Letters: Rethink development in State College; Community loses with eminent domain decision
Rethink development in State College
State College plans to construct a new downtown parking garage using eminent domain. This has raised many questions in the community, but chiefly among them should be “Why?” Why do we continue to invest in car-centric infrastructure despite the apparent and devastating effects of climate change? The building at the corner of East Beaver Avenue and McAllister Alley is arguably an eyesore, but many buildings in the downtown area could share this designation. The downtown area needs a revival, both aesthetically and functionally. Therefore, I propose we fundamentally rethink how to develop the State College area in the coming years and decades by, first, eliminating arbitrary minimum parking requirements from the zoning code. Parking minimums make it challenging to design neighborhoods where it is easy for people to walk and use public transit. Second, put the parking out of town and increase investment in public transit. The “exurbs” (e.g., near the airport and Innovation Park) are ideal locations to build more commuter parking since they don’t congest local traffic and improve walkability in the downtown area. Finally, instead of investing in a multimillion-dollar parking garage, invest that money into building more infrastructure for public transit. For example, more bus routes and more frequent bus intervals, an attractive light rail system that people will gladly use, a better-connected bike trail system, and more designated bike lanes and parking. It is time local policymakers take a closer look at parking to make our community safer, more affordable, and more successful.
Jeremy Sutherland, State College
Community loses with eminent domain decision
I object to the resolution by State College Borough Council to seize two parcels by eminent domain for a new parking garage. Although I relocated from town a year ago, I retain significant ties to the community, in no small part because of the enterprises, especially The Brewery, that would be destroyed by this resolution.
In Pennsylvania, eminent domain must be used as a last resort for scenarios in which property seizure is needed to accommodate a critical public interest. The planned parking cannot be so critical given council’s history of waiving in-situ parking requirements for many of the high-rise buildings approved in downtown in the last decade. Tellingly, no borough officials consulted with the property owners affected by this plan, which screams of secrecy and cowardice. As well, this action sets an alarming precedent: The borough signals it will seize someone’s property without any meaningful discussion or input. That is undemocratic and un-American.
This is the latest development that threatens to degrade the community. The community would lose The Brewery, a locally owned institution of over 50 years, which people enter as they are to make friends, commiserate with co-workers, enjoy live music, and have a few drinks. It also would lose locally owned Canyon Pizza, Canyon Wings, The Music Mart and several affordable housing units. Unassuming gathering places, locally owned businesses, and affordable housing make communities strong. Destroying them makes communities less vital.
I urge council to reconsider their decision.
Danny Brouillette, Lafayette, Indiana
