Recently the State College Borough Council and the Downtown Improvement District (DID) met to discuss a recent amendment to state law that would help in the development of downtown State College, in particular, a piece of land located at the intersection of Fraser Street and Beaver Avenue.

The mastermind creation? The Redevelopment Authority (RDA). The RDA could take over projects run by DID, which has been fueling redevelopment in the borough for the last year or two.

The formation of the RDA would give the local government greater control when developing land. Council would also gain more control since the mayor appoints the members. Additionally, the planning commission could advise the RDA directly without the consent of the advising council. The RDA would also have authority in future development projects in the borough. However, if the land is sold to the DID, the council would lose direct control over how the land is developed.

Under the RDA, the council believes that State College would be a step closer to having a mixed-use facility, including possible retail facilities and a movie theatre.

But how much closer?

The borough already has oversight over DID work because of planning commission and zoning approval rules already at the borough's disposal on projects by private property owners.

The DID has already invested a large amount of time in the project, and they deserve to finish the project.

And just because a new law is passed doesn't mean you have to use it, or it's the right answer. Selecting more borough people for a new authority to take over DID would only prolong development.

Public Works Director Mark Whitfield said the council's discussions are concern for the overall well being of the borough.

The next meeting to discuss the creation of the RDA is scheduled for Feb. 4, and council members plan on voting the proposed creation the following Monday.

As council continues to weigh its decisions, the plans for development will continue to be delayed.

If land development in State College keeps on switching hands, the land located at the intersection of Fraser Street and Beaver Avenue may become more of a "mixed up" rather than the proposed mixed-use facility. Something needs to go in that big hole on Fraser Street, especially considering the people and students it has displaced, and the eye sore it has created.

The answer is to get the job done, and not let the project get delayed due to an added layer of bureaucracy that may not even help the project.