By Jeff Rost

Buffalo State College students are helping to push the construction of an elevator in Cassety Hall to the “top of the pile,” says Brian Wittmer, facilities planning department architect. The elevator will allow people, especially those with disabilities to access the building that houses a large percentage of student organizations at Buffalo State College.

David Meinzer, United State Government (USG) press services director, has been working in Cassety Hall since 1977. Meinzer said he remembers a resume service that had its office in Cassety Hall would have to meet and work in the hallway with people who have disabilities because of the absence of an elevator. Meinzer also pointed out that the absence of an elevator has made it harder for people with disabilities to participate in various student organizations located in the building.

Michaelene Meger, a teacher in the exceptional education department, teaches a variety of courses on campus dealing with people who have disabilities. Meger believes the addition of an elevator will “be a great asset to people with disabilities.”

Loud noise and dust may have some students worrying about possible health concerns while walking by the construction site. Wittmer ensures that all necessary steps are in place to ensure everyone’s safety. Those steps are:
• the part of the building where construction is taking place is barricaded off
• the wing in which the elevator is to be installed has been vacated
• the entrance where the elevator is to be installed is blocked off from entry
• student organizations with offices where construction is taking place have been relocated

The elevator is scheduled for completion at the end of December 2005. Summit Construction is undertaking the project that is being paid for by capital funds. Access into Cassety Hall can still be done by using the two entrances facing Upton Hall.

Email: rostjw06@mail.buffalostate.edu