Student-Housing Proposal Gaining Consideration in College Township

The College Township Planning Commission has recommended that the township formally consider zoning changes that would enable a 22-acre student-housing development.

Athens, Ga.-based Landmark Properties is seeking to build 129 higher-end units on undeveloped acreage between Waupelani Drive, in State College borough, and West Whitehall Road, in College Township. It would have nearly 550 residents, primarily Penn State students, attorney John Williams told township planning commissioners Tuesday night.

To enable the plan, Landmark has asked the township to allow as many as five unrelated people to co-habitate in each unit. Current township restrictions limit occupancy to three unrelated people in the type of dwellings proposed by Landmark.

The change would require a modification in the township zoning ordinance — a move that requires township council approval. As outlined by Williams, the altered language would retain a standard limit of three unrelated people for many rental houses, but give township authorities the ability to grant exemptions under specific circumstances.

Landmark also is seeking a planned-residential-development zoning designation for the targeted acreage.

While planning commissioners voiced some early hesitations Tuesday about the plans, they voted 5-1 to recommend that the full township council begin formal consideration for the requested changes. A formal public hearing would be required as part of that process. (Planning commissioner Alfred Barbour cast the sole dissenting vote; commissioner Janet Sulzer was absent.)

Three nearby residents also spoke at the Planning Commission meeting, voicing preliminary concerns about housing density, development setbacks and impacts on traffic.

The township council is scheduled to take up the issue at its meeting on Thursday. It’s scheduled for 7 p.m. in the township building, 1481 E. College Ave.

Most of the proposed development — 93 units — would be situated in the township. Thirty-six other units would be in State College borough, where no zoning amendments are necessary to enable the project plans.

Earlier coverage

• Higher-End Student Housing Proposed for Waupelani Drive Area (Jan. 31, 2011)