State College Open City Hall Topics and Digests

December 6 Statements (1 on Nuisance Gathering Ordinance, 1 on Student Home Definition)

2009-12-06T12:36:02-05:00

Nuisance Gathering Ordinance

Semi-anonymous in State College

I say maybe

More about 'Nuisance Gathering Ordinance'

Should the Borough Council enact the Nuisance Gathering Ordinance?

Student Home Definition

Sean Tweed-Kent in State College

I say no

The focus should be on enforcing existing ordinances and a new ordinance is unnecessary and discriminatory.

This new ordinance is unnecessary for two reasons. First, rental permits are granted currently only to properties sufficiently spaced from other rental properties, which protects a neighborhood's character. An additional requirement to obtain a student specific permit would not provide additional benefits, as the current spacing requirement is significant. Second, noise, property maintenance, and other ordinances already address concerns surrounding rental properties, both student and non student. If student rentals are perceived to be a problem, current ordinances could be strengthened and enforced more strictly, with larger fines and quicker revocation of rental permits.

A student specific ordinance is based on stereotypes and is discriminatory. Although student status is not a "protected" class, as is race, religion, or gender, discrimination based on student status is equally invidious, treating people as part of a group rather than as individuals. Student renters are not the problem, problem tenants and their negative impact on the neighborhood are. Let's not enact a new ordanance that is both unnecessary and discriminatory.

More about 'Student Home Definition'

Should the Borough Council enact an ordinance that prohibits owners of properties from renting rooms to more than one student without obtaining a Student Home Permit?

December 5 Statements (1 on Nuisance Gathering Ordinance, 2 on Student Home Definition)

2009-12-05T12:08:36-05:00

Nuisance Gathering Ordinance

Semi-anonymous in State College

I say yes

More about 'Nuisance Gathering Ordinance'

Should the Borough Council enact the Nuisance Gathering Ordinance?

Student Home Definition

Cricket Hunter in State College

I say maybe

I'm concerned that this may be, in effect, discriminatory. Is there a way to word it that would not specify "student," but might use another term such as "renter" without becoming too restrictive for those who rent to the "more experienced"?

For example, if owners could expect to be approved easily for an additional renter if the potential renter could provide good rental references AND the owner has been an owner-in-good-standing (not a lot of points violations) for 3 years or more, or if two renters could demonstrate that they are a committed couple (i.e. marriage certificate or the like)? obtaining a permit could be basically a rubber-stamp operation.

Well-behaved renters renting in mature owner-occupied properties do not negatively impact property values or quality of life, and it is generally good, I believe, for students to have the experience of State College as a wider community made up of more than 18-22 year olds. It's parents buying houses in students' names that causes the problems because there is still no one on-site who is invested in State College as an other-than-just-four-year community. The owner-in-good-standing clause would significantly narrow that student-owned-and-renting loophole.

Semi-anonymous in State College

I say maybe

Without exception when students move into "residential areas" (i.e. where adult taxpayers reside) the quality of the dwelling detriorates - we should attempt to deincentivize the ability for students of wealthy parents to run rooming houses and degrade our neighborhoods. However, for areas that are already student dense (e.g. West College) perhaps this ordinance is inappropriate - getting students out of the Canyon dwellings would be a healthy move and incentivizing cohabitation in smaller dwellings would be a step in the right direction. Can the ordinance be applied as a zoning ordinance?

More about 'Student Home Definition'

Should the Borough Council enact an ordinance that prohibits owners of properties from renting rooms to more than one student without obtaining a Student Home Permit?

December 4 Statements (1 on Nuisance Gathering Ordinance, 2 on Student Home Definition)

2009-12-04T09:44:58-05:00

Nuisance Gathering Ordinance

I say yes

Within reason, some kind of deterrent to activities of Borough residents that make our community unsafe and lower our quality of life needs to be enacted and enforced. I am particularly eager to see more pressure brought to bear on the landlords of "nuisance" properties since they seem to have no incentive to regulate the behaviors of the people they rent to. Fines should be levied or even imminent domain penalties should be considered in extreme cases.

More about 'Nuisance Gathering Ordinance'

Should the Borough Council enact the Nuisance Gathering Ordinance?

Student Home Definition

I say yes

The Student Home Permit could be used in conjunction with the Nuisance Ordinance to eliminate chronic nuisance properties within the Borough. With this in place, landlords will be more likely to take more responsibility for the behavior of their tenants.

More about 'Student Home Definition'

Should the Borough Council enact an ordinance that prohibits owners of properties from renting rooms to more than one student without obtaining a Student Home Permit?

December 3 Statements (4 on Nuisance Gathering Ordinance, 3 on Student Home Definition, 1 on Transportation Plan 2040)

2009-12-03T08:22:17-05:00

Nuisance Gathering Ordinance

I say no

Instead, current laws need to be enforced.

I say yes

It seems reasonable to me that anyone who creates a party (opens their premises to others with the availability of alcohol) should be responsible for the people attending the party.

I say maybe

I agree with the previous 'maybe' comments. People(including students) should be able to have parties, but there ought to be limits/boundaries as to what is appropriate and considerate of other residents. It would be nice if partygoers could cleanup the property. Landlords also have responsibilities and should encourage
students to act like good citizens.

I say maybe

The current version is too broad to include spillover activities onto adjacent properties and won't pass constitutional review, incurring legal costs. The ordinance is a good start to show young adults that independent living requires responsibility, but will need to be narrowed to party activities itself i.e. serving of liquor, noise loudness, activities outside of the house, etc.

More about 'Nuisance Gathering Ordinance'

Should the Borough Council enact the Nuisance Gathering Ordinance?

Student Home Definition

I say yes

This permit does not have to cost anything. I think it should be posted on a window at the residence like a building permit. I am so tired of borough neighbors renting to more students than they are supposed to.

I say yes

Definitely should close this loophole
and if someone wants to rent to students, great...but obtain the proper permits.

More about 'Student Home Definition'

Should the Borough Council enact an ordinance that prohibits owners of properties from renting rooms to more than one student without obtaining a Student Home Permit?

Transportation Plan 2040

Widening or adding lanes in order to increase vehicle capacity is a misguided gesture. There are loads of data nationwide that indicate that increased capacity always leads to increased volume over time, ultimately leading to the desire to further increase capacity.

Think about curing someone's obesity by giving them larger pants.

So, instead of increasing vehicular road capacity, the boro and Centre Region should be working to increase so-called alternative transportation capacity by way of increased CATA service, and significantly improved bicycle infrastructure around and throughout the downtown.

* The choice to submit this semi-anonymously was made to protect other personal interests and relationships. I've been a resident of SC Boro for 10 years.

thanks!

More about 'Transportation Plan 2040'

What are the most important transportation projects for our community? Please share your thoughts with the State College Borough Council.

December 2 Statements (2 on Nuisance Gathering Ordinance, 3 on Student Home Definition, 1 on Transportation Plan 2040)

2009-12-02T02:13:20-05:00

Nuisance Gathering Ordinance

I say maybe

I say Maybe leaning towards Yes. Do you want homeowners and retirees and families, most of whom aren't into the drinking scene but do pay taxes, to live within State College Borough -- or not? Look at our tax base: it's a financial imperative to make the Borough more attractive to such residents. Far too much of the budget is now going into the constant and only partially effective attempt to control excess drinking and related noise and other nuisance violations. It's hard to justify to Borough homeowners / taxpayers who may be out of work, or living on fixed incomes, or struggling to meet rising expenses while facing pay cuts, or sometimes working two jobs or extended hours, why so much of their tax money must be spent on policing and cleaning up after excessive leisure-time partying, whether by students or others. This just isn't right, and you could cut taxes if you cut way down on this cost. The ordinance may need some adjustment in wording (hence my vote is "maybe"), but it's time for party hosts, as well as individual party-goers, to receive a firm message, with teeth in it, that they have responsibilities not to make Borough life unpleasant or needlessly costly for their neighbors. If ordinances of this sort seem to have worked well elsewhere, let's try this approach. And don't be afraid of the threat of lawsuits. Threats of "I'll sue, if you don't do what I want" shouldn't be the basis for making Council decisions.

I say no

More about 'Nuisance Gathering Ordinance'

Should the Borough Council enact the Nuisance Gathering Ordinance?

Student Home Definition

I say yes

This will bring consistency to the regulations. If, in effect, a residence would become a student home, it should need to meet the same regulations as other student homes.

I say no

More about 'Student Home Definition'

Should the Borough Council enact an ordinance that prohibits owners of properties from renting rooms to more than one student without obtaining a Student Home Permit?

Transportation Plan 2040

I am 56 years old and have been living car free in State College for several years by using a combination of walking, biking and the ride for five bus pass. I would love to be able to get a zip car in State College, to have a train station, to have safer ways to bike downtown during peak hours (7AM is fine!). Since we're looking 30 years ahead lets plan for more people, and older people, to be able to live car free.

More about 'Transportation Plan 2040'

What are the most important transportation projects for our community? Please share your thoughts with the State College Borough Council.

Student Home Definition

2009-12-01T14:11:27-05:00

Should the Borough Council enact an ordinance that prohibits owners of properties from renting rooms to more than one student without obtaining a Student Home Permit?

Introduction

At its meeting of December 7, 2009, Borough Council will consider enacting an amendment to the zoning ordinance to close an existing loophole that allows some homes to become student rentals. The December 7, 2009 Borough Council meeting will be held in Room 304 of the State College municipal building beginning at 7:30 pm.

The zoning amendment removes an exemption that allowed owners of properties to rent rooms to more than one student without obtaining a Student Home Permit. This exemption has allowed students to buy houses and rent to two other students creating a de facto Student Home in areas where Student Homes would not otherwise be permitted by the zoning code. Although any existing rentals under this exception would become non-conforming and allowed to continue renting to students, by eliminating the exemption, any house, whether owner-occupied or not, becomes a student home as soon as two or more unrelated students reside in the house and the minimum space separation between student homes and all other requirements to qualify for a student home rental permit become applicable.

This ordinance may be downloaded as a PDF file.

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Nuisance Gathering Ordinance

2009-12-01T14:04:31-05:00

Should the Borough Council enact the Nuisance Gathering Ordinance?

Introduction

At its meeting of December 7, 2009, Borough Council will consider enacting the Nuisance Gathering Ordinance. The December 7, 2009 Borough Council meeting will be held in Room 304 of the State College municipal building beginning at 7:30 pm.

The Nuisance Gathering Ordinance is intended to reduce the negative impacts that result from parties that become so large or disorderly that the gathering becomes a nuisance. In such circumstances, the gathering host could be held responsible for allowing the party or gathering to become a nuisance and cited under the ordinance.

This ordinance can be downloaded as a PDF file.

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December 1 Statements (4 on Nuisance Gathering Ordinance, 3 on Student Home Definition, 4 on Transportation Plan 2040)

2009-12-01T10:22:06-05:00

Nuisance Gathering Ordinance

Steve Harp in State College

I say maybe

I think it has become clear to everyone in State College, students and home owners, that the behavior of certain groups in the borough is unacceptable. As I said at the last borough council meeting I attended the intent of the new ordinance is a step in the right direction. Whether the ordinance is correctly written I am not qualified to say. I am concerned that the enforcement of a new ordinance will be no better than the current noise ordinance if it is left to the police force to execute the ordinance. I think that the existing noise ordinance and any new ones should be enforced by the same group that enforces other ordinances such as those for clearing snow or maintaining your lawn. For example the code enforcement officer should patrol the borough at night, especially on football weekends, and cite any residence that is too loud. This should be done without any one calling to report it and with no interaction with the residents. The violation should be written against the residence as many times and needed. There should be no attempt to break up the event or try to "reason" with the violators. Both the building/residence owner and the residents should be responsible and penalized as is done with a snow or grass violation.

If you have any questions please contact me. I will not be able to attend the meeting on the 7th.

Steve Harp
stevennharp@gmail.com

Semi-anonymous in State College

I say no

not under the control of the party originator, and who is not trained in riot control.

Semi-anonymous in State College

I say no

This Nuisance Gathering Ordinance is an absurdity. Live and let live. Treating citizens like "children" is totally inappropriate and will create more animosity and resentment toward Borough Council. When treated as adults, (and not nuisances) the majority of adults respond appropriately. If it "aint broke; don't fix it" is an appropriate rule to follow.

Semi-anonymous in State College

I say no

There have been numerous reasons discussed at prior Council meetings and here on this forum explaining why the Nuisance Ordinance should not be enacted; for myself, it's a matter of the constitutionality of the law and the need for personal responsibility. Additionally, we now have new IFC Social Policies for fraternities. These new policies could create a more harmonious environment between residents and students. We should allow time for these policies to be implemented and study their impact.

More about 'Nuisance Gathering Ordinance'

Should the Borough Council enact the Nuisance Gathering Ordinance?

Student Home Definition

Steve Harp in State College

I say yes

Semi-anonymous in State College

I am neutral

Semi-anonymous in State College

I say no

In this period of economic uncertainty there should be fewer permits required; not more. Renting rooms to students is a responsible way for borough homeowners to manage their finances (keeping a house from foreclosure?) and to provide a support network for students by providing a surrogate family to help students learn how to live away from home in a socially appropriate manner. State College, PA

More about 'Student Home Definition'

Should the Borough Council enact an ordinance that prohibits owners of properties from renting rooms to more than one student without obtaining a Student Home Permit?

Transportation Plan 2040

Ned Balzer in Boalsburg

I agree with the other semi-anonymous poster that a 30 year planning horizon invites a lot of talk and little action. Many of these ideas are good ones and need to be implemented far sooner.

I would encourage the region to continue to become more bicycle-friendly; the most inexpensive and safest way to do this is to mark travel lanes on existing streets as shared bike/motor-vehicle, widening and improving the surfaces as necessary, rather than creating separate bike-only facilities.

In addition, spend the money on reconfiguring traffic signals to detect bikes where the presence of a vehicle triggers cross traffic red and through traffic green; right now, if a bike arrives at a red light, it must wait there (forever) until a car or truck arrives to trigger the signal change.

College township desperately needs better pedestrian and bicycle facilities. The two proposed Lemont to State College bike routes are sorely needed. When new businesses move in, require them to put in sidewalks! Improve street lighting, so people feel safe walking and biking. This is the 21st century already; College Township feels like it is stuck in the 19th century.

Pamela Trout in State College

Whitehall Road needs a traffic light at Blue Course intersection and a turn lane with light at Waupelani Dr. (near the YMCA)

Semi-anonymous in State College

I feel this excersise in required long range planning is now a level where these plans are so far removed from reality this has little to no actual bearing on the future. Wish list time used by Borough staff is a required waste of public resources. We can't even plan 3 years ahead, so 30 is a joke and insult to intelligent planning. Someone pushed through a "requirement" to keep everybody busy, so we must comply. Reblazing State routes around town will have no effect on vehicles traveled through town. Cars travel their route to town because they need to be here, not traveling through the area. Bike paths should only be constructed where it will not impeed safe travel lanes. There are alternatives allowing safe bike routes and separation from traffic, their just not considered. Thanks for listening

Semi-anonymous in State College

I am not sure I fully understand this - but I would consider adding pedestrian ways across Atherton street and the West ends of town (near the parkway and again perhaps closer to University Drive).

So many people (esp. families with children) would walk/bike downtown more often if it were not for this barrier. Currently, crossing Atherton is very dangerous. Once a family has to get into a car - going downtown is not as appealing as other locations necessarily b/c of parking hassles, etc.

There is a new pedestrian area on Atherton near Holmes Foster neighborhood - but this was not enough to encourage me to cross the street with kids there - still feels unsafe given the way folks drive too fast on Atherton.

Ped bridges/etc. do not encourage more vehicles; but could increase foot traffic and consumer activity downtown. Also, would be safer for folks.

More about 'Transportation Plan 2040'

What are the most important transportation projects for our community? Please share your thoughts with the State College Borough Council.

Transportation Plan 2040

2009-11-19T18:22:22-05:00

What are the most important transportation projects for our community? Please share your thoughts with the State College Borough Council.

Introduction

Do you think we should reconfigure West Park Avenue at its intersection with North Atherton Street? How about widening the bridge on South Atherton Street over Slab Cabin Run to make the left turn lanes longer? Should Council support adding 2 lanes to University Drive from Hastings Road to Easterly Parkway? Should we plan a bike facility through downtown?

These are a few of the potential projects listed being considered for the Long Range Transportation Plan 2040 - and now is your chance to tell the Borough Council which ones you think are most important.

The Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO) is developing a new Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) 2040. To comply with federal guidelines, the CCMPO must adopt the LRTP by no later than September 2010. The CCMPO is asking for candidate projects to be included in the new plan.

The table below includes projects that are on the current LRTP, potential new projects to be added, and projects that were previously submitted but were not included on the current LRTP due to fiscal constraints.

State College Borough expects funding constraints will once again limit the projects that will be included on the LRTP; however, Borough Council is encouraged to consider all projects that have merit. The CCMPO will consider projects submitted by all agencies and the final LRTP will be determined based on prioritizing projects from throughout the County.

Previously, Council has adopted a policy to recommend against any projects that add capacity to the existing transportation system in State College. Despite this recommendation, the CCMPO included several projects in State College Borough that added capacity. Council should consider whether or not this previous policy of not adding capacity should also guide the Borough’s recommendations in 2009.

The Planning Commission commented on all projects at their November 12 meeting. The Transportation Commission looked at the existing projects and the potential new projects at their November 10 meeting. The summary of their comments is also included in the table below.

Council will be reviewing the entire list and comments at its November 20, 2009 meeting and will provide direction to staff on which projects to submit to the CCMPO by the December 11 deadline. Staff will then prepare a final report for Council to review and approve at the December 7 meeting.

CRPA staff has clarified that a Project Request Form (PRF) must be completed for all projects that are to remain on or be added to the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) – 2040. The Project Request Form contains 47 questions including the estimated project cost. The following list summarizes projects already on the LRTP, potential new projects for consideration to be added and projects that were previously requested, but were not included due to Fiscal Constraints:

EXISTING PROJECTS ON THE LRTP – (PRF required for each project if to remain on LRTP)

Item	Project Name	Location	Description	TC Comments	PC Comments
1	Park Ave (Atherton to Burrowes)	Borough	Reconfigure Intersection(Add lanes) and upgrade signal	Resubmit	Expand Project from Atherton to Bigler Priority – High
2	Park Ave Widening	Borough, College Twp	CAPACITY – Widen SR3007 (Park Ave) between I-99 and Bigler Road	Resubmit	Resubmit Priority – High
3	Intermodal Transportation Center, Phases I & II	To Be Determined	Construct a new Intermodal Transportation Center to replace Centre Regional Bus Terminal	Resubmit	Resubmit Priority - Low
4	SR 3022 University Drive Bridge (Segment 20)	Borough	Replace University Drive Bridge over East College Avenue	Resubmit	Resubmit Priority - High

POTENTIAL NEW PROJECTS TO BE ADDED – (PRF required for project if submitted)

Item	Project Name	Location	Description	TC Comments	PC Comments
5	Eastern Inner Loop	Borough, Ferguson Twp	Revisit a new road between University Drive and Clinton Avenue	Do Not Include	Include as New Project Priority – High
6	Re-blaze Route 26	Borough, Ferguson Twp, Harris Twp, College Twp	Re-blaze Route 26 from downtown State College to Route 45 and Route 322	Include as New Project but designate as Complete Engineering Traffic Study to …	Include as New Project Priority – High
7	South Atherton Bridge Widening	Borough	Widen bridge over Slab Cabin Run which will allow additional turn lane length between University Drive and Branch Road	Include as New Project	Do Not Include
8	Storm Sewer Replacement on Atherton Street	Borough, Patton Twp, Ferguson Twp, College Twp, Harris Twp	As a Betterment Project, replace storm sewer pipe which parallels Atherton Street (and any cross pipes deemed necessary) along entire length of Atherton Street	Include as New Project	Include as New Project Priority - High
9	Parkway Bike Route	Borough, Ferguson Twp	Incorporate a bicycle route on the Parkway, including any widening necessary between University Drive and the Borough/Ferguson Twp line. Work with Ferguson Twp to extend to Blue Course Drive.	Include as New Project	Include as New Project but Bundle all Bicycle projects into one. Project should be the development of a Comprehensive Regional Bicycle Plan Priority - XX

PROJECTS PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED BUT NOT ON LRTP – (PRF must be completed for project to be considered)

Item	Project Name	Location	Description	TC Comments	PC Comments
10*	University Drive Widening	Borough, College Twp	Add 2 lanes between Hastings Road and Easterly Parkway.		Resubmit Priority – Med
11	SR 26 North – Beaver Ave Relocation	Borough	New 2 lane road between High Street and East College Avenue		Resubmit Priority - Low
12	University Drive Northbound entrance Ramp onto East College Avenue	Borough	Improve sight distance at the University Drive Northbound entrance ramp onto East College Avenue		Resubmit Priority - Med
13*	Blue Course Widening	Borough, Ferguson Twp	Add 2 lanes between College Avenue and Whitehall Road		Do Not Resubmit
14	Proposed Extension of CATA fixed route service: Nittany Crosstown (Waupelani Drive area to Nittany Mall)	Borough, College Twp
15	East/West Bike Facility through downtown	Borough	East/West bike facility through downtown (Calder Way, College Avenue and/or Foster Avenue)
16	Lemont to State College Borough Bike Facility	Borough, College Twp, PSU	Bike facility from Lemont to State College Borough. Alternatives include Elmwood Ave, College Ave, Thompson Woods and the Bathgate property
17	Park Avenue Bike Facility	Borough, College Twp, PSU	Park Avenue bike facility from North Atherton to Fox Hollow Road
18	PSU North/South Bike Route	Borough, PSU	Designated North/South bike route connecting College Ave to Park Ave at McKee St.
19	Lemont to South Atherton Bike Facility	Borough, College Twp	Bike facility along Branch Road from Lemont to South Atherton
20	Pedestrian Improvement Study between College Ave and University Dr	Borough	Install crosswalks, lighting improvements and pedestrian refuge islands on Atherton Street between College Ave and University Drive		Resubmit Priority - High
21	Railroad Avenue Bike Facility	Borough, PSU	Bike facilities along Railroad Ave from North Atherton to Corl Road
22	College Ave Bike Facility	Borough, PSU	Bike facility along College Ave from University Drive to Atherton St
23	Burrowes Road Bike Lane	Borough, PSU	Bike climbing lane on Burrowes Road
24	Shortlidge Road Bike Lane	Borough, PSU	Bike climbing lane on Shortlidge Road

* Previous Council indicated these projects should not be considered further

Read what others are saying about 'Transportation Plan 2040'

November 10 Statements (1 on Fostering Sustainable Neighborhoods)

2009-11-10T19:46:26-05:00

I say maybe

As I said when I spoke at the public meeting I am in agreement with the spirit of the nuisance ordinance but am concerned with the enforcement. It is my observation or opinion that there is already a sever lack of enforcement of existing regulations. My example would be the current noise ordinance. It appears that the only time noise is dealt with in my neighborhood, West Foster and Barnard, is when the police are called. When they are called they usually ask the noise makers to reduce the noise. This is not how the grass or snow ordinances where a non police person observes the a violation and writes a "ticket". I think that the noise issue should be dealt with in a similar manner. Code enforcement officers should patrol the neighbor hoods and site properties when they are causing noise that is heard outside of the property lines, as stated in the ordinance. It is my opinion too much time and effort are wasted trying to get people to comply

More about 'Fostering Sustainable Neighborhoods'

State College Borough Council is considering enacting three ordinances that help the community move toward addressing the goal of maintaining sustainable neighborhoods. Should Borough Council should enact any or all of these ordinances? Why do you have this opinion?

Land Use Planning update

2009-11-09T17:06:20-05:00

One individual expressed a 'Neutral' opinion on this topic:

Our local Government agencies seem to beleive they can control the future with regulation. Now that very little development is occuring, planning agencies need to fill time and creat regulation to substain their offices. I'm afraid creating a stringent document of future land and zoning use will turn into another nail in the coffin, as witnessed by the Urban Village procedings. Hindsight is 20/20. Regulating the future in this manner may upset the applecart of prosperity this area has enjoyed for decades.

More about 'Land Use Planning'

Question: Should the State College Area Land Plan, including the future land use map, be used as the documents that will guide the preparation of a set of new land development (i.e., zoning and subdivision/land development) regulations and a new zoning map for State College?

Fostering Sustainable Neighborhoods update

2009-11-09T17:04:58-05:00

As of 5pm on Monday Nov 9, nine individuals participated. Of those, three were in favor of enacting the ordinances, citing the need to maintain a high quality of life through safe and quiet neighborhoods. The six against the ordinance were concerned about holding individuals accountable for the actions of others and/or a mismatch between the severity of the action and the severity of the punishment.

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Question: State College Borough Council is considering enacting three ordinances that help the community move toward addressing the goal of maintaining sustainable neighborhoods. Should Borough Council should enact any or all of these ordinances? Why do you have this opinion?

November 9 Statements (1 on Increased Density, 1 on Fostering Sustainable Neighborhoods, 1 on Land Use Planning)

2009-11-09T09:13:01-05:00

Increased Density

Semi-anonymous in State College

I say maybe

Increased residential density does not necessarily imply that the high density needs to be in downtown State College. Improve public transport and have the higher density in Bellfonte, Boalsburg, and Park Forest. This would reduce the density of people and parties in State College. The benefit would be that the this would reduce the positive feedback (in a negative direction) of noise, rowdy behavior, and more noise.

More about 'Increased Density'

Would increased residential density be an appropriate strategy for State College?

Fostering Sustainable Neighborhoods

Denise Conner in State College

I say no

Like another respondent said, the nuisance ordinance would make hosts unduly responsible for the free actions of their guests after they have left the premises. It is also possible, given the 100 feet radius specified, that the charges could get pinned on a neighbor rather than the host of the offending persons. I also agree that it will decrease the likelihood of appropriate calls to authorities to break up situations that get out of control. All of the specific nuisances listed are already chargeable offenses for the person actually doing them.

I am also suspicious of the student home re-zoning. It seems like with this amendment, homeowners who rent rooms to students may not only need to engage in costly renovations or filings for exemptions but also need to apply for rental permits within the borough to continue to house student lodgers. Given the exorbitant price of properties in the borough, the high real estate taxes already in place, and the recent income tax increase, renting out a room in one's home might make keeping one's home affordable in this tough economy. Imposing another fee and more hoops to rent to current or new lodgers seems a bit ill-advised.

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Land Use Planning

Semi-anonymous in State College

I am neutral

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Should the State College Area Land Plan, including the future land use map, be used as the documents that will guide the preparation of a set of new land development (i.e., zoning and subdivision/land development) regulations and a new zoning map for State College?

Land Use Planning

2009-11-06T19:36:42-05:00

Introduction

At its November 9, 2009 work session, Council will discuss whether or not to approve the State College Area Land Plan, including the future land use map, as the documents that will guide the preparation of a set of new land development (i.e., zoning and subdivision/land development) regulations and a new zoning map for State College. The focus on November 9, 2009 will be on the future land use map portion of the SCLAP.

Download State College Area Land Plan (10.6 MB PDF file)

Download Land Use Map (9.4 MB PDF file)

Download Nov 9 Council Agenda (4.2 MB PDF file)

The Centre Regional Planning Agency (CRPA) worked with College and Ferguson Townships and State College Borough on the preparation of the State College Area Land Plan (the Plan). The goal of the plan is:

Ultimately, the land area plan will be used as a guidance document for a complete update to the Borough of State College’s Zoning Ordinance and provide similar guidance to College and Ferguson Township, particularly in terms of a coordinated and complimentary approach to zoning at the municipal edges. (page iii)

This plan should be used as a guidance document for the establishment of future land use regulations within the study area and also within the three municipalities that participated in this planning effort. (page vii)

Both the College and Ferguson Township Planning Commissions have reviewed the future land use map offered only a few comments and recommended minor changes that did not affect any proposed land uses adjacent to their municipal boundaries with the Borough. The College Township Planning Commission and the Ferguson Township Planning Commission supported the future land use map and recommended their respective elected bodies approve the future land use map.

The State College Borough Planning Commission considered the future land use map at its August 20, 2009 meeting. At that meeting the Planning Commission recommended that staff be prepared to answer the question “What can this plan do for the Borough”? The Planning Commission was also concerned that there may be some friction created between the municipalities involved in this process since the Borough is central to this Area plan and the future land use map.

As Council considers the delineations, staff notes that the multi-family residential designation includes all forms of residential except single-family detached housing. That is, all densities of multiple unit buildings from duplexes to higher density apartment buildings are included in this classification. The land use description key included in the agenda for the November 9, 2009 Borough Council work session provides details on each of the land use categories shown on the future land use map.

Zoning and land development regulations are tools to aid in the implementation of the community’s community development goals and objectives. Recognizing that some adjustments may be necessary in the delineations on the map, staff believes that overall the future land use map reflects the goals of creating a sustainable walkable community. The map identifies areas where mixed use development will be encouraged as well as areas for single-family and multi-family housing, all of which are important components of the community.

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November 2 Statements (1 on Fostering Sustainable Neighborhoods)

2009-11-02T12:56:34-05:00

I say no

As many of the previous comments have stated, the Nuisance ordinance has some flaws. I agree that in certain situations, party hosts should be held responsible- noise, litter, and having crowd control to keep guests on your property all fall under the responsibility of the host. However, once that guest leaves that party then the actions of that individual can only be blamed on themselves. Personal accountability should be more emphasized in this document instead of looking to the host. Why not fine the participants found urinating in the neighbor's yard accountable for their own actions? I have only ever had positive experiences with the police clearing out parties that were becoming a nuisance, and I am afraid that this ordinance is going to seriously diminish the amount of students who look to the police for help when things get out of hand, resulting in many more unsafe party situations due to fear of a large fine and possible jail time.

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November 1 Statements (1 on Fostering Sustainable Neighborhoods)

2009-11-01T01:09:03-04:00

I say no

Those who have said "NO" so far to the NOISE/NUISANCE ORDINANCE have brought better arguments to the issue than those in favor of it. There is no need for me to reiterate the major points. It seems to me all possible "infractions" are already covered by other ordinances.

The definition of "noisy disturbance" is very much up to interpretation at the time of occurrence. Living in College Heights I am occasionally annoyed or disturbed in my rest by Penn State's Blue Band practice sessions nearby. Party noise along Park Avenue I can tolerate with feelings of nostalgia and the realization that the tenants, mainly students, acting so rambunctiously are really the major contributors to the local economy. Anyone deleteriously affected is at liberty to call the police to interfere. Facetiously speaking, I might even call "for help" if the opera music my hard-of-hearing neighbor regularly enjoys is handicapping my other home routines. My point is, the ordinance could be invoked by vindictive persons living near or merely passing by.

What doesn't sit too well with me at all is the section in the proposed ordinance that indicates it would be used to bring in funds for a financially stressed police force. The handwriting on the wall seems to spell out "capricious application," "abuse," and "another ordinance in search of an administrator."

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October 31 Statements (1 on Fostering Sustainable Neighborhoods)

2009-10-31T15:39:22-04:00

I say no

Absolutely not. The idea of creating and maintaining sustainable neighborhoods is a great idea. However, the proposed changes are not the means to go about making that happen, and here's why: Penn State has 50,000 students, and so the surrounding area of campus is obviously going to be majority students. And while I don't think that the borough should let these "neighborhoods" run wild and do whatever they want, I hardly think this plan is the way. Realistically, this plan is going to make house parties punishable with harsher penalties. Clearly, you want parties "turned down" a bit, but is this even going to accomplish that? All you are realistically doing is forcing inevitable parties to be even more secret, which traditionally is synonymous with more dangerous. Why can we not just look at this realistically instead of ideally? I live in a house 2 blocks from campus, there are no non-students on my street, and almost every house on the street has parties sporadically. Have we ever gotten a noise violation? No, because we turn off the music at 2am every night just like to police have asked. Have we ever gotten a citation from trash being in our yard? Yes, and that's fine, that's a perfect example of not letting the students destroy the neighborhoods. But realistically, is cracking down on these "gatherings" with exponentially harsher and possibly even more ambiguous "party-laws", I sincerely doubt you're going to get the outcome you want. I have had to call the police on my own party before when I needed them. There was nothing seriously wrong, but a guy had wandered to our house that we didn't know, and he had no identification, and was being belligerent when we were trying to help him. So I called the police, they were there within minutes, and even though it was clear that some people (including myself) had been consuming alcohol in a safe environment, they were very understanding about the entire incident, and you know what the result of that was? I would call the police again. Would I have made the same call if there was a possibility that I could get hit with furnishing charges and all kinds of other citations (like this plan suggests possible)? Probably not, we probably would have walked the kid a couple blocks and left him there. Sorry buddy, I'm a good person, I feel bad for you, but I can't have you destroy my future, and I can't call for help because of these new laws.

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October 30 Statements (5 on Fostering Sustainable Neighborhoods)

2009-10-30T10:29:42-04:00

Mary Dunn in State College

I say yes

Residential neighborhoods are struggling to maintain clean, quiet, comfortable and respectful environments. The Highlands is on the front line of events and activities every week, so strengthening the property code, enacting a nuisance ordinance, and imposing standard limits on student-occupied rentals are all necessary.

Loretta Jeffreys in State College

I say yes

Students are sometimes robbed by some rental agencies and individuals in unsafe housing. Anything we can do to help these rental properties fit into the neighborhood would be good. They need to be safe, reasonably quiet and clean, and not so crowded that they become student ghettos.

Dawn Maguire in State College

I say yes

The best communities with the highest quality of life standards strive to achieve balance between the needs and desires of all members of the community--enacting these ordinances will help State College achieve a balance in the system that right now favors students and rentals over the quality of life needs of homeowners.

Sandy Miller in State College

I say no

Absolutely not. The "Nuisance Ordinance" will never deter the people who are making stupid mistakes and getting themselves in trouble, and it won't deter people from hosting events. It will only lead to excessive legal battles and wasted dollars fighting each accusation. It is completely unfair to all parties involved. Hosts cannot, under any circumstances, be held legally responsible for someone's actions after they've left their home. Individuals cannot place the blame for their actions on someone else. This ordinance also opens renters up to even more discrimination from landlords. The ordinance only promotes blame and objectifies students. (See: "Blame as a propaganda technique" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blame)

Dan Rowland in State College

I say no

I am a long-time home owner in the Borough and it is clear to me that this ordinance is not about creating "sustainable neighborhoods". It will not aid in building a community...instead it is targeted to passing blame and ignoring personal accountability.

At no time should someone be held accountable for the independent actions of another adult due to having earlier contact. This seems to offer an excuse to those who make poor decisions and gives them an opportunity to pass on responsibility for their own actions.

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October 29 Statements (1 on Fostering Sustainable Neighborhoods)

2009-10-29T19:04:04-04:00

I say no

Any time someone with no connection to a situation is held accountable and fined, legal battles will occur. This will increase costs to all Borough residences and further divide the community. We already have laws on the books to deal with all the problems decsribed in this ordinance. If you check into other communities who enacted this idea, you will find little use due to legal issues involved with it's legality. Actors in an unlawful situation can be fined, arrested, etc. Holding someone responsible who is not actually involved is poor political process and just plain un-american.Thanks for letting me comment.

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Fostering Sustainable Neighborhoods

2009-10-29T14:11:47-04:00

Introduction

In June 2009, the State College Borough Council received the 'Sustainable Neighborhoods in State College Borough' report prepared by Borough staff under the direction of the Borough Manager. The Sustainable Neighborhoods report contains a number of recommendations on activities the Borough could pursue in response to issues that adversely affect neighborhood sustainability. State College Borough Council is considering enacting three ordinances that help the community move toward addressing the goal of maintaining sustainable neighborhoods.

Borough Council will conduct a public hearing on each of the ordinances on November 2, 2009 at 7:30 pm. These hearings will be conducted in the Council Room of the State College Municipal Building, 234 South Allen Street.

Additional comments can be submitted through November 16, 2009. The proposed ordinances include:

Strengthening the Building Safety Code (formerly called the Property Maintenance Code) provisions for revocation of rental housing permits for persistent over occupancy violations

Implementing a Nuisance Gathering Ordinance that will hold the host(s) or other organizer(s) of an event or gathering responsible if the event is determined to be a public nuisance.

Removing student-owned homes from the exemptions from minimum distance between student rentals.

Do you agree or disagree that Borough Council should enact any or all of these ordinances? Why do you have this opinion.

Download Nuisance Gathering Ordinance (0.1 MB PDF file)
Download 2009 Property Maintenance Code (1.1 MB PDF file)
Download Neighborhood Sustainability Report (3.8 MB PDF file)
Download Fraternity Definition Amendment (0.1 MB PDF file)
Download Student Home Zoning Amendment (0.1 MB PDF file)
Download Campus Fraternities Amendment (0.1 MB PDF file)

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Street Lights

2009-10-26T12:34:53-04:00

Which type of street light do you prefer?

Introduction

State College Borough is evaluating five different types of light sources (i.e., bulbs) for use in the street lights in downtown. The next time you are on the west side of Allen Street across from the State College Municipal Building, please take a look and decide which of five different types of light sources you prefer. The five streetlights are in a row and are labeled "A" through "E" (see map).

We are also interested in any comments you may have on why you prefer that light source over the others.

The light sources under evaluation are:

85 Watt Induction Fluorescent
116 Watt Light Emitting Diode (LED)
100 Watt High Pressure Sodium
165 Watt Induction Fluorescent
50 Watt LED

To minimize bias, the street lights are labeled "A" throught "E", but not with the type of light source.

Note that the above list of light sources is in a random order (e.g., the street light marked with the letter “A” is not necessarily the 85 Watt Induction Fluorescent.)

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October 22 Statements (1 on Sustainable Neighborhoods)

2009-10-22T22:55:14-04:00

•Strengthen Property Maintenance Code ...
Strongly Agree
•Increase fine schedule for selected property violations ...
Strongly Agree
•Implement a Nuisance Gathering Ordinance ...
Strongly Disagree, instead, penalize the nuisance
•Review and Update the Borough’s Noise Ordinance ...
Strongly Agree
•Increase the minimum required space separation between student rentals ...
Agree
•Remove student rental exemption for owner-occupied student rental permits
Agree

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How can State College Borough foster sustainable neighborhoods?