Plan for shopping center takes shape

By BETH LUCAS
Collegian Staff Writer

PATTON TOWNSHIP -- A new shopping center, which will be almost the size of Nittany Mall, is one step closer to becoming a reality.

The first draft of the plan for the Colonnade at State College, formerly called Patton Square, was introduced to the Patton Township Planning Commission last night. The draft included revisions resulting from meetings between the developer, citizens groups and local businesses.

"This is highly unusual, for a developer to work so well with the community," said Tom Kurtz, Patton Township manager.

The 70-acre center will be built on North Atherton Street beside Woodycrest, and will include a Target department store, a Wegmans supermarket, a relocated Dairy Queen and a 14-screen Carmike Cinema.

Developers are working to keep the speed limit of the roads in the area at 25 mph by creating curves and adding landscape.

The original sketch plans were changed because of amended township ordinances that resulted in more space between construction and other property, a 2.5-acre community meeting space, safer storm drains and 18-foot trees.

Developers said they were meeting with local artists about possible sidewalk showcases. All buildings in the complex will be condominiums, owned by businesses rather than rented and everything down to the garbage cans will match, according to developers Harrison and Grass Investments of Harrisburg.

Area roads may need to be widened to add left turning lanes for the center's two new entrances. New streetlights also will be added, and some local businesses were optimistic about the prospect.

"I am happy we won't have to go downtown to go shopping and to the cinema," said Ella Williams, owner of Williams and Associates Real Estate, 2214 N. Atherton St.

But Mala Judd, who lives next to site, feels the town is growing too fast.

"However nice the plans are, I am still not happy to have 70 acres of trees cut down, but I am thankful to be a part of the (deliberation) process," Judd said.

Because of the size of the development, meetings will continue until at least March 11, Kurtz said. The plans then will be submitted to the Patton Township Board of Supervisors for review. The center is expected to take a year to build once plans are submitted, he added.