Fences could be a safety hazard

First-year senator David Jessop met with the administration in order to express his concerns about safety presented by fences on and around North campus encasing the science center construction site. After two weeks, he has yet to be told any definitive answers.

The day following the stabbing on North campus, Jessop was approached by a concerned student who felt that if one found oneself in danger around the construction site it would be nearly impossible to escape due to the fences. Jessop then decided to tour the area in question. When he found more safety concerns of his own, he expressed them to Dean of Student Life Peter Goldsmith.

According to Jessop, Goldsmith agreed that safety was a valid concern and referred him to Director of Safety and Security Keith James. James responded by arranging a walk with Executive Director of Facilities and Operations Mike Will, Associate Director of Facilities Planning and construction Sal Filardi, Assistant Director of Safety and Security Marjorie Burton and himself, with the purpose of assessing the situation.

Jessop, acknowledging the timely fashion in which the administration responded, he said, "I was pleased with the immediate reaction of the administration in addressing our concerns."

On the walk, which took place Nov. 23, other major safety violations were identified by the administration. These concerns include the possibility of trucks pulling in and out of the construction site, which pose the threat of hitting students and the threat of items falling from the site and injuring students.

The administration suggested that one possible solution would be to close down Woodland Street, the location of most of the construction, which would force students to cross the street when traveling this route. Jessop saw this as a major inconvenience to students and he urges students to speak up for what they want.

"I propose that student input be sought, either by way of a survey or a public forum," said Jessop.

When the walk was concluded, the administration said that a decision would be made as to how to alleviate the problem within two days.

One week had passed without Jessop hearing any news about the administration's decision to act, so he contacted them, only to be told that Wills was working on a plan of action. The following week Goldsmith and Wills allegedly told Jessop that the College could do nothing further.

Jessop, bothered by what he perceived as the College's lack of concern for the safety of students, said, "I find it disconcerting that I was told a decision would be made within one or two days and it has been two weeks and the problem still exists. I hope that the College finds an expedient solution to its conflict with the city because I believe this is a serious safety and security concern."

According to Goldsmith, who is actually not directly involved with the science center's construction, the issue of the fences is out of the College's control in many ways. The project is in the hands of the Office of Facilities Planning and Construction. He said, "The disposition of a construction site is largely in the hands of the town." This is because of the city's responsibility to issue permits, as it would for any construction project, on or off campus. Furthermore, he explained there may be some problem with workplace safety issues related to federal regulations from the Occupational Safety and Health Association.

However, Goldsmith stressed that this is not meant to imply that the College was not concerned about the possibility that the fences may be a safety hazard. "I know David is concerned. So are we," he said, "But I don't think anybody is being negligent or dragging their feet."

Do not pass go: Fences surrounding the construction site of the new science center could be a safety hazard. (photos by Areca Treon)

Trapped: The fences around the construction site have blind corners and areas along Woodland Street have one entrance and one exit, possible security problems.