FERGUSON TOWNSHIP — Ferguson Township Supervisors unanimously approved several land development and conditional use applications Tuesday, July 7, while also beginning discussions on long-term regional investments that could shape future services across Centre County.
One of the night’s most notable approvals cleared the way for Campus K9 to open a pet care services facility at 187 Pine Hall Court. The board approved the conditional use application with a requirement that all conditional use conditions be incorporated into the future land development plan, including a provision that only licensed dogs be accepted where licensing is required.
Supervisor Matthew Heller welcomed the new business.
“I want to say best wishes and congratulations,” Heller said. “It’s always exciting to get pet care facilities here because I know there are a lot of folks, myself included, that always appreciate our pets and take good care of them.”
During the discussion, Campus K9 owner Ellyn Exley Dvorkinsaid the business hopes to eventually offer dog licensing services on-site to make the process easier for customers.
Supervisors also unanimously approved a preliminary land development plan for an addition at Nittany Bible Church. Several waiver requests, including those involving bicycle parking, sidewalks and landscaping, were granted because of the site’s rural location.
A final land development plan for Blaise Alexander Hyundai, 1703 W. College Ave., was also approved. The project includes construction of a second, 23,000-square-foot dealership building.
Chairman Jeremie Thompson said the expansion reflects continued investment in the township.
“I know we’ve had some of the competition in town has opted or exploring to leave the township but Blaise Alexander is actually expanding in the township,” Thompson said. “So we appreciate their business and service to our community.”
The board also approved a minor land development plan for State College Access Church at 2171 Sandy Drive, allowing redevelopment of an existing building into a place of worship. The project includes shared parking agreements with neighboring properties rather than constructing additional parking spaces.
Supervisor Trevor White praised that approach.
“I’m always in favor of, if something comes before us and they’re requesting to reduce the amount of land that is allocated to vehicle storage,” White said. “The less land that we are allocating to that, the better land use we have.”
Earlier in the meeting, supervisors authorized staff to advertise an Aug. 4 public hearing for adoption of Ferguson Township’s 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan.
Heller thanked township staff for the collaborative process used to prepare the plan.
“I enjoyed the collaboration, the discussion, those evenings that we had together and looking forward to the next step,” he said. “So thank you.”
The board also reviewed the Centre Region Council of Governments’ Strategic Guide to Services and Investments, or SGSI, a planning document that outlines potential priorities before the regional budget is developed.
COG Executive Director Ben Estell stressed that the document is intended to start conversations, not finalize spending.
“This is not the budget,” Estell said. “This is the first step in the budget process.”
Among the topics discussed were future investments in fire equipment, code enforcement staffing, parks, library technology, aquatics facilities and regional planning.
Supervisors offered feedback throughout the presentation, emphasizing the importance of balancing public safety, fiscal responsibility and data-driven decision-making before budget discussions begin later this year.
Before adjourning, Thompson reminded residents about upcoming community events, including Ferguson Township’s 225th anniversary celebration at Homestead Park which was held on July 15 and volunteer opportunities for the community build of the new Kaboom playground Aug. 13 through 15.
