Group puts spotlight on changes

During the Odum Village lighting tour late Tuesday evening, student and UNC officials showcased their progress at bringing light to a dark corner of campus.

Representatives from various University departments - including energy services, housing and grounds, and student resident governors - discussed lighting and safety issues as they walked around the undergraduate apartments.

Steve Lofgren, assistant director of facilities planning, said the lighting and pathway needs changed when Odum Village switched from married-student housing to undergraduate apartments after Morrison Residence Hall closed for renovations.

"We have a different set of clientele now," he said. "The undergrads are apt to be a lot more nocturnal in nature. They need the light and night-time safety."

Taneisha Livingston, a sophomore chemistry major, said she is concerned about her safety, especially with the construction surrounding the facilities.

"This area is extremely dark, especially walking up from the hospital," she said. "It's not ideal at all for walking by yourself, and sometimes I don't have a choice."

Livingston said that while the majority of students in Odum Village say they didn't want to live there originally, they are making an effort to improve the situation.

"I've spoken with my student government representatives and the P2P system," she said. "All of this construction has made it difficult to get buses to run up here."

Their residence is surrounded by five different construction sites.

The Manning Drive steam plant and utility tunnel construction site in particular has forced residents to make their own paths through wooded areas to get to campus.

Phil Mazarick, a representative of Electric Distribution Services, said that while they are going to address concerns quickly, they cannot light unofficial areas.

"If it's an official pathway or walkway, I'll take care of it," he said. "But we won't light someone's shortcuts."

Ashley Sullivan, Odum Village student governor, said concerns such as unlit staircases, dark parking lots and shadowed pathways finally are getting the attention they deserve.

Lofgren said issues with certain pathways from the hospital area to Odum Village already have been addressed.

"We're trying to make sure these students are as comfortable as possible given their situation," he said. "Lights have already been put in, and we plan to do a lot more."

 

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.