STATE COLLEGE — After their opposition didn’t result in a denial in College Township of a new student housing complex that would straddle the borough and township line, residents living near the Waupelani Drive site approached Borough Council on Monday to plead their case.
After several residents expressed concerns about the approximately 550 students who would live in The Retreat and that the complex would not provide “stable character in harmony with surrounding development,” as is part of the intent of the township’s planned residential development ordinance, council voted to place a discussion of the issue on its Feb. 13 agenda.
College Township Council on Thursday approved the preliminary development plan 3-2.
Approximately three acres of the complex will sit in the borough. The housing is allowed by right according to the zoning ordinance, though it must receive staff approval.
Mike Shigley, of Aikens Place, outlined the borough residents’ faithful opposition to the project, as they showed up at numerous College Township meetings to air their concerns. While he acknowledged the borough can’t overturn the township’s vote, he asked for anything the borough can do.
“We would appreciate any support, any assistance that council and staff can make,” he said.
Council members agreed they should discuss the borough’s options, and Manager Tom Fountaine said staff can prepare the borough’s legal options. He said he notified the township in writing of problems the borough saw with The Retreat plan, including with the traffic study and proposed entrance.
College Township Council members have commented at previous meetings that a borough representative was invited, but did not attend any council meetings to discuss the complex.
Also Monday, council received information about a new, 47-foot mural planned for the corner of South Garner Street and East College Avenue, next to Bar Bleu.
Natalia Pilato and Elody Gyekis, of the Community Arts Collective, gave a preview of ideas for a “Colors of Music” mural, for which the group has begun fundraising and seeking inspiration from elementary school students. The group in 2010 installed the “Dreams Take Flight” mural on Calder Way, between South Allen and South Fraser streets.
Pilato said the group plans to construct the mural in March and unveil it April 22, which is Earth Day. The public is welcome to participate in brainstorming sessions planned for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Tuesday and Feb. 21 at the municipal building, 243 S. Allen St.
Jessica VanderKolk can be reached at 235-3910.
