Monday, Feb. 2, 1998

Diverters, Inner Loop, parking on council's meeting agenda

By CRYSTAL NESBITT
Collegian Staff Writer

At the State College Borough Council meeting tonight, council members will take a look at issues concerning vehicles and transportation in the Centre Region.

Council member Donald Hahn will propose a resolution to remove the East College Heights traffic diverters upon completion of the Eastern Inner Loop project.

The Eastern Inner Loop, which has been in the works for several years, will be a two-lane road encircling State College and the University.

Its purpose is to lessen traffic congestion on Atherton Street. In addition to State College, other municipalities would contribute equal funds to the project.

"I don't think this issue will die. It's an issue of regional cooperation in mitigating traffic along North Atherton Street, and the issue will keep going otherwise."

- Donald Hahn, State College Borough Council member

"Keeping the diverters is not going to solve the long-term problems of Centre County," Hahn said. "I don't think this issue will die. It's an issue of regional cooperation in mitigating traffic along North Atherton Street, and the issue will keep going otherwise."

Hahn said he could not speculate when the Eastern Inner Loop would be finished.

Borough council will also vote on an ordinance which would authorize a 30-minute extension to the current one-hour time limit for downtown parking meters.

About 300 downtown meters would be affected.

Borough Council President Jean McManis said as a "longtime downtown user," she believes the extension would be a more enticing prospect for those parking downtown.

"That hour you have for parking means that you're gambling during a relaxed, leisure meal," said McManis, commenting on her several dining experiences downtown.

McManis said she would expect the rate to increase to 75 cents since the half-hour rate is 25 cents.

Borough council will meet at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the State College Municipal Building, 118 S. Fraser St.