Last week the State College Borough Council accepted the recommendations of the planning commission, which included stronger penalties for improper activity occurring on balconies and more cooperation with students to stem such behavior.

That is all well and good, but the council, also voted to accept the use of surveillance cameras on the balconies.

But, harsh judgement must not be rendered yet, for the council will hold private meetings to further discuss the issue.

A potential step like this needs to be deliberated with great care.

Hopefully, when this issue is brought for public debate, all sides can equally voice their opinions.

But, saying what is on your mind is not sufficient.

All of the affected parties must listen to each other, and ultimately the council must take all of the views into consideration.

That is the only way a solid decision can be made.

The idea of violating civil rights is a concern of at least one council member, as well as the residents the apartments.

Video cameras can help catch misdeeds, but they can be misused, as well.

Depending on the direction of the cameras, they could peer into the people's apartments. Nobody wants to be viewed in their bathrobe or if they do not look anything, but spectacular.

Even if there is protection from voyeurs, simple pleasures, such as the ability to walk out early one morning and sit on the balcony and watch the sunrise will never be the same. Sharing an intimate moment with a loved one may not be so intimate now.

These types of freedoms, if the surveillance camera recommendation will be forever gone.

Students must know that unruly behavior, such as launching projectiles off balconies is unacceptable, and the community is well within their rights to try to prevent those kind of actions.

The responsibility for improving poor conduct lies in the hands of the tenants.

Police have documented cases already during this brief semester where objects have been thrown off the balconies.

These actions are done without malicious intent, but they can cause serious injuries to those on the ground.

How many of the students act improperly?

Clearly not the majority, but all of us are going to be made to suffer.

The cameras and their installation are not going to be free.

The council is debating whether to share some of the construction costs, but regardless of the fact, the true losers are Penn State students and State College residents.

They are on the verge of losing some dear freedoms, and they will have to pay higher rent fees for that.