by Hundreds of Centre County residents gathered Thursday at a public hearing to learn more about PennDOT’s recommended Central route for the State College Area Connector Project — a proposed $700 million overhaul of U.S. Route 322 through Harris and Potter Townships.
The meeting, held at the Wyndham Garden State College in Boalsburg, drew widespread community interest. Residents expressed deep concerns about potential displacement, property loss, and access to local businesses.
Local Church Could Lose Its Property
Jacob Sukhorukov, church administrator at Grace Church, said their building is directly in the path of the proposed Central route.
“We would like to stay there,” Sukhorukov said. “It’s comfortable for our church members. But if they move forward with this plan, they’ll have to take our property.”
If the project goes through as proposed, the church may be forced to relocate.
Residents Impacted by Nearby Construction
Jeff Wiest, another area resident, said he narrowly avoided being directly affected. A different proposed route would have cut through his property. Instead, the Central alternative will pass about 300 yards from his home.
Still, Wiest is worried.
“My neighbor in front of me is losing his front yard to the bridge,” he said. “Another neighbor is losing farmland.”
Many residents echoed those fears — citing concerns about property values, agricultural land, and easier access to Route 322 businesses.
PennDOT: Fewer Displacements with Central Route
According to PennDOT, the Central route displaces the fewest homes overall. It also emerged as the most preferred option in a public survey. The South alternative came in second, favored for its minimal impact on farmland.
PennDOT has stated it will provide compensation and relocation assistance for homeowners who are displaced by the project.
Public comments on the proposal are still being accepted until May 18.
