supervisors of Blair i Township instruct the Blair Township Planning Commission to prepare subdivision regulations based upon the goals, policies, and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan for Blair Township, and the model Subdivision and Land Development Regulations I prepared by the Blair County Planning Commission. When adopted by Blair Township, subdivision regulations may be enforced by the Blair Township Planning Commission, or the township may elect to assign the review powers to the Blair County Planning I Commission.

94 I b Capital Improvements Program The capital improvements program is a listing of all proposed and recommended improvements that are presented in the comprehensive plan, with the projects listed I by type, and the agency responsible for implementing the project and manner of proposed financing documented. Projects in a capital improvements program are prioritized and scheduled to distribute costs over a number of years. The capital I improvements program may be divided into major classifications, according to the category of the improvement - for example, transportation improvements may be listed in one section, and community facility improvements may be listed in a I second section. Within the framework of a capital improvements program, a five (5) year capital budget may be prepared. The capital budget, containing those projects I which are recommended for accomplishment in the next five (5) years, can be used by a municipality to program capital improvements.

ft is recommended that Blair Township prepare and adopt a capital improvements 1 program and capital budget, to assist in the i'mplementation of capital improvements I recommended in the Comprehensive Plan for Blair Township. Act 537 Plan Review I Each municipality in Pennsylvania is required to prepare and adopt an "Official Plan" for the management of wastewater, in compliance with the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act (Act 537). Blair Township has adopted the Areawide Water ani Sewer Plan prepared by the Blair County Planning Commission t and the Interim Water Quality Management Plan for Southcentral Blair County

amending0 the Areawide Water and Sewer Plan. In addition. the ComDrehensive Plan for Blair Township also includes a section detailing plans for serving I portions of Blair Township, and the phasing of each extension of sewer service.

Pennsylvania law requires a municipality to review private proposals for I development which may require amendments or supplements to the adopted official Plan of the municipality.

The Board of Supervisors of Blair Township may elect to request the Blair I Township Planning Commission to review such proposals for development, and report to the Board of Supervisors, or the Board may undertake such a review. The review itself is a means of implementing the wastewater management proposals of I the Comprehensive Plan for Blair Township.

I Public Education The most carefully prepared plan, with the most accurate maps, may not be implemented if the public for which the plan has been prepared was not consulted I during plan preparation, or fails to understand and support plan provisions.

During the preparation of the Comprehensive Plan for Blair Township, two (2) public workshops were conducted to inform the public of the basic information b gathered about Blair Township, (growth patterns, soil characteristics, housing types and numbers.) and to gather public opinion on desired futures for Blair Township. The workshops followed a format of table top discussions involving I citizens, and responding to questionnaires. I 95 Planning is a continuous process, requiring review of plans in light of development trends, additional information or population and housing trend changes. As a plan is reviewed so must the public continue to be involved in the planning process. Implementation tools such as zoning ordinances, building codes, and subdivision regulations cannot be made to work, or cannot be adopted, if a lack of public involvement in planning leads to public misunderstanding or rejection of implementation measures. I Blair Township has an excellent record of public education and involvement in planning, and it is recommended that this effort continue, in order to assure the implementation of township'goals. I I I I I I

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I ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT I t- I I I I I I d I ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT & Summary of Proposed Plan The proposed land use plan includes policies with regard to where growth

I should and should not take place. The plan further indicates graphically at a I scale of 1" = 3,400' areas which should not be encouraged to develop because of the presence of one or more of the following environmentally sensitive factors: I flood plain (or flood plain soil in the absence of a detailed study defining the location of the 100 year flood plain), steep slope (slope of 25% or greater),

I major watershed which provides drinking water or other major water use to a 1 developed area, gamelands, historically or archaeologically significant areas, ecologically sensitive areas such as marsh areas, and prime agricultural land. I In addition, the plan includes maps, at a scale of 1" = 3,400', which depict proposed future development patterns for the years 1985 and 2000. These maps

I indicate the type and intensity of proposed development, and the two together de- 1) pict the proposed timing. The development patterns were prepared to illustrate the goals and policies of the land use plan, and are consistent with the maps I depicting areas which should not be encouraged to develop. I -Existing Environment The existing environment is regulated by the issuance of building permits

I by the governing body and the recently adopted flood plain building code ordi- 1 I nance. In the next year more detailed information on floodway boundaries will' , be available, allowing Blair Township to control the development of the flood i plain with more certainty. Blair Township, participating in the National Flood Insurance Program, needs this additional information to effectively guide develop-

I ment away from environmentally sensitive areas such as the flood plain. 1

- 97- I The growth pattern of the township is, for the major part, strip develop-

ment along existing highways. This comprehensive plan and a proposed zoning

1, ordinance will slow this prevailing pattern of growth and initiate a "centers" I development trend. The use of on-site sewage disposal systems throughout the township is regu-

I lated by the County Sanitation Office. Therefore, the severe problems of ground I water and surface water pollution from individual malfunctioning systems, or the placement of an on-site system on flood plain is partially controlled. In some I densely populated areas, ground water is presently polluted and sewer systems to these areas will be needed as development continues. The present strip de-

I velopment pattern is costly with regard to public sewer and water and roads; I the pattern places development pressures on good agricultural land, and infringes on environmentally sensitive areas. I The physical features of Blair Township include topography consisting of ridges and valleys, steep slopes which tend to channel development, the presence t of many fragile and wet soils which limit development, and large tracts of ag- I ricultural and wooded land. The central portion of the township is characterized by a fairly level plain, crossed north to south by the Frankstown Branch of the I Juniata River and several major transportation corridors. Flooding,has occurred in the past, and many areas have been identified as areas with special flood

I hazards by the Army Corps of Engineers. The areas of Brooks Mill and Vicksburg I and some areas in the T,ooplf development frequently incur flood damage. Social characteristics of Blair Township vary from suburban to rural areas. I The less developed areas are dominated by crop and dairy farming, grazing lands, and steep slope and wooded land. The northern section of Blair Township, specifi-

I cally the Penn Farms Area and the tfLoopl' area, are predominantly residential areas -. .

as are the older developed areas of Reservbir Road area and the Newry, Vicksburg, & Brooks Mill area. The majority of commercial and industrial development is I - 98- I situated in a strip pattern along U. S. Route 220 from Duncansville Borough to

Vicksburg.

& The aesthetic nature of Blair Township is very pleasing. Scenic vistas I of Hollidaysburg and wooded and farm land are available from many ridges. Un- disturbed skylines of the steep slope areas can be viewed from many of the valleys.

I Overall, a rural environment is evident in Blair Township. Without comprehensive I planning and land use control ordinances, this rural nature of the township will be further infringed upon in the future if no change in the unguided development I pattern occurs. 1 ImDact of the Environment on ProDosed Plan The above cited environmental and aesthetic factors have affected the pro- I posed plan by greatly shaping it. Areas of ecological significance or sensitivity, areas of historic significance, and areas of great beauty were carefully avoided

I for proposed uses which might negatively impact upon them. The presence of flood t plain, steep slope, and other such factors shaped the proposed plan as much as such factors as the desire to conserve prime agricultural land, the desire to I maintain high water quality in streams and the desire to reduce the cost cf public utilities. The impact of the environment on the proposed plan has therefore been

I significant, because it determined the policies of the plan and shaped the I graphic representation of the plan. I Impact of Proposed Plan on the Environment The impact of the proposed plan on the environment is predominantly bene- I ficial. The following table summarizes the anticipated environmental effects I of the proposed plan: 8 I - 99- I Environmental Assessment Proposed Land Use Plans XXXI

-9 - x d a a 4: E e, Areas of Environmental Impact k e, Q) an +, I [II e, 0 w cd : 2 z a, a, afl sl k ;"u II) F: u 0 e, 0 G a, 0 0 I 4 H cl z R I Flood Plain X Fragile Soils X X

I Water Quality X X X - I Air Quality X X -. -. ~ ~~ - Noise Level X X X I - X Population - I Housing X X

Historic Preservation X X X - Road Safety X X I - Economy X X

~~ I Steep Slopes X X - * * * I Erosion 6, .Sedimentation X X 7 Aesthetics X X X X

I 7 - Social Environment X X - I Prime Rural Agricultural Land X X - - I Agricultural Land X X I - X X E I I -100- I These anticipated impacts resulted from the policies of the land use plan, b which stress not encouraging development in the following areas: flood plain areas (or flood plain soils), major watersheds, steep slopes, prime rural ag- I ricultural land, ecologically significant areas, fragile soils, areas of historic and archaeological significance. The policies of the land use plan stress en-

I couraging development first in vacant land adjacent to developed areas, then in I forested or lower quality agricultural land adjacent to developed areas, to con- trol the high cost of roads, sewers, and public water as well as preserving the I quality of water. Buffer areas are planned adjacent to highways and industry, and proposed residential development is set back from noise sources and buf-

I fered, to assure compliance with HUD noise guidelines (Circular 1390.2).

Alternatives to the ProDosed Plan R ~ The policies of the proposed plan permit several configurations of land use.

I The maps depict the best alternatives, given soil characteristics and other t limitations, as well as public input received on the plans. Within the poli- cies, several alternatives were therefore possible.

I The real differences may be alternative policies. Several alternztives I were examined, ranging from no restrictions on growth to greater restrictions on use of fragile soils. A policy of no restrictions would encourage the present I strip growth pattern which is presently taking place in most areas of the town- ship. This alternative was judged to be harmful, because the current pattern I includes some use of flood plain soils, leapfrog and sprawl development which increases the costs of public utilities, use of fragile soils, and development

I of prime agricultural land. I The more strict policies were accepted mainly because of the large areas of developable land available versus the moderate increases in development pro- 4 jected for the years 1985 and 2000 land use plans. ~I I I -101- -- . ;-..._...... , ...... _. - .. I The policies included in the plan were judged to be the best alternative &: environmentally, without resulting in undue economic or social hardship.

Adverse Environmental Effects I of ProDosed Plan I I More adverse effects are anticipated if the policies of the plan are not adopted and implemented.

However, some short term adverse effects are anticipated before the long

range elements of the plan are in place. Specifically, the concentration of

development close to existing centers of development is anticipated to result

in an increase of local traffic on the existing road system. For a short per-

iod, this will be an adverse effect. However, the long range effect of the land

use plan policies on the road network will be beneficial. New roads to carry

through traffic (relocated and reconstructed 'limited access U. S. Route 220)

are proposed that will reduce traffic volume on the local roads. Centering

growth will therefore allow traffic needs locally to be met by the existing

larger local roads. If the sprawl pattern of development were encouraged to con-

tinue, smaller local roads in the outlying area would be severely overloaded.

New local roads in the rural areas would then be required to eliminate a long

range adverse effect of overloaded small local roads.

In addition, some increase in erosion and sedimentation is anticipated

during the short range, while growth occurs adjacent to the developed areas.

However, the long range effect will not be adverse, because multifamily housing

in the developed areas displaces less land than large tracts of single family

homes in rural areas.

Over the time periods covered in the plans, agricultural land acreage will

decrease. Farmland in close proximity to developing centers is being surrowded

by development.. This land under the proposed plans is suggested for development.

- 102- Rural farmland-, not centered close to developing areas, is proposed as conser-

vation/agriculture areas. This is an attempt to preserve existing rural farmland

by lessening development pressures on the land. Stabilizing of farm acreage is

projected to occur in the long term development of Blair Township.

The overall effect of the proposed land use plan is beneficial to the

environment. I

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I HISTORIC PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT I

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. . .- ._ . . __ -_ I.- -I-.- - .- .- ...... -. . . . HISTORIC PRESERVATION ASSESSMENT OF "A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR BLAIR TOWNSHIP"

Summar-\- of Proposed Plan

A Comprehensive Plan for Blair Township includes: policies indicating

where growth should take place; citations to studies, criteria, standards, and

implementing procedures for guiding major growth decisions; information on the

type, intensity, and timing of growth projected.

The policies stress usage of each parcel of land for the purpose to which

it is best suited, concentration of growth to enable the most efficient and

economical provision of community services and protection of environmentally,

historically, and archeologically important sites.

Criteria and standards used to guide decisions as to where growth shall

take place include areas identified as flood plain through hydrological studies

or flood plain soil concentrations identified by the U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation

Service, and areas identified as historically significant by local, state, and

federal sources. Historically significant and environmentally sensitive areas

were identified by the Blair County Planning Commission, acting as technical

advisor to the Blair Township Planning Commission, on a series of maps entitled

the Environmental Overview Statement (EOS). These maps were used in the prepara-

tion of policy recommendations, and in the preparation of maps depicting the I location of projected future growth, in order to assure that historically signifi- cant and environmentally sensitive areas were protected from growth pressures.

1 Implementation procedures to guide growth will include the Blair Township I1 building ordinance and a zoning ordinance presently under preparation. The zoning ordinance will be based upon the comprehensive plan. I The type of growth projected, the intensity and timing of the growth, and the proposed location of the growth, is depikted on two (2) maps which accompany

the plan. I - 104- I . -. .. __ _. .. -- - . . .-.. .- .. . . . Impact of the Proposed Plan The impact of the proposed plan will be beneficial to historically signifi- cant areas. Information on the location of historic areas is to be used to review future development proposals in order to ascertain that development will not pressure historic sites. If the proposed plans are implemented, historic sites will benefit, and will not be adversely affected,

Adverse Impacts Which Cannot Be Avoided

There are no National Register or state historical properties in Blair Township. Using the criteria of adverse effect which are listed in the Procedures

for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Properties 36 CFR 800.9, A Compre- hensive Plan for Blair Township was reviewed to determine the possibility of an adverse impact which cannot be avoided, if the proposed comprehensive plan

is adopted and implemented. Implementing the comprehensive plan for Blair Town- ship will have no additional adverse impact on the existing historically signi- ficant areas. The Tatfish House'l near Kladder Station was constructed approximately in the year 1843 and is privately owned and presently operated as a convalescent home. What remains of the existing structure is not known. The possibility of acquiring the site for preservation in the near. future is remote. The com- prehensive plan for Blair Township does recognize this site as a historically

significant area and the plan reflects this understanding. The Holliday Graves is recognized as a historical site by the Blair Township Planning Commission, the residents of Blair County, the Daughters of the American

Revolution (DAR) , and the Blair County Historical Society. DAR have placed a marker and a stone monument next to the grave. Before the drafting of this plan, the site had already been surrounded by residential development. Blair

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. . . . -. . - .-. - . . . . ._I__.__._.._ __ _.. _- .. - - -. . - ..- - -. - . .. Township is maintaining the site and has recognized the importance of preserving

the site in the historical section of A Commehensive Plan for Blair Townshin.

The site of Fort Fetter is marked by the Blair County Historical Society

and is also on private ground. No structure exists today. The Blair Township

Planning Commission recommends that historic district zoning should be investigated

to protect existing and future historical sites. The Blair Township Planning

Commission recommends preservation and protection of existing or future histori-

cally significant sites in the township by steering development away from these

sites, amending the comprehensive plan, if necessary when sites are identified, and

amending any land use control ordinance based on A Comprehensive Plan for

Blair Township.

Alternatives to the Proposed Plan and Policies

-A Comprehensive Plan for Blair Township stresses a policy of encouraging growth centers - guiding growth to areas where facilities such as sewers and water are available or more easily provided, and discouraging growth in remote

areas. The "centerst1 policy is also complemented by a policy which encourages

compatible adjacent development, and policies which seek tc preserve environmen-

tally sensitive areas, and historically and archeologically significant areas.

Two alternatives to the policies of the comprehensive plan were evaluated.

One, the corridor concept would follow one of the present development trends and encourage development to follow growth - stimulating facilities such as roads or interceptor sewers. This alternative would do little to contain the cost of

the provision of facilities such as public sewer or roads, would waste land

resources, and would do nothing to preserve or protect environmentally sensitive

and historically significant areas.

I I -106- A second alternative - a do nothing concept - allows the present pattern of strip development to continue, accompanied by a pattern of scattered or

tlleap-frogtt development. This second pattern is even more wasteful of land

and resources and provides no means of protecting historically significant or

environmentally sensitive areas.

Neither of the two alternatives evaluated were beneficial to the township

or its historic sites. Therefore, the recommended alternative was the most

beneficial:.

Federal.- I State.~-- .= and Local Controls or PromamsY for Conserving and Enhancing Historical Propertiesv

A Comprehensive Plan for Blair Township is consistent with the policies

of the updated land use element of An Areawide Comprehensive Plan for Blair

I County (Altoona SMSA). The Blair County Planning Commission, serving as the I Metropolitan Clearinghouse for Blair County (Altoona SMSA) as established under the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular No. A-95 (revised) will

address appropriate comments to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Com-

mission in an effort to coordinate development in such a manner as to assure

beneficial impacts upon future National Register properties. The Blair County

Planning Commission will also notify the Blair County Historical Society when

proposed developments may affect a state or National Register property.

At the earliest stage of planning or consideration of a proposed under-

taking, including land use control ordinances in which the proposed plans may

affect future National Register proporties or properties eligible for inclusion

on the National Register,.the Blair Township Planning Commission will comply

with requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and

Sections l(3) and 2(b) of Executive Order 11593.

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