[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6654752,"mediaKeyId","5448531-d30a62ff7b3a6e0a6757b5e173edf425","parentId",5448531,"title","Council reviews 2026–30 capital plan; solar project and urban‑forestry funding hit by federal policy shifts","audioSeconds",575,"startMs",2749000,"endMs",3324000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5448531-d30a62ff7b3a6e0a6757b5e173edf425&start=2749&end=3324","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5448531-d30a62ff7b3a6e0a6757b5e173edf425/thumbnail_2749000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6654752/State-College-City/Centre-County/Pennsylvania/Council-reviews-202630-capital-plan-solar-project-and-urbanforestry-funding-hit-by-federal-policy-shifts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6654752-d83dcc6e8db833148751db4b03b6f380/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445340&Signature=UG2Ta-ERUhC5n7B27iiCaODRBGHjz1jw4Rm-TbJD0rYI1XTO1bYRU9HPktBo62uHPiNow39JVHYlm1oUntUMZPqcTXZeTi4qkDUYSXYPA45bde3pt~dSZPgx4CWEkaB7d2XaRBTm3H0hj5qUmsgulHYgAAZ~~LFIKXgwWnHGSlTmdoIUoVAWYmInABBxRTOFHs7SdUY~Cip7ub4ESAD6FHaIgVi7ePwm3rTn28A0RJB6uLceSn0q4aub6EbDw8aAkPesI5guDVAlLANWMtQ~rNZ42wgK90c2XSPB~r7Vkv0x9MW5vcZWhXaU8T~alAXG8G~RKbWJ5ap2U3Os0h-BPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","State College City, PA","date","2025-07-21T00:00:00Z","article","Council members and staff used a combined regular meeting/work session on July 21 to review the borough’s draft 2026–2030 capital improvement plan and hear updates on two funding matters that could affect projects in the plan.

Project management staff told council that the Center County Solar Group has submitted signed contracts to the solar developer referred to as Prospect 14, but Prospect 14 has paused signing while it evaluates the effect of federal legislation enacted July 4 that changed eligibility and tax‑credit rules. Project partners said the high‑level assessment from the solar industry is that shovel‑ready projects can still be financially viable if they break ground and complete construction before 2027; Prospect 14 requested time to confirm its understanding and provide a timeline.

Council also learned that a planned urban forestry project funded through a pass‑through grant from the U.S. Forest Service (administered by the Urban Sustainability Directors Network) has been cancelled by the federal partner; staff said the borough did not receive invoices and that, to date, the borough has no financial liability, but that the grant cancellation removes roughly $340,000 of expected funding from the borough’s planned work. Staff said the consultant had not completed major deliverables before the termination.

Separately, Manager Fontaine told council staff will present a recommendation at the Aug. 4 meeting to temporarily suspend the borough’s responsible‑contractor ordinance for a small number of imminent bids. Fontaine said the suspension is being considered to avoid losing several million dollars in grant funding that is time‑sensitive; the items explicitly at risk include the Calder Way phase 2 project and an annual paving contract.

Why it matters: The solar partnership and grant decisions affect the borough’s ability to deliver planned energy and tree‑canopy projects in the near term. A temporary suspension of the responsible‑contractor rules would be a short‑term procurement change intended to preserve external grant funding tied to scheduled work.

Key details and next steps

- Solar partnership: Project management team (PMT) reported contracts were forwarded to Prospect 14 in mid‑June; Prospect 14 asked for time while it assesses the implications of new federal rules. The PMT has requested a timeline and clearer communication from the developer. Staff said projects that are shovel‑ready and complete construction before 2027 are likely to retain subsidy eligibility but that the developer is confirming.

- Urban forestry grant: Staff said the pass‑through grant was withdrawn and the borough was not invoiced prior to the termination; estimated lost funding is about $340,000. The consultant had begun preliminary work but had not produced final deliverables.

- Responsible‑contractor pause: Manager Fontaine signaled a staff recommendation for a temporary suspension at the Aug. 4 council meeting to allow timely bidding on projects tied to grant deadlines. Council members asked clarifying questions about timing and scope.

Council members asked staff to maintain open communication with project partners, to return with specific timelines and risk assessments for the solar project, and to present the proposed temporary suspension for council action in August.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","7/21/25 State College Borough Council Regular Meeting & Work Session","oneSentenceSummary","Council members and staff used a combined regular meeting/work session on July 21 to review the borough’s draft 2026–2030 capital improvement plan and hear updates on solar, urban forestry and procurement matters.","taxTitle","State College City, Centre County, Pennsylvania","taxId",12571,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6654748,"Councilmember Portney urges borough to seek share of county hotel tax revenue",452,452000,-1,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5448531-d30a62ff7b3a6e0a6757b5e173edf425&start=452&end=0","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5448531-d30a62ff7b3a6e0a6757b5e173edf425/thumbnail_452000.jpg","/articles/6654748/State-College-City/Centre-County/Pennsylvania/Councilmember-Portney-urges-borough-to-seek-share-of-county-hotel-tax-revenue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6654748-00757e77d100159a276455672955b017/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445340&Signature=dkv~B2XcKhb-b6Zp89px5Mo4V2xDeILFWPeI2s8o2Bgaxzad-a6UwZwfIPv~zLx5xAK57yeeB4UKsnUplbdAvj8SAtkn79Y7SPcT5FD2WEdQ6cwcKcZUkPCnaQvJan4cxg7sxJbqCwNt3CaEEy54fLf06ubCKGrFD8UBVLl1m-nT~zhCbHs0KNDOOunm7gumucC3XTxcA2oqjpwFDMrKgA90GF~evWwXIJBt1JIPscR2w57WWS5JVhF67hKiBhU1s8IZI-3DZM-8D~FHQkeD98NlEpuCa37iKi5mxisPO~6Z0xwqZ0WaC7J89o0LcaChZUNDhKayP7XVtBFxJjyH-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilmember Portney urged State College Borough staff and fellow council members on July 21 to explore whether the borough can obtain a portion of hotel‑tax revenue that currently flows to the Happy Valley Venture Bureau.

Portney said Centre County’s recent increase in its hotel tax — from 2.5% to 5% — produced an estimated $4 million in additional revenue for the Happy Valley Venture Bureau and that, if State College could capture 20% of county collections generated by visits to the borough, that might amount to roughly $400,000 annually. He asked staff to investigate whether the borough could secure a share of that revenue or otherwise request funds from the bureau.

Manager Fontaine and other staff explained that Pennsylvania law generally grants the authority to collect local hotel/occupancy taxes to counties rather than most municipalities; only a few Pennsylvania cities have separate authority to levy local hotel taxes. Fontaine said the county’s hotel tax is also limited by statute in how it may be spent, and he encouraged Portney to make a formal request to the bureau if council so directed.

Portney clarified he was not proposing a new municipal tax; he asked the borough to ask the Happy Valley Venture Bureau to provide a portion of the funds the bureau currently receives. No formal motion was made; Portney said he would submit his findings to the borough manager for consideration during the budget cycle.

Why it matters: Portney framed the request as a way to expand municipal revenue without imposing a new tax on borough residents. Staff cautioned that statutory limits on municipalities’ authority to levy or collect hotel taxes mean the borough’s options are constrained and would likely require negotiation with the county or the bureau.","Councilmember Portney urged State College staff and colleagues to explore whether the borough can obtain a share of hotel‑tax revenue that currently goes to the Happy Valley Venture Bureau, estimating a 20% share could be about $400,000 a year.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6654743,"Resident says short‑term rental permit fee jumped to $450; borough to follow up",145,1170000,1315000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5448531-d30a62ff7b3a6e0a6757b5e173edf425&start=1170&end=1315","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5448531-d30a62ff7b3a6e0a6757b5e173edf425/thumbnail_1170000.jpg","/articles/6654743/State-College-City/Centre-County/Pennsylvania/Resident-says-shortterm-rental-permit-fee-jumped-to-450-borough-to-follow-up","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6654743-c9c404df9dce800a2a12012c5f19203c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445340&Signature=IJ~yddFBhYSD3scbMQ-KNYkKSrlZGSxz3Idf~aL-70GlMdqfQrTO-IdkRK56PxUwl6UxMfidDfdmVRCE5pkwAv~JkLIxYDZnwfeKM-q-hJ3wj757-sD1eOT5fzxZTFLPA2QcTqLQLxquJGM3AQ7uZIS2zTYkt-kVrcLwCUh2Kc21dgWKDMKU-dAY9Y0R60SNUELRegJ2mwbtynzaqsxiBIkXgjOHDEJa-PBU8-g-OVoavxsv1cpoYXrKmwbo08OfCn~4aU7YK9sBKLK4PkioNsm1jXCydFa-0l~wrch8FVa2zhKziLfLmje1nm~kdZ3dxHj7~k8pD0WuDz3N~13rxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the public hour of the July 21 meeting, resident Cindy Chesworth Adams told council she rents one room in her home on a short‑term basis and appealed for an explanation after the borough increased the short‑term rental permit fee.

Adams said she initially paid fees “in the low‑$20s,” that the fee rose to about $80 last year and that this year the permit cost $450. She said the unit is small, her square footage has not changed and she does not operate like a hotel; she asked council to explain the reason for the large increase because it would reduce the viability of her occasional rentals.

Council President invited Adams to provide contact information; borough staff said the manager would follow up. No formal action was taken during the meeting; staff indicated they would reach out to the resident to explain the permit fee schedule and next steps.

Why it matters: Short‑term rental permit fees affect individual hosts and reflect the borough’s permitting and regulatory approach. The resident’s comment prompted staff follow‑up to clarify the fee structure for single‑unit operators.

Next steps: Borough staff asked Adams to leave contact information with the borough secretary for a manager follow‑up; staff confirmed they will contact the resident after the meeting.","During public comment, resident Cindy Chesworth Adams told council her single‑unit short‑term rental permit fee rose from about the low‑$20s to $80 last year and to $450 this year, and asked why. Council and staff said they would follow up; the resident provided contact information for a manager response.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6654755,"State College council approves 2‑hour on‑street parking pilot, eases ceiling‑height rule for pre‑1950 buildings",431,1397000,1828000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5448531-d30a62ff7b3a6e0a6757b5e173edf425&start=1397&end=1828","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5448531-d30a62ff7b3a6e0a6757b5e173edf425/thumbnail_1397000.jpg","/articles/6654755/State-College-City/Centre-County/Pennsylvania/State-College-council-approves-2hour-onstreet-parking-pilot-eases-ceilingheight-rule-for-pre1950-buildings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6654755-fc53368ffdfc4ca7b7f8365d8b665007/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445340&Signature=ongPRI4TDl6RJY5gBmKTrxzWSr5Hhhtr4eB7l2sxm7IwGOerDjb4eQ9Ok-dd8HDiChff1hz1rzJnH4mps4l3tc53JIXsNlZhtRAXuANVSD-qmv1mfwfEyov0tazQlg01QEaiVBD6g3ld0vXWsVwZbXCQ9FXjFjdUhMuVDQGchQ3U15eFbMS0KanjzaH8fMZRwalFdWfL~AOY2fCK0hf93rAFxiDv97jZniQS99biD9LeFsMgJJNHV~3jAAUSEMZuDiQroMKc6oPHvSTKPzsDt1zqnzcXxDvgXS4u5xHD5glsuFqVEWdNCkp~4JPqR10W2tQcATStQDDtyOuECEV6Xg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","State College Borough Council on Monday approved a six‑month pilot that limits on‑street meter parking to two hours and adopted an amendment to the Center Region rental housing and building safety code easing ceiling‑height requirements for some pre‑1950 buildings.

The parking pilot, which council approved by voice vote, will limit on‑street metered parking to two hours through Jan. 31, 2026. Parking staff said the borough will publicize the change on the borough parking homepage, through the Downtown State College Improvement District and via ParkMobile notices when drivers pay. Council President (title: Council President) described the pilot as a “good step” and said the borough will evaluate alternatives — including different enforcement approaches or pricing — as the experiment proceeds.

Council also approved, by roll call, an ordinance amending the Center Region rental housing and building safety code to allow limited exceptions for ceiling heights in buildings constructed prior to 1950. Staff reported the change responds to an uptick of short‑term rental permit applications in older buildings where stairs and upper‑floor clearances fall slightly under current minimums. Center Region Code Administrator Schneider told council most affected units are only a few inches under the standard; the amendment is intended to address those marginal cases while maintaining safety safeguards including interconnected smoke alarms and an appeals process for properties outside the revised threshold.

The meeting opened with routine consent items; staff recommended the consent package and council approved it by voice vote.

Why it matters: The parking pilot is intended to increase customer turnover and support downtown retail and will be evaluated during the six‑month trial. The code amendment is aimed at preserving rental housing supply in older structures while retaining life‑safety protections.

Votes at a glance

- Consent items: Motion moved and seconded; voice vote; outcome: approved. (No roll‑call tally recorded in the transcript.)

- Two‑hour parking pilot: Motion moved and seconded; voice vote; outcome: approved. Pilot period as presented runs through Jan. 31, 2026. Staff will publicize the change through borough channels, the Downtown Improvement District, and ParkMobile.

- Ordinance: Amendment to the Center Region rental housing and building safety code addressing de minimis ceiling‑height variances for buildings constructed prior to 1950. Motion moved and seconded; roll‑call recorded votes in favor by councilmembers Herndon, Kasab, Krishnan Cutty, Hayes, Myers, Portney and Balachandran; outcome: approved.

Council discussion and staff notes

- Communication: Staff said the borough will add notices on parking meters’ online payment platform and social media to make limits clear to users.

- Safety rationale: Schneider explained the ceiling‑height standard balances habitability and life safety; smoke and combustion products collect at ceiling level and a minimum clearance gives occupants space to evacuate. He said the proposed change addresses a small number of properties, often off by one to a few inches.

- Appeals process: Staff confirmed individual appeals remain available for properties outside the amendment’s scope.

The council meeting moved on to other agenda items after the votes; staff will monitor the parking pilot and report back to the council as planned.","On July 21 the State College Borough Council approved a pilot program limiting on‑street meter parking to two hours and adopted an amendment to the Center Region rental housing and building safety code that creates small ceiling‑height exceptions for buildings constructed before 1950. Consent items on the agenda also passed.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council reviews 2026–30 capital plan; solar project and urban‑forestry funding hit by federal policy shifts

Councilmember Portney urges borough to seek share of county hotel tax revenue

Resident says short‑term rental permit fee jumped to $450; borough to follow up

State College council approves 2‑hour on‑street parking pilot, eases ceiling‑height rule for pre‑1950 buildings