[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 31 (Friday, February 26, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE ALTOONA CITY PLANNING COMMISSION FOR 100 YEARS OF 
                                SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 26, 2016

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Altoona City 
Planning Commission (APC) on its 100th year of service to the Altoona 
community.
  The APC was officially introduced in a 1916 ordinance, by then-mayor 
Charles E. Rhodes, during a message to City Council. Shortly after the 
official ordinance was introduced, the City Council unanimously passed 
it, thereby creating the Department of City Planning and the Altoona 
City Planning Commission. While the ordinance received unanimous 
backing from the council, it had previously faced political opposition. 
Thus, a great deal of thanks is due to those who provided concerted 
support for the planning commission's creation.
  Today, the APC consists of a seven-member Board of area residents, 
which is appointed by the Mayor. Acting in an advisory role to the City 
Council, the APC helps direct the short and long-term development of 
the city. As such, I would like to express my appreciation and that of 
Altoona's residents to all those who have served on this Board 
throughout its 100 years of existence. I believe it is also worth 
highlighting that the APC is the longest continuously operating 
planning commission in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
  I am privileged to congratulate the APC on a century of history and 
service to the Altoona community, and to thank all who have helped this 
commission continue its success.

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