University seeks land development
Shannon Holfoth
Issue date: 5/1/09 Section: News
"(The concept) is tailored to the kind of activity that we have anyway and we think we have some capacity for it. We have capacity for recreation, hotels (and) restaurants."
Snow added the possibility of an apartment development, while not specifically built for the Bonaventure community, could offer alternate housing for students, faculty and staff.
"We know that we do not have accommodations that are sufficient for our graduate student population. In the area market there is not readily available housing, particularly new housing, for faculty or staff we attract," Snow said.
When asked about how the recent national economic downturn could effect the plan's success, Snow said, "economics right now are challenging, I won't deny that ... that's a component that remains to be seen in the feasibility (study)."
Ross Wilson & Associates presented its plan to an invited ad hoc group of deans, vice presidents and other administrators, faculty and staff. The board of trustees was also briefed on the plans, Snow said. In August the board committee for buildings and grounds, considering feedback on the plan from the ad hoc group, will make a decision on whether or not to sign a contract or work further with the development company.
Laurie Branch, adjunct professor of finance and board of trustees member , saw the presentation and said the development would be good for the area, if it reached fruition
"It would be spectacular if they can actually bring to life what they have on paper," she said. "It would be beneficial for the university ... and the community."
David DiMattio, dean of Clare College, who was also invited to see the presentation and give feedback, agreed.
"It definitely has potential for St. Bonaventure faculty, staff and students, but also has a possible large potential for the greater Olean community," he said.
Snow said the details of the business relationship between the university and the company are also being looked into from now until August. The funding for the land's development is up to the developer, not the university, Snow said.
Snow added the possibility of an apartment development, while not specifically built for the Bonaventure community, could offer alternate housing for students, faculty and staff.
"We know that we do not have accommodations that are sufficient for our graduate student population. In the area market there is not readily available housing, particularly new housing, for faculty or staff we attract," Snow said.
When asked about how the recent national economic downturn could effect the plan's success, Snow said, "economics right now are challenging, I won't deny that ... that's a component that remains to be seen in the feasibility (study)."
Ross Wilson & Associates presented its plan to an invited ad hoc group of deans, vice presidents and other administrators, faculty and staff. The board of trustees was also briefed on the plans, Snow said. In August the board committee for buildings and grounds, considering feedback on the plan from the ad hoc group, will make a decision on whether or not to sign a contract or work further with the development company.
Laurie Branch, adjunct professor of finance and board of trustees member , saw the presentation and said the development would be good for the area, if it reached fruition
"It would be spectacular if they can actually bring to life what they have on paper," she said. "It would be beneficial for the university ... and the community."
David DiMattio, dean of Clare College, who was also invited to see the presentation and give feedback, agreed.
"It definitely has potential for St. Bonaventure faculty, staff and students, but also has a possible large potential for the greater Olean community," he said.
Snow said the details of the business relationship between the university and the company are also being looked into from now until August. The funding for the land's development is up to the developer, not the university, Snow said.
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