Monday night’s State College Borough Council Meeting attempted to tackle the issues surrounding the West End Development program, but ultimately ended with the council deciding to hold off on the vote.
The proposal, which would alter building standards in the West End of State College, was supposed to be approved by the council ahead of an undetermined public hearing on the proposal.
Planning Director Carl Hess presented the latest plan for the West End to the council Monday night. The original plan was revised following a July 12 council meeting that proposed changes in subdivision zoning and revised height restrictions, Hess said.
“I’d rather not push this back again,” Borough Council President Ron Filippelli said.
The plan for West End State College will affect the entire community, Hess said.
But, numerous council members expressed concern over the revised plan.
“I have a problem mandating this for the first time in this community,” council member Donald Hahn said.
Council member Peter Morris also questioned the zoning ordinance in relation to Penn State’s own design plans moving forward.
The redevelopment and zoning plan in neighboring Ferguson Township was also addressed by the council. At the close of Monday’s meeting, the council was unable to come to a vote on the ordinance.
The council managed to pass the Campus Development Standards proposal without any disagreement.
The proposal will establish guidelines for setbacks on properties located on campus that are not owned by the university, such as fraternity houses, State College Mayor Elizabeth Goreham said.
Originally, the proposal included an amendment prohibiting rooming houses on campus, but was dropped from the proposal during the May 7 borough council meeting.
The council also heard a presentation from Susquehanna Real Estate President & CEO Jack Kay and Vice President Tim Fulton on the progress of the Fraser Centre Project.
In addition to altering the layout of office floors and hotel space, the revised plan calls for a bridge linking the proposed Fraser Centre to the Beaver Ave. Parking Garage from the roof of each structure.
However, the several council members expressed concern with the slow development of the project.