Plans to build a Catholic student center in East College Heights were appealed in a unanimous vote yesterday by the College Heights Association.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown plans to construct a 2-story, 21,000 square foot facility on the 100 block of East Park Avenue. Larry Sutton, financial director of the diocese, said the center would be a residency for Benedictine priests and will serve as a "sanctuary" for Catholic students. Though it was approved by borough zoning officials in October, it has been met with controversy from local residents. College Heights Association President Carolyn Kunz said residents have no problem with a church being built. It is the student center that raises concern.

"Residents are concerned with its effects in a neighborhood that is residential," Kunz said. "The student center may cause a decrease in the number of families coming to the area."

Sutton said that even though it is called a student center, it would fit in with the surrounding neighborhood.

"We don't see it as an expansion of college campus life, we see it as expansion of Catholic student life," he said. "We won't be an institution in the neighborhood; I feel it will blend in quite nicely."

However, the programs the church may provide are another concern for residents because of increased noise and traffic. Kunz said the proposed size of the building is also a problem.

"It covers three houses' worth of land," Kunz said. "The bigger it is, all things -- noise, traffic -- increase."

Sutton said the center is needed because it provides a space away from campus for Catholic students to share their faith and socialize. "There is no place the students can go to have a private sanctuary for prayer," Sutton said.

Sister Mary Parks, diocese spokeswoman, doesn't think the center will cause noise or distractions for neighbors. "I don't think anything is going to be disruptive," Parks said. "The only activities the students will be doing will be prayer, retreat or meditation."

Sutton added that traffic shouldn't be an issue since the facility is closer to campus and many students will be walking or riding their bikes.

The College Heights board has until Nov. 17 to submit official appeal before borough officials.