Spring Break
Construction raises concerns
Upcoming summer construction will help pedestrians, requires removal of many campus trees
Tracy Hoagland
Issue date: 6/2/08 Section: News
A large-scale revamping of Northwest 14th and 15th streets will take place over the summer and run until October.
The project is a joint venture between OSU and the city of Corvallis to widen 14th and 15th streets between Monroe Avenue and Jefferson Way.
But the Corvallis City Council has expressed concern about the scale of the project and the fact that nearly 30 trees will be uprooted in the process. So on Thursday, May 29 a tour was organized to show the council the scope of the project.
"The tour will give people the opportunity to see what is actually going to be there," said Corvallis City Councilor Stewart Wershow. "A lot of people are concerned about trees being taken out, but [the construction project] has been in the process for years."
There has been concern raised about an estimated 10 mature cherry and sweet gum trees that are slated for removal and that appear to date back to OSU's early days.
"It's not right that students really have no idea about this project," said Gretchen Peed, a senior in business administration. "Those trees are beautiful and add to the college's aesthetic appeal. Supposedly we are a very environmentally friendly campus, but obviously only when it is convenient."
The plans for the project have passed through a citizen advisory commission, as well as a bicycle pedestrian advisory committee - both of which include ASOSU representatives.
"There are big problems with buses making those turns, and we want it to be more pedestrian-friendly," Wershow said of the stretch of road known for its narrowness and congestion.
The project is being paid for in part by City of Corvallis transportation funds because of the plan to include bus turn lanes.
According to the Corvallis Gazette Times, the project calls for demolition of the existing streets, vegetation and trees and construction of a new street, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, raised pedestrian crossings, new signals, turn lanes, lights and storm drainage.
A city council meeting will take place today at noon to discuss the issue.
"It's too bad the trees are having to be taken out," said Ryan Picco, a senior in business administration. "But to make the streets safer for students going to class, I think it's worth it."
Tracy Hoagland
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
The project is a joint venture between OSU and the city of Corvallis to widen 14th and 15th streets between Monroe Avenue and Jefferson Way.
But the Corvallis City Council has expressed concern about the scale of the project and the fact that nearly 30 trees will be uprooted in the process. So on Thursday, May 29 a tour was organized to show the council the scope of the project.
"The tour will give people the opportunity to see what is actually going to be there," said Corvallis City Councilor Stewart Wershow. "A lot of people are concerned about trees being taken out, but [the construction project] has been in the process for years."
There has been concern raised about an estimated 10 mature cherry and sweet gum trees that are slated for removal and that appear to date back to OSU's early days.
"It's not right that students really have no idea about this project," said Gretchen Peed, a senior in business administration. "Those trees are beautiful and add to the college's aesthetic appeal. Supposedly we are a very environmentally friendly campus, but obviously only when it is convenient."
The plans for the project have passed through a citizen advisory commission, as well as a bicycle pedestrian advisory committee - both of which include ASOSU representatives.
"There are big problems with buses making those turns, and we want it to be more pedestrian-friendly," Wershow said of the stretch of road known for its narrowness and congestion.
The project is being paid for in part by City of Corvallis transportation funds because of the plan to include bus turn lanes.
According to the Corvallis Gazette Times, the project calls for demolition of the existing streets, vegetation and trees and construction of a new street, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, raised pedestrian crossings, new signals, turn lanes, lights and storm drainage.
A city council meeting will take place today at noon to discuss the issue.
"It's too bad the trees are having to be taken out," said Ryan Picco, a senior in business administration. "But to make the streets safer for students going to class, I think it's worth it."
Tracy Hoagland
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Be the first to comment on this story
Comments by registered users are approved by default.