University to improve lighting
Campus Times
November 21, 1997
The students of the University may feel more secure on campus by February
1998 with better lighting around the campus and the residence halls.
The Physical Improvements Committee, part of the Associated Student
Federation (ASF) Forum, and ULV Maintenance are paying to have two new light
poles installed along the Ben Hines Field and Wilson Library parking lot,
replace two light fixtures up the stairs in front of the Student Center,
and install one new light pole between Dailey Theatre and Founders Hall.
"We checked to see where the highest crimes are to see where to
put the lights," said Elizabeth Contreras, ASF vice president.
"Lights are always relative, but when one area is lit, another
area is then in need of more light," said Brian Worley, director of
facilities and management.
A vacant lot adjacent to the soon-to-be Education Building near the
Oaks residence hall will be turned into a parking lot and lighting will
be added then.
"From my understanding, there were some complaints from students
last year about the campus being dark," said Michael Morrow, committee
chair. "ASF felt that it was one way to handle the problem."
Each light pole would cost a little more than $2,000. Lighting fixtures
are also $2,000 each and installation and wire connection of the light poles
will cost $2,000.
A total of five light poles and fixtures will be installed for a total
of $18,000. ASF and Maintenance will split the cost in half.
"Physical improvement have $5,000 budgeted and will ask for $4,000
from ASF," said Morrow.
Once ASF meets with the Physical Improvement Committee this week and
completes the paperwork and write the checks, they will give Worley the
go-ahead and he will order everything needed.
"If it's approved, it will be a six- to eight-week project and
should be ready by February 1998," said Dan Lougheed, ASF president.
"Lighting generally helps students feel secure, but you should
always be alert at night regardless of the light," said Worley.
"We have to check into quad lighting and Worley is getting a bid
from the electrical company," said Contreras.
The standing committee also expects to have the Student Center gym floor
and the air conditioning in Founders Auditorium replaced.
These projects have not been presented to ASF yet. Timing is preventing
a date from being set at the moment.
"Mike has done a great job working on getting this done that we've
been talking about forever," said Lougheed.
Morrow was assigned the project a few weeks ago.
