Community members concerned about the future of Circleville Farm stood at a crossroads yesterday, asking whether they should pressure Penn State to reconsider selling the property or find a buyer who will agree to a favorable land-use plan.

Ford Stryker, special projects director for the Office of Physical Plant, advised them to focus their efforts on forming a grassroots proposal for how to purchase and conserve the land.

"At the end of the day ... we're probably going to sell the property," said Stryker to about three dozen local residents, faculty and students, who gathered last night at the Ferguson Township Municipal Building.

But many in attendance criticized the university for rushing to sell the 155-acre tract and not asking other Penn State colleges if they had any use for the land.

"It epitomizes the lack of imagination on the part of the College of Agricultural Sciences," said Sandy Lindenbaum, a resident of College Township.

Officials for the College of Agricultural Sciences, which uses the farm, have said they no longer need the land. Selling Circleville could bring in enough revenue to pay for about two times as much property, perhaps closer to the core campus, Stryker said.

In November, the Penn State Board of Trustees postponed the sale of the Ferguson Township tract in the face of opposition. Some community members said they thought the first request-for-proposal (RFP) period was too brief.

Stryker said university administrators are eyeing May as the target for releasing another RFP for the Circleville sale.

"It would probably go to the [Board of Trustees for approval] in the fall, if I had to guess," Stryker said.

Those who support conservation of the farm are wondering if that is enough time.

Jennifer Shuey, executive director of ClearWater Conservancy, outlined various ways for concerned residents to organize a land trust or conservation easement.

The owners of a few nearby properties, such as Nittany Farms and Rhoneymeade, have a contract with the Conservancy to protect the land's natural features, Shuey said.

When asked if her volunteer-based group would help with Circleville efforts, Shuey said it was a possibility, but did not give any firm commitment.

"You don't enter into land negotiations lightly," Shuey said.

Ferguson Township officials on hand last night also highlighted the obstacle of rezoning.

The Circleville property is zoned for rural agricultural use, but borders on three housing developments, one of Penn State's golf courses and a wooded area. The land also has ready access to municipal services such as sewer and water systems.

Township officials also raised the possibility that whoever buys the tract -- be it a conservationist group or a home developer -- may not be successful in rezoning attempts.

Dottie Schmidt, chairman of the township Board of Supervisors, said the board has not taken a position on the debate. "It's a little awkward to take any position on property that we don't own," Schmidt said.

Dan Sieminski, assistant vice president for finance and business, could not make the evening's discussion.

Sieminski is scheduled to give a presentation on Circleville Farm to the University Faculty Senate on Tuesday afternoon.