Penn State University can sell closing campuses after deed restrictions removed

Pennsylvania lawmakers have removed longstanding deed restrictions on seven closing Penn State University campuses, enabling the university to sell the properties to private buyers. Previously, state-imposed restrictions required that if the university ceased its educational mission on the land, the title would revert to the Commonwealth to protect taxpayer investments.

Because these restrictions applied to only portions of the campuses, Penn State was unable to sell the properties as complete packages. The removal of these rules was intended to facilitate the transfer of the land for productive community use.

The university is beginning the process with two locations: the Shenango campus in Mercer County and the Wilkes-Barre campus in Luzerne County. Proposed real estate transactions for these sites are scheduled for review by the Penn State Board of Trustees at its upcoming September 18 meeting.