UPC, May 10, 2012
Campus Master Plan consultation with UNC Asheville University Planning Council
Minutes for May 10, 2012
Present: Buffy Bagwell, Barkley Barton, Jeff Brown, Jessica Dunsmore, Jane Fernandes, Catherine Frank, Eric Gant, Archer Gravely, Bill Haggard, Julie Heinitsh, Ben Judge, Erica Abrams Locklear, Ann Martin, Ted Meigs, Patrice Mitchell, Kevin Moorhead, Dave Peifer, John Pierce, Anne Ponder, Christine Riley, Robert Straub
Absent: Keller Berry, Melissa Burchard, Katja Greeson, Gregg Kormanik
UPC met from 3:30 to 4:45 in Highsmith Union 223.
UPC discussed the Campus Master Plan Update provided by CMP consultant, Rob Nelson.
A question was asked about UPC involvement in developing priorities for campus repair and renovation projects. Chancellor Ponder stated that in the past these projects were driven by Facilities Management staff and the urgent items always consumed more money than was available. She indicated that the Master Plan design process will closely follow the Strategic Plan and future capital appropriations will also need to relate directly to the strategic plan.
Now that we have a new marketing and branding message platform and brand book, we now have the opportunity to blend our upcoming way-finding and signage project with our new standards.
The following items were identified as perennial problems with solutions yet to be determined:
- Campus traffic patterns are such that visitors to campus usually approach buildings from the rear – usually their least attractive side, with insufficient signage to direct people {Belk, Lipinsky, University Hall, etc].
- Vehicle traffic and parked cars limit and sometimes endanger the pedestrian experience
- “Bermuda Triangle” intersection at the top of University Heights – needs signage to help visitors know where to go
Wayfinding suggestions included:
- We could be a more bike-friendly campus if we provided covered racks and lockers for bike commuters would reduce car traffic and enhance sustainability.
- Several complaints were noted about the use of the gazebo, located between the Library and Zeis Hall, as a designated smoking area. Dr. Haggard reported that the gazebo is the only covered smoking area on campus and it did not seem appropriate to build a special facility for smoking, given the recent budget cuts. He also indicated receiving a number of complaints about the gazebo smoking area and that the smoking policy is scheduled for review next year.
- We could benefit from signage at the bottom of the exit from I-26 North on Broadway.
- Information about “Lot 5” or “Lot 11” doesn’t help when the lots are not marked – even people who come here every day don’t know if they are allowed to park in some areas.
Dr. Moorhead gave an update on the 525 Broadway property (former Health Adventure site). Chancellor Ponder reported that Riverlink has pledged to raise funds to support the wetland area cleanup and develop a greenway alongside the creek. A question was raised about whether it would make it harder to build something there once the greenway is built. A suggestion was made that we post signage there, designating it as UNC Asheville property, and “Future home of …” when we have decided what we will do there.
In response to Chancellor Ponder’s request for advice on the use of this property, UPC suggestions included
- a new Admissions building/welcome center
- Alumni house/Development offices
- Whatever it is, it should be non-academic, maintaining the practice of having academic buildings around the quad.
- student apartment-style living
- conference center/ amphitheater
Dr. Moorhead asked UPC to send additional suggestions to Dr. Meigs, the new IDC Chair for 2012-13. Dr. Haggard reported that the new residence hall under construction will increase our on-campus population to 43% which keeps pace with the strategic plan benchmark target for 2012-13.