Clarion University President: Clarion Borough Should Be Bigger

Scott Seeley

Scott Seeley

Published July 24, 2015 4:45 am
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Body-president-karen-whitneyCLARION, Pa. (EYT) – Clarion University President Karen Whitney was the July 22 guest on Financial Forum with Michael Patton, discussing a variety of issues, including the new student housing buildings, the increasing cost of higher education, and the economic impact the university has on the community and the region. Dr. Whitney even suggested making Clarion Borough bigger.

There’s a lot happening at Clarion University right now. In addition to the construction of new student housing facilities, the university is also offering several new degrees, and classes begin on August 24. The first phase of the new buildings on the north side of State Route 322 opens this fall, with the other building opening in Spring. Becht Hall will open on August 10, a building which offers a variety of services designed to help students graduate.

“It’s certainly a very, very busy summer at Clarion University,” Dr. Whitney said.

Employees and Taxes

Patton pointed out Clarion University is the largest employer in Clarion County.

“Yes, we employ a little over 700 employees. Clarion Borough and Clarion Township is a college town. Quite frankly, I’d rather we not be the largest employer, and I’d invite any private sector employer to beat us on that, but it’s part of who we are right now. The economic impact of Clarion University on the region is humongous, over $264 million in payroll and how those people spend their dollars in the region. We also contribute to the employment of over 3,000 other people in the region, and I want to celebrate,” Whitney said.

The vast majority of employees live within a 30 minute drive of the area. Projects such as the new student housing facilities also have an economic impact on the community.

Patton addressed how Clarion Borough’s tax base is lowered by the university’s presence, with over $107 million in taxable property in the borough, but $75 million of that is tax exempt.

Whitney noted not all of the tax exempt property is owned by the university.

Patton, citing “Testimony of the Borough of Clarion Before the PA House Local Government Committee (2008)”, countered over $66 million of the $75 million in exempt properties is due to the university.

Whitney pointed out employees also pay taxes to the borough and other entities.

“It is erroneous to think Clarion University does not contribute to the tax base because it does,” Whitney said.”We also voluntarily pay payments in lieu of taxes of over $200,000 per year to help with borough expenses, and contribute to the fire department, and partner with borough government. At the same time, we are an agent of the state and deserve property tax exemption.”

“The Borough Is Too Small”

Whitney offered a potential solution to a number of university and community issues.

“I’m going to suggest the borough and the township as municipalities get together and re-think the entire approach to how they deliver goods and services. The university is not too big. The borough is too small. Our borough and township leaders need to get together and re-think a single municipality,” Whitney said.

The move makes sense not only for taxing purposes, Whitney said, but because of how intertwined the municipalities already appear to be.

“People in the township appear to use services from the borough, and I encourage elected officials to talk about it. As a college town, we exist in both, and I need help from both,” Whitney said.

The curb appeal along Greenville Avenue and South Fifth Avenue needs improved, Whitney said, and cooperation among the borough and the township is necessary.

“There are sections of Route 68 that are just cute as a bug, but some of it is pretty shabby. I need help with that curb appeal to build our enrollment and the retail experience for the borough. So I will suggest Clarion is just too small, and we need to deal with that,” Whitney said. “I’m talking about the whole stretch from (Interstate) 80 to the university.”

Whitney said she has met with local leaders and has brought up the suggestion.

“I want to offer a discussion, nothing more. I want to ask ‘could now be the time to address this and to look at being organized differently, so it can be a better experience for all those who live, work and learn here,'” Whitney said.

The university and the borough have a great relationship, Whitney said, working together on the Blueprint Communities initiative.

Project Impact On Main Street

The construction of student housing facilities along Main Street is underway, with one set to open for the fall semester and the other next spring.

“It is a mixed use project, with some retail on the first floor and residences on floors two, three, and four. It replaces old housing. The retail is a relocation of an existing outlets, but we will be adding to the university dining plan a collegiate version of Denny’s called ‘The Den’ where you walk up and get it like at McDonald’s. I do not think this competes but compliments our retail friends and adds on,” Whitney said.

Clarion University was losing students to other universities because of outdated housing featuring down the hall restroom facilities, Whitney explained.

A new sophomore residency requirement was enacted because students are being lost to dropping out, particularly sophomores who live off campus, Whitney continued.

“This was not an accidental policy, but after a lot of thought that we re-shifted our view. We want freshmen and sophomores on campus and juniors, seniors, and graduates to live in town,” Whitney said.

The entire conversation with Dr. Karen Whitney on Financial Forum with Michael Patton can be found here.

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