Faner project highlights budget, priority questions
TAI COX The Weekender
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nrollment is down, money’s so tight faculty have been laid off and the university is spending more than a million dollars to build a pedestrian mall outside Faner Hall. To some, that appears to be a case of misguided priorities. But administrators say campus safety and appearance is important, and they point out that the money for construction projects comes from accounts that cannot be tapped for other uses. Money for the Faner project stems from the plant fund, which is stateappropriated each year for campus repairs and improvements, Chancellor Rita Cheng said. She said the $1.3 million project will increase safety in the area and create a stronger sense of campus unity. According to the project’s proposal, the construction will contribute to the university’s “sense of space” and serve as a stage for ceremonial, social and educational functions. The pedestrian mall will be built on the north side of the new Student Services Building, which is scheduled to be completed in June of this year. The path will extend to the north pedestrian overpass and lead up to Parkinson Hall, said Todd Sigler, director of the Department of Public Safety. FANER | 3
Photos by Chris Zoeller | The Weekender