State College looks at improving pedestrian access near Glennland Building, Calder Way
The borough wants to improve pedestrian infrastructure on a parcel downtown it’s calling the Glennland-McAllister Certified Redevelopment Area.
The area is bordered by Humes Alley, McAllister Street, Beaver Avenue and East Calder Way, and will focus on how to balance the service needs of Calder Way with the need for more pedestrian infrastructure, said borough planner Isabel Storey.
Businesses and structures in the proposed redevelopment area include the Pugh Street Parking Deck, Glennland Building, Webster’s Bookstore Cafe, The Brewery, McAllister Parking Deck, Canyon Pizza, Music Mart and India Pavilion.
Using the Urban Redevelopment Act of 1945 as a guide, Storey said, the borough hopes to potentially widen sidewalks, install more pedestrian infrastructure, beautify the space with artwork and more lighting and enhance the local character throughout the area.
East Calder Way has been recommended for enhancement since the 2013 borough master plan, which suggests “pedestrian-centered funky character,” attractive storefronts, more public art, expanded pedestrian infrastructure balance with the street’s service and utility needs, she said.
However, there are significant utility constraints on East Calder Way, said borough Planning Director Ed LeClear. Any redevelopment would likely involve digging up part of the street to relocate or expand sewer and water capacity, he said.
West Penn Power won’t bury utilities in State College because it considers the borough rural and requires certain berth around power lines, he said, in response to a question by Planning Commission member Anita Genger.
LeClear said East Calder Way’s intent has been to provide “relief” from traffic on College and Beaver avenues, some additional parking, trash pickup space and delivery areas.
The main question this project aims to address is, he said, “How do you balance those service and utility needs with the desire to make it more pedestrian friendly?”
Planning Commission member Mary Madden wondered if trying to encourage business development in the Calder Way corridor would disincentivize businesses to fill empty storefronts on College and Beaver avenues.
LeClear said that digging up Calder Way to relocate and expand utilities could provide other opportunities to modernize downtown, through adding internet fiber, electricity, water, sewer and more.
“This is really complicated, we’re trying to create some opportunities for input and we’re also looking for resources,” he said.
No action was taken on the redevelopment area, but the Planning Department will continue to gather community input to put together a more concrete plan.
This story was originally published January 8, 2020 at 5:31 PM.
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