Press Release from NVWC:
Toll Brothers identifies alternative sites for student housing
Nittany Valley Water Coalition (NVWC) held a follow-up meeting with Charles Elliott of Toll Brothers developers on Wednesday, August 16 to discuss Toll Brothers’ recent review of alternative State College sites for student housing.
On August 2, NVWC presented Toll with detailed information about PSU lands suitable for building closer to campus.
NVWC has been leading a community effort to pressure Penn State, the current landowner, and Toll to relocate a planned development on Whitehall Road to a site that does not risk local water safety. The current 44 acre site is located uphill from the Thomas-Harter wells.
Elliott and his team have now ranked several PSU properties with respect to zoning and infrastructure and identified several as viable alternatives if township officials and PSU officials will facilitate a “land swap” and any needed approvals.
The top ranked site is located on West College Avenue in front of the Blue Course golf property. Elliott stated that while further corporate economic and structural viability assessments are needed, the alternative site was attractive for its proximity to campus and downtown amenities.
Concerned citizens have occupied the Whitehall Road site continuously for 75 days and will continue community efforts to stop the Whitehall development.
Incoming PSU students and their families will be informed of the issue with a water and flyer distribution on Saturday.
Meanwhile, a citizen appeal is pending in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
For additional information, contact Terry Melton, terrymelton321@gmail.com, 814-883-8154, or visit nittanyvalley-eco.org