Tal Rappleyea is a real estate and municipal lawyer based in New York State. This blog was originally posted on Tal’s website here.
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Pennsylvania State Representative and licensed real estate broker Susan Helm has been exploring the idea of whether it’s discrimatory to set limitations on where a student can live while in college. Currently in State College, PA, there are ordinances in place that restrict housing options to students enrolled at a university. In response, Helm proposed House Bill 809, which is a legislation with the intent to stop local governments from upholding restrictive ordinances like that toward students. While Helm views such guidelines as discriminatory, one manager of the State College Borough sees it as a tool that helps the economic wellness of the area. Tom Fountaine wants a distinction between college housing and more residential living.