By William Tredo
The Union Quad area at Buffalo
State College is the central gathering point for students
on campus and also represents one of the biggest hazards
at BSC, but Campus Services has a remedy for repair.
The Union
Quad is surrounded by Butler Library, Grover Cleveland
Hall, the Student Union and Bulger Communications Center.
The uneven bricklaying has an abstract pattern. One of the
associate directors of campus
services and facilities, Joseph Ball, described why
the pattern is varied.
“The 30-year-old masonry was built
on poorly compacted film and a major water main break in
1993 in front of Butler Library caused the assorted stonework,”
he said.
The bricks measured up to 1/2” juts
randomly across its surface. According to a research study
at the University of Florida,
as little as a 3/8” rise in a walkway can cause a
person to “stub” their toe resulting in a trip
and fall.
Since the Union Quad is the established place
for students to gather actively, it is a heavily trafficked
area. Commuter students represent 80 percent of students
at BSC and rush through campus. Buffalo State undergrad
and commuter Steven Wesley hastily conducts his affairs
on campus.
“I come to campus for class, handle
my business and then it’s a race between me and a
parking ticket to my car, he said. Get it done and get out
fast is how I feel!”
Because it is a central terminal it is dangerous
to have potential hazards that could injure students, staff
or visitors. According to the Hartford
Courant, slips and falls account for an average of 5,961
deaths and more than 5.1 million injuries reported each
year in America.
To maintain campus safety, Campus Services
are charged with maintaining the grounds and keeping the
campus safe and functional. For the past several years the
college has completed several projects that have improved
the navigation and access for students, faculty, staff and
visitors.
Some of the past projects include: the Upton
Quad, the main entrance to Houston Gym and the approaches
to the Science Building. Although it may appear neglected,
the crucial passageway of the Union Quad has not been overlooked.
Joseph Ball recognized the Union Quad problem
and gave insight into future improvements.
“There is a project in our current 5-year Capital
Improvement Plan to redo the entire Union Quad and the pavers
surrounding the Communications Center,” he said.
The current 5-year plan began fiscally in July of 2004.
Buffalo State was allocated $57 million from Albany for
critical repair needs such as roofs, sidewalks and masonry.
Joe Ball believes the Union Quad ranks high in importance
to be repaired.
The Union Quad project is estimated to cost
$1 million to repair the area from Grover Cleveland Hall
to the south side of Bulger Communications Center. There
are provisions for more green space to increase the aesthetics
on campus. The plan also includes the construction of a
direct path for vehicles to enter the Union Quad area. The
sidewalk between Caudell Hall and Butler Library will be
transformed into an access road to reduce traffic on campus.
Although the plan is in development Joseph Ball reminds
us that things could change.
“This plan is pending the availability
of anticipated funds from Albany,” he said.
If allocated, the planning and design is expected to occur
between 2008 and 2010.
Related links:
www.buffalostate.edu
www.buffalostate.edu/pdf/3dcampusmap.pdf
www.ufl.edu
www.courant.com
www.buffalostate.edu/campusservices/x7.xml
Will Tredo can be contacted at: tredwm35@mail.buffalostate.edu
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