The approval for a controversial student housing complex in State College’s Ferguson Township has been reversed by a Centre County judge.
The planned student housing development, “The Cottages at State College,” has been a source of contention since many believe the construction could pose a threat to State College’s drinking water. A group of residents brought a lawsuit against the Ferguson Township Council for approving the plan, on the basis that it would encroach onto land zoned solely for agricultural use.
Per the judge’s ruling, the council’s approval has been reversed and vacated.
Peter Buckland, a member of the Ferguson Township council who opposes the development, says this is unlikely to be the end of the battle. He said, “I think it’s a part of a much larger issue for our township – and our region – which has to do with sprawl. People hated this development because they are tired of just stuff going out farther and farther and farther.”
At the hearing on July 13, an attorney for the developers stated they were likely to appeal.
