Projects are slated for completion by August, when Millward anticipates the workers will complete the required hours.

Possible tasks range from scrubbing and repainting parking garages to cleaning streets and refuse areas.

The workers also could help prepare for the 33rd Annual Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, during which the riot occurred last year, by doing projects to improve the town's appearance, Millward said.

Alan Haskel, Class of 1998, said he witnessed most of the riot and thinks community service is a suitable punishment.

"It's a good start that they made them do community service, but there were so many more people involved doing so much damage everywhere," he said.

"It sends a good message, though.. I think the punishment fits."

Probation and parole officers and borough employees will supervise the workers, who will usually work eight-hour shifts.

Court and borough officials have been very cooperative with plans for the unique community service program, which they began discussing as a possible option last August, Millward said.

"We definitely were interested in some community service in the borough to make up for some of the losses we suffered," Peter Marshall, borough manager, said.

However, several offenders, their parents or attorneys have objected to the requirement that the hours must be completed in the borough because the offenders do not live in the area.

"It's unfortunate that it's an inconvenience, but they are accountable for their behavior," Millward said, adding complaints are not unusual in such cases.

Jim Mann, director of Downtown State College Partnership Inc., said he has faith the court system issued appropriate punishments, adding downtown businesses want to look ahead to a positive relationship with students instead of focusing on the incident.