|
Campus construction causes headaches for students
By Nina Ansas
"I have to leave class at least 10 minutes early, and it's rush hour onBay Area Boulevard," said Holly Chervnsik, an
undergraduate art major. "It takes me 25 minutes to get from the Bayou Building to the Arbor Building."
The University Police Department deployed officers to direct traffic at Middlebrook Drive and the student parking lot
entrances at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. when the roadwork beganSept. 24. Police Chief Michael Herbst said officers also
will monitor the traffic situation between noon and 2 p.m.
"I know traffic isn't flowing like it should," Herbst said. "One problem we had was that no one knew where Middlebrook
Drive was. We've contacted the city of Pasadena and asked them to put up a sign."
According to Dan Wilson, interim vice president of facilities management and construction, more thanhalf the
university roads are failing due to poor construction of the road base.
Although repair work by the Clear Lake Water District on two broken water mains is causing delays, restoration of
the road surfaces should be completed by mid-October. Parking fees are financing the renovation.
In addition to the road construction, inside construction is also causing problems.
In the Arbor Building, continuing renovation of the photo lab is creating difficulties for art and communication students.
According to Wilson, miscommunication concerning work scheduling occurred between faculty members and Facilities. This stopped work on the lab prematurely. In addition to the breakdown in communication, certified asbestos specialists were called in, but they could not complete the work as planned.
"The June flood caused delays when the asbestos abaters were required elsewhere," Wilson said. "We couldn't get them at a certain time and had to wait until they were available. The renovation should be finished before November."
Matthew Linton, assistant professor of communication and visual arts, said the renovation is inconvenient for the students.
"It is making class somewhat difficult," Linton said. "We've had some problems developing film."
"It's horrible; you can't take the film out because light is leaking around the door," said Chervnsik. "I've been able to get by, but you don't get the quality you need."
Besides the photo lab, Natural and Applied Science labs in the Bayou Building will be renovated beginning next fall. During the Christmas holidays, the Student Information and police department counters will be redesigned to comply with the American Disabilities Act. Also, the fire alarm system throughout the university will be upgraded to meet fire code standards.
|