Minutes of the University Environment Committee
Meeting of
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Regular members present:
Hodson, Glascoff, Jones, Lawrence, McKinnon,
Absent: Robinson, House,
Bowman
Ex officio members present:
Mize, Koch, Gill, Schmidt, Twark
Absent: Jones, Core
1.
The meeting was
called to order by Chairman Charles Hodson at
2.
The minutes of the meeting of
3.
John Gill
presented a map, entitled Eminent Green
Space on Main Campus to the
committee for discussion of preservation of the green spaces that remain.
4.
Deedee Glascoff
moved to limit the use of the main Mall for Barefoot on the Mall and events
related to the celebration of the Centennial.
This
motion was seconded but no action was taken.
There was general consensus that the area is sensitive to soil
compaction and the tree canopy makes lawn growth difficult. This issue of vehicle traffic for events and
lawn and root damage was mentioned. It
might be feasible for vendor vehicles to park on the streets surrounding the
mall during festivals. The trees also
need protection from utility
projects involving trenching that can damage roots.
5.
Among
the topics discussed were:
a.
The expansion of
b.
The renovation of
the
c.
Standards for use
of the “brickyard space” North of Mendanhall were discussed
d.
The need for
additional crosswalks came up, but the committee was told that this topic is
under review of the Senate Safety Committee.
e.
John Gill
mentioned his intent to reforest Joyner Woods because trees in the area have
been damaged by utility trenching. The fountain
replacement design in front of Wright Auditorium was mentioned briefly.
f.
The preservation
of the green space on the University side of
g.
The need for
green space between Austin and Rawl was discussed but the parking lot there was
seen as essential. Landscape enhancement
of the area was mentioned.
h.
The woods between
the Science and
i.
The intramural
fields were also discussed. There preservation as open space even after the
move to the North Recreation Complex was seen as important.
j.
The areas between
the parking lots along Cotanche and the
residential
area North of 5th Street were seen to be secure due to topography
and the main storm water conduit running in the valley of this space to the Tar
River.
k.
The grass area
that is South of the Joyner Library was
Discussed;
it was mentioned that this area had been considered as the site for a building
several years ago. Mr. Gill had no information about any proposals for its use
at this time. He did mention that the road is ringed with trees that are memorials
to different people who are significant to the history of the University. The drive to the library and fountain could
be developed into an aesthetically pleasing campus entrance
l.
Band practice
fields across from the College Hill commuter lot was thought to be secure due
to the need for a band practice field and for recreation for students living on
College Hill.
This
area also floods which indicates that it is not a “buildable” site. The trees on the hills adjacent to these area
are pleasing and could be preserved.
m. Otter Creek, and area near Faulkland, no one seemed to
have any information on this area
n.
The
o.
A lengthy
discussion occurred about the Frisbee Golf course at
corner
of Charles and
The
need to review the comprehensive campus master plan was
discussed.
Chairman Hodson suggested that we move towards a comprehensive report of the
use to ensure preservation of all these green areas.
6.
No further
business was discussed and the meeting was conclude at
7.
The next meeting
of the University Environment Committee is scheduled for Thursday February 22,
2007. We will pick the areas that are of most concern to the committee during
this meeting so we can concentrate on the most critical issues regarding campus
land use.
Submitted
by,
` Hunt McKinnon
Feb. 6, 2007