Capital Improvements Committee of the Board of Trustees

May 2006 update by Eric Wiener, Faculty Representative

New academic building:

Construction has begun on the new academic building, and completion is expected by Summer/Fall 2007. The first three floors will house the Anisfield School of Business. However, the only aspect of the approved plan for the new building that will differ from the plans that were previously approved by the Board of Trustees when the building was to be known as the Center for Science, Education and Technology is that the deanπs suite for the Anisfield School of Business will replace what had earlier been designed as a seminar room. In regards to the greenhouse that is associated with this project (see the previous FA Capital Projects report), finances were sufficient for it to be built.

Phase IX Housing:

Construction of Laurel Hall continues. Expectations are that the south wing and the garage will be ready to open by the beginning of the Fall 2006 semester, and the north wing is expected to open within 2-3 months after that. Loop Road, which is associated with Phase IX housing, is being constructed on the south end of campus. Possibly by Fall 2007, the current South Entrance to campus will be moved to share the traffic light associated with the entrance of Continental Park on the other side of Rt. 202. Left turn lanes and through lanes are planned to alleviate the traffic backups that occur at the current South Entrance.

Tree Planting for Reforestation Credit / Wetland Mitigation. To comply with NJ state laws, a plan was developed (and approved by NJDEP) to plant over 600 trees on campus to mitigate deforestation related to Loop Road. The plan, which was developed with faculty input, mostly uses native species and incorporates ecological and educational themes. Implementation is expected within 6 months after the completion of Loop Road. The college is also actively developing a plan to mitigate the damage that the Loop Road is causing to ¼ acre of wetlands. The plan would restore wetlands at a site in West Milford, to which access will be available for Ramapo faculty and classes, et cetera.

Campus Spiritual Center

Plans are being developed while the Ramapo College Foundation continues to seek funds for the project. Pending full funding, the center will be built by Kameron Pond near the building that currently houses the print shop.

Sustainability Education Center

Plans are actively under review by the Department of Community Affairs (NJ state agency). Sufficient funding has not yet been secured. The Ramapo College Foundation is currently seeking additional sources to complete the funding before the bidding process begins.

Repair and Renovations

Renovations to the mansion are nearly complete. Final details should be done by the end of the summer. The Board of Trustees approved projects for the repair/replacement of campus utility infrastructure; improvements/upgrades of roads, parking lots and pathways; building deferred maintenance and enhancement of campus-wide landscape, academic building masonry, glazing and doors, renovations to athletic fields, track, tennis courts, and irrigation.

Campus Signage

Much of the campus signage project is complete. Additional new signage will soon be placed in the area of the academic and administrative buildings and library.