The Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO) will meet tonight to discuss plans to increase street lighting in certain areas in State College.

Mark Whitfield, public works director, said the CCMPO would consider enhancing street light in areas that have seen increases in pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

"The existing system is old and needs repairs, and there is more lighting needed in areas of campus that have been expanding," Whitfield said.

Areas of State College that may be affected by this lighting upgrade include Atherton Street between Park and West Beaver avenues, and East Beaver Avenue from Hetzel to High streets.

The stretch of College Avenue from Hooters, 538 E. College Ave., to the Meridian, 646 E. College Ave., may also see more street lights.

Whitfield said there are $472,000 available for the project, but that would not be enough to finance the whole project.

"The remainder may come from possible state grants and tax dollars," Whitfield said.

Whitfield added that there would not be an increase in State College taxes because of the project, but existing money would be transferred from other areas, including the general fund, to cover costs.

"These areas have seen a greater number of pedestrians, especially the east end of Beaver Avenue," Whitfield said.

"Lighting is also being increased on Atherton Street because of the new IST [Information Sciences and Technology] building," he added.

Undergraduate Student Government (USG) President Ian Rosenberger said he sees this as a step in the right direction.

"We've been putting the pressure on State College to increase lighting, and it is great to see that they are working to help accomplish this goal," Rosenberger said.

He added that the areas chosen to work on are some that USG has discussed with the borough.

"It is great news to hear that they are working on this," Rosenberger said.

Penn State student Amanda Schuetz (senior-elementary education) said she, as well as her friends, feel some areas of State College need more lighting.

"There are just too many dark areas, and with all the negative things happening in State College lately, more lights on streets would be great," Schuetz said.

Dennis Snyder (senior-mechanical engineering) said although he feels safe walking at night, extra lighting is a positive thing.

"You really can't be against it," Snyder said. "All it can do is help."

The meeting will take place tonight at 6 in the College Township Municipal Building, 1481 E. College Ave., in the second floor meeting room.