The MSU Board of Trustees has been discussing some pressing issues regarding campus design lately. Namely, restructuring of the intersection that surrounds Sparty and erecting a parking ramp near Morrill Hall, with an entrance leading in from Grand River Avenue.
Both proposals are part of the 2020 Vision project, a draft of how officials can maintain MSU heritage, develop an environment that fosters the university's mission and meet student needs.
The redesign of the intersection surrounding Sparty has been needed for years. While driving through, motorists are confronted with a sort of ambiguity in terms of who has the right of way. Their resulting actions frequently lead to unnecessary backups and a certain amount of danger.
Even Trustee Dee Cook gave a vivid description of the intersection, saying, "I always hold my breath when I get to that intersection. (I say), I hope I get through here without hitting someone or someone hitting me."
The Trustees Finance Committee will advise the entire board to award a contract to a construction company to handle to the task.
In terms of parking opportunities on campus, it seems abundantly clear that there are not enough. Students without parking passes frequently park illegally for lack of proper accommodations, and this causes people with parking clearance to not receive spots.
The construction of a parking lot near Morrill Hall is desperately needed and would ease students feelings about parking on campus.
Still, to ruin the beauty of the older portion of campus would be inexcusable. The Union, Beaumont Tower and the buildings in the West Circle Complex represent some of the most stately buildings on campus, and by no means should an ugly parking ramp hamper that.
The parking would be a wonderful addition, but the structure must depict the same design as the surrounding halls. The erecting of an immense steal frame would ruin the unique layout of the beautifully preserved buildings.
It is important that officials remember that, in the process of modernization, we should preserve our heritage and stick to the mission and principles that this university was built upon.
Trustees, it's your job to address the problems motorists are having with campus layout. We only ask that you maintain the natural beauty that is a boon to MSU when doing it.
