Representatives of Balfurd Cleaners voiced their objection to recent zoning changes, which could mean less student housing, at last night's State College Borough Council meeting.

The sale of Balfurd's location at 320 W. Beaver Ave. could be affected by a new zoning ordinance if approved by council. Prior reports state Balfurd is nearing a sales agreement with Brad Karch and Heidi Nicholas, of Blue Mountain Harmony LLC, to build a six-story apartment building to be used for student housing.

Under the new zoning proposal, owners of properties in the Downtown Vision overlay zone would have limited options when developing a property, potentially lessening sale values.

"The Atherton Street corridor overlay zone has been on the boards for two years, but they just changed the zoning a month ago," Balfurd Cleaners owner Scott Fogelsanger said.

If council approves an ordinance limiting the development of the property Fogelsanger said Balfurd stands to lose a significant amount of money.

Because of the surrounding student apartments, no developer will want to build residential housing on that property, Fogelsanger said.

"We're going to lose probably $1 million if we downsize this to something we think probably nobody wants," he said.

Council member Craig Humphrey said he is in favor of diversifying the borough to include more residential housing. Balfurd Cleaners president Bob Fogelsanger said student housing creates positive revenue for the community.

"Penn State influences all the businesses and townspeople in our area, directly or indirectly," he said.

The ordinance seems to discriminate against student housing, Bob Fogelsanger said.

"I encourage you to please kill this version of the ordinance," he said. No action has been taken concerning the ordinance at yesterday's meeting. Council will revisit the issue Sept. 13.