Harsher punishments for alcohol-related offenses and the opening of more bathrooms by local businesses on weekend — these were two of Perry Babb’s suggestions to the State College Borough Council Monday night.
In all, 10 ways to attack the town’s drinking culture were presented by Babb, the Keystone Church founding paster.
“The level of fines have been set in 1972 and have not increased since then,” he said. “Fines are set at $300, with inflation they should be at least $1,500.”
Babb believes if the fines were harsher, students would be less likely to have repeat offensives.
He also presented a solution to help curb students from urinating in public: “Establishments that are open late [should] have public restrooms to all. This is not what happens now,” Babb said. “Provided reasonable adult options may shake the feeling of lawlessness. It may blow up or work.”
Babb also touched on having late-night restaurants helping with nightly cleanup and getting Penn State and the borough to work closely together on punishing students for reckless behavior.
The last solution Babb touched on was a culture change campaign, with the slogan “Why shame the name? May no act of ours bring shame.” The campaign is to get students to realize what they do to the reputation of State College and Penn State.
“Some of my students are proud of going unconscious the night before,” borough council member Theresa Lafer stated. “It is a badge of honor.”
Babb is hoping that the campaign can to help change the reputation that has been surrounding State College in the past few years. He wants to help change the values that are presented to the students, so maybe they will think twice about what they are doing.
Also at last night’s meeting:
- The State College Borough Water Authority (SCBWA) presented its past and future projects in the borough and warned the council there will be roadwork in the future. The SCBWA also spoke about money that has been saved doing projects during the recession.
- The University Area Joint Authority spoke of its current project and the economic benefits of reusing water in the Spring Creek area.
- The Central PA Festival of the Arts/ First Night Celebration committee presented a survey that was taken during the First Night Celebration. Findings showed that many people did not have a problem with the borough and enjoyed the festivals that are put on in the area.
