Developer Progress Development Group has withdrawn its request to develop on part of State College’s Nittany Village Park after months of protest from the community.
Progress Development Group, based in State College, presented its original plans to build a 26-unit affordable housing complex on South Atherton Street to the borough in April. The proposed apartment building would have spilled into at least 16% of the existing Nittany Village Park.
In its withdrawl, the developer cited “considerable opposition” from the neighborhood. It said it intends to scale down the complex to avoid using any of the park.
Borough Council President Jesse Barlow approved of the change.
“I think if he can pull this off, this is a good move. It gives us a number of affordable units," Barlow said.
Barlow said he believes the change will spark conversation about potential changes to parking laws.
“The borough has parking laws dating back to the ‘60s and they’re bloody ridiculous. They’re very out of date," he said.
Barlow said the developer will likely negotiate with the nearby M&T Bank for parking.
He added the borough has an “incentive” to improve Nittany Village Park with more residents coming into the area, likely starting with adding proper signage.
