On Tuesday, Altoona City Council agreed to begin eminent domain proceedings on the McCrory building following nearly a decade of code violations that have resulted in its deterioration even after the owner turned down purchase offers from two developers. City leaders want to see the property be developed, but the main argument for taking it over would be public safety. Currently, the old building is deemed to be so dangerous that the Fire Department has posted it for no entry if it burns, unless there is a clear opportunity to rescue someone inside. Now, many experts who have looked at it say they doubt the building will be salvageable if it endures another winter. Altoona City Council now plans to re-advertise its June 28 work session as a voting meeting, so it can formally authorize solicitor Tom Finn to file a notice of taking with Blair County Court.
