Wed. November 8 - State College moves to require safety inspections for short-term rentals

Plus: Man sentenced to jail for intentionally causing crash

NEWS
State College moves to require safety inspections for short-term rentals

State College is considering a new measure that would mandate safety inspections for all short-term rental properties, aligning with regulations already in place for long-term rentals.

The borough council will vote on November 20th on the proposed amendment to the property maintenance code, which would enforce the same inspection requirements for properties listed on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.

This change would mean that any property rented out for even a single day would need to pass a housing inspection and obtain a standard rental permit from the Centre Region Code Administration.

The move, driven by concerns for the safety and welfare of residents and visitors alike, aims to ensure that all renters receive the same level of safety, irrespective of the rental duration.

Currently, State College has 96 licensed short-term rentals, with about 60 pending, and if the amendment passes, at least 81 would need to undergo a safety inspection.

The decision is part of a preventative approach to avoid potential incidents and to guarantee a minimum safety standard for occupants without control over the property's condition.

Read the full story on StateCollege.com

State College Bulletin

Today’s weather: 🌤️ High 52F/low 43F.

🚧 Atherton Street Project

A crew will form and pour concrete sidewalk between West Fairmount and Logan avenues today and Thursday. Flaggers in the roadway will enforce an alternating traffic pattern.

Happening Today

💵 BLINGO Fundraiser
5:30PM | Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Port Matilda | $10/$25

The Women’s Welcome Club of State College is hosting their annual fundraiser tonight. Doors open at 5PM. $10 early bird BINGO starts at 5:30PM and $25 regular BINGO starts at 6PM. Free dauber while supplies last.

🤖 Exploration-U: Community STEAM Night
Wed. 6-8PM | Bellefonte Area High School

What do a slime room, a wind tunnel, and a robotic arm have in common? They’ll all be on display at the annual Eberly College of Science Exploration-U event. Families from across Centre County and beyond are invited to attend the free community science night.

🎤 Open Mic Night
6-8PM | University Wine Co.

Open to all musicians of all skill levels. Mics, PA, & Drums set up. Ready to plug in instruments. Can accommodate multiple musicians. Text Tom at (814) 753-2207 to schedule your spot.

🧠 Trivia Night
6-8PM | Boal City Brewing

BCB will be hosting their Boal City Pub Quiz with cash prizes award to the winner(s).

In Other News

⚖️ Centre County resident, Letra Renninger, was sentenced to 2.5-5 years in prison for intentionally causing a severe multi-vehicle crash in State College last December. Renninger sped through a busy intersection and intentionally drove into oncoming traffic on South Atherton Street injuring 3 people. Suicidal thoughts and mental health issues were the reason Renninger caused the crash his attorney claimed during Tuesday’s sentencing hearing. [WJAC]

🚲 For winter cycling enthusiasts, the Penn State Bike Den will be hosting a winter biking 101 workshop for community members, and Penn State students, faculty and staff. The workshop will teach participants the rules of the road and winter bike safety tips. It will be an indoor, classroom-style workshop, so a bicycle is not required for participation. Participants will receive a free pair of Penn State bike lights. Space is limited. Those interested can register here.

Charles H. Whiteman, dean of Penn State's Smeal College of Business, will retire in June 2024 after 12 years in the position. As dean, Whiteman expanded Smeal's professional graduate programs, advanced experiential learning, and championed socially responsible business practices into the curriculum. He led record fundraising, enrollment increases, and new initiatives positioning Smeal for continued success. A national search for Whiteman's successor will get underway soon with the University intending to have a new dean in place by summer 2024. [Penn State]

Live Music Lowdown

Sports

Results

Penn State Women’s Basketball
11/7 vs. Bucknell | W 94-51

Schedule