Someone is finally listening. Hooters project manager Jeff Haas announced last week that because of community opposition, he will no longer go forward with a proposal to open a Hooters Restaurant franchise on East College Avenue.

Haas said in a press release he will listen to the "wishes of the community" and not continue his project to replace Pennsylvania Pizza, the Bottle Shop and John Henry's Neighborhood Bar, 538 E. College Ave., with a Hooters restaurant.

Haas deserves praise for putting his own financial benefits aside in respect of the community's best interest. The decision is also good public relations for the Hooters Restaurant chain. By respecting the community's wishes, both Haas and Hooters are proving themselves good neighbors.

Since the announcement of the project, protesters have complained the restaurant, known for its scantily clad servers, would be a social and aesthetic eyesore to downtown State College.

About 25 students and community members also attended a Borough Council Planning Commission meeting in November to protest the restaurant's outdoor patio. Those who spoke at the meeting said the patio would cause a public safety hazard and traffic problems by distracting motorists who were driving by.

Although the eatery's outdoor seating received the most public outcry and the borough had no legal means to prohibit the Hooters franchise from opening, Haas decided to nix the entire project.

Haas could have built the restaurant with only indoor seating, but being sensitive to the underlying concerns of students and community members, he terminated the entire project.

If Haas still wants to replace his businesses with a new restaurant, hopefully he will continue to listen to the community. A new restaurant that appeals to a broader range of patrons would be a welcome addition to the downtown area.

The State College community made its voice heard, and Haas listened.

The students and community members opposed to Hooters who spoke out at borough meetings, wrote letters to the editor and worked hard to have their voices heard also deserve praise.

If nothing else, let this be a reminder that activism -- not apathy -- can bring change.