Because a steam shutdown is required during construction, officials say it was necessary to start construction now in order to ensure buildings can be heated later on.
The construction that began on Ohio University's Class Gateway two weeks ago has angered some graduating seniors, many of whom planned to take a traditional picture at the site the day of commencement.
Discussion about the construction, which the university has said will continue until Sep. 15, continued Wednesday at the OU Student Senate meeting.
Joe Lalley, senior associate vice president of Information Technologies and Administrative Services, spoke to the body about the ongoing project, which will repair an underground tunnel and build ramps into the gateway from the sidewalk. The ramps will help make College Green compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines, according to a previous Post report.
“We certainly are very cognizant of, one, the beauty of the College Green and the fact that the campus is one the the reasons you're here,” Lalley said. “It’s a very beautiful campus. We didn’t want to do it on this timing and we just saw no choice.”
Lalley added the timing of the project is due to an expansion in the amount of work being done and the need to complete the project before temperatures drop in the fall.
Because a steam shutdown is required during construction, Lalley said it was necessary to start construction now in order to ensure buildings can be heated later on.
Student Senate also heard two presentations at their meeting, including one about a possible Student Sustainability Fee.
Students would be able to pay the $5 optional fee each semester to help fund sustainability projects, Kristeena Blaser, a graduate student studying environmental science, said at the meeting.
Possible sustainability projects include a bike sharing program, composting in residence halls, a campus garden and increased availability to public transit, according to the presentation.
A committee of students, faculty and staff would also be formed to work on the projects, Blaser said.
{{tncms-asset app="editorial" id="20c5577e-f14d-11e5-9576-3b38a40e9bae"}}
Logan Stark, environmental affairs commissioner, said she thinks the fee is great but is worried that too many students will opt out of paying it.
“It’s great in that a lot of projects could be put to use through the money,” Stark said. “I would definitely be interested on being on the committee.”
Senate also voted to fill vacancies on the Budget Committee with current senate members Karen Opoku and Cassidy Paul.
“I’m excited to have them,” Jacob Haskins, chair of the Budget Committee, said. “They are both really active members of senate, and I’m excited to have a voice from different commissions that aren’t represented on the budget committee.”
Senate also heard a presentation from OU’s student trustees, Sharmaine Wilcox and PJ Roden, about the most recent Board of Trustees meeting.
@M_PECKable
mp172114@ohio.edu
