There’s no doubt that once preliminary construction on the middle quad of Washington Apartments begins in less than a month, the area between Ojibway and Ottawa courts will be an inconvenience on the eyes and ears for the next couple years.

But those really should be the only complaints among students, faculty and staff once the project kicks off in early April.

Facilities Management officials have done a commendable job in the planning and execution of all facets involved with the new Education and Human Services building project.

FM has developed a complex plan that, barring any unforeseen roadblocks, should accomplish the three most important aspects to the project – aspects the campus community should think about before complaining about an ugly work site and loud construction noises.

First off, officials made the right move by postponing the controlled demolition until the campus-wide electrical shutdown May 11-13.

At first we were skeptical of the decision. After all, the project already had been delayed because Bob Ringel, the project’s original manager, unexpectedly resigned during winter break.

But the decision really was a no-brainer. The shutdown takes place the weekend before first summer session classes begin. New education building project manager Chad Stirrett has said safety is FM’s No. 1 priority. This decision was the best way to achieve that.

Something else students can be thankful for is convenience. Although the fences will be up until the entire project wraps up in 2009, campus travel shouldn’t be an issue.

Students will be able to utilize walking paths on the west and east sides of the middle quad. Also, Ojibway and Ottawa courts will remain clear of construction equipment and vehicles, so travel and parking along those roads won’t be affected.

The only thing different is students won’t be able to cut through the middle quad, which can easily be fixed by taking a few steps out of one’s way.

The third important aspect accomplished by FM’s plan is timeliness. The entire demolition phase should be complete well before the fall semester begins. FM also is making it a point to wrap up the demolition before the influx of Special Olympic athletes and coaches arrives in late May.

Of course, all this is assuming no unforeseen roadblocks present themselves along the way, and if something does happen to delay the project, it will be unfortunate.

But considering all the intense planning that has to go into a project of this scale, students should feel thankful a large part of the planning phase was devoted to student safety and convenience.

E-mail the author: defaultuser