By Molly O’Neill
Many Montana Tech students will be surprised to hear that a Park Street expansion is in the works. The county plan states it would turn West Park from Uptown to Tech into a two-lane boulevard with a tree lined median in the center of the boulevard. This is a 6.5M project proposal. Chief Executive, Matt Vincent, wants to invite a more “campus” on the entrance street to Tech. Pending approval, a tentative effective date is planned for 2017, or 2018 –– dependent on approval and funding.
Many Montana Tech students will be surprised to hear that a Park Street expansion is in the works. The county plan states it would turn West Park from Uptown to Tech into a two-lane boulevard with a tree lined median in the center of the boulevard. This is a 6.5M project proposal. Chief Executive, Matt Vincent, wants to invite a more “campus” on the entrance street to Tech. Pending approval, a tentative effective date is planned for 2017, or 2018 –– dependent on approval and funding.
Some members of the community has taken this proposal with praise, while others condemn it. Many argue that during the winter months, clearing the snow will be too tight, and there won’t be room for snow removal and the large trucks. People also believe that it will attract more of a basis for the uptown business district.
With Montana Tech contributing nearly $100 million dollars to the Silver Bow economy each year it seems logical to invest the money into a campus milieu, but what about the students? This means inconvenience and accounting more time to get to class.
The outline for the corridor expansion hopes to include sidewalks that business and bars could have a patio with outdoor seating by reducing the traffic to two lanes. Those opposed to the proposal argue that there aren’t enough months in the year that the community would be able to thoroughly enjoy outdoor seating.
Any student attending Tech knows of the infamous Excelsior St. potholes, bumps, wheel ruts, name any defective proponents to well-traveled street and you have Excelsior. Why isn’t this a priority? Or, some students might argue why not build another parking lot to accommodate the influx of students–– or provide healthier food options in our cafeteria; extend library hours; place more filtered water systems around campus.
We understand that first impressions are imperative to newcomers and retention of prospective and current students, but is the Park Street corridor the number one priority to better the community of students on campus?
With Montana Tech contributing nearly $100 million dollars to the Silver Bow economy each year it seems logical to invest the money into a campus milieu, but what about the students? This means inconvenience and accounting more time to get to class.
The outline for the corridor expansion hopes to include sidewalks that business and bars could have a patio with outdoor seating by reducing the traffic to two lanes. Those opposed to the proposal argue that there aren’t enough months in the year that the community would be able to thoroughly enjoy outdoor seating.
Any student attending Tech knows of the infamous Excelsior St. potholes, bumps, wheel ruts, name any defective proponents to well-traveled street and you have Excelsior. Why isn’t this a priority? Or, some students might argue why not build another parking lot to accommodate the influx of students–– or provide healthier food options in our cafeteria; extend library hours; place more filtered water systems around campus.
We understand that first impressions are imperative to newcomers and retention of prospective and current students, but is the Park Street corridor the number one priority to better the community of students on campus?
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