Thursday, August 27, 1998
The University Daily Kansan
Section A · Page 3
Oliver lot most dangerous
Kristi Elliott / KANSAN
Police advocate care in parking
Kansan staff writer
By Kelli Rayborn
Voyage staff member
If you park your car at Oliver Hall, don't be too surprised to find it damaged when you return.
During the 1997-98 school year, 14 reports of theft from or damage to vehicles parked in Lot 112, next to Oliver, were filed with the KU Public Safety Office. Four parking permits also were reported stolen from vehicles in that lot. So far this semester, the office has received at least three reports of damaged vehicles parked there.
"My car got dinged up a couple days ago," said Chris Berge, Denver sophomore and Oliver Hall resident. "I think there are a lot of drunk drivers in there at night who don't really care. They just park, and they're out of there."
Berge approved of recent increases in the number of spots available at Oliver but said the spots were too close together.
Other problematic lots last year included Lot 111, near Gertrude Sellars Pearson-Corbin Hall, from which 17 reports of theft, damage and vandalism were filed last academic year. Lot 102 in front of Lewis Hall generated 12 such reports, and in Lot 109, west of Jayhawker Towers, of eight reports, seven were of damaged or vandalized vehicles.
Sgt. Troy Maileen of the KU Public Safety Office said a number of factors contributed to the safety of any parking lot.
"The location of the lot in relation to the building itself, visibility, and lighting could
play in." Mailen said.
In the case of Oliver Hall's parking lot, Mailen said layout of the building and the lot was a significant part of the problem.
"It's a large parking lot and it's off to the side," Mailen said. "There is no direct view from Oliver into the lot."
When parking anywhere on campus, Mailen suggested that students take a few simple steps to secure their vehicles and try to avoid becoming victims of thieves or
vandals.
"One of biggest things we try to tell everybody is that they need to secure loose items — radar detectors, removable stereos and purses," Mallen said.
Students should never leave anything sitting on the seats of their cars or on the floor in plain view, Mailen said.
"It doesn't take long to smash a window and grab loose items," he said. "That's cash to somebody else."
Mailen also suggested that
students always lock doors and roll up windows, and try to remain in well-lit areas. He said most of the campus was well-lighted but said some areas still needed improvement. He also said students could play a role in stopping thieves and vandals on campus.
"If they see anything suspicious, it helps us if they let us know," he said. "With a student's assistance, it's possible we could stop something from happening."
Lewis reconstruction is on schedule; so are neighbors' complaints
y Sarah Hale
Kansan staff writer
Fallen concrete, broken glass and construction equipment surround Lewis Hall as demolition crews continue gutting the building.
The remodeling that will transform the residence hall into suites began June 1, after students moved out. According to the progress report issued Tuesday, the project is on schedule and should be finished in June 1999.
After furniture was removed from the hall, Topeka-based Ferrel Construction began knocking down interior walls.
Phil Garito, associate director of student housing, said the interior demolition was a difficult and time-consuming process.
Beginning on the 10th floor, all the lobby windows were removed so that two small bulldozers could be raised into the building.
After each floor was finished, the same process was repeated on the rest of the floors.
The noise and construction mess have been inconvenient to some students, but things still are running smoothly, said Ken Stoner, director of student housing.
Stoner said Ekdahl Dining Commons, which was connected to Lewis, had not been negatively affected.
Stoner said that noise could be heard in the serving area but that the dining area should be OK. Walkways to the cafeteria were constructed to ensure diners' safety.
"We planned ahead far enough to avoid problems," he said. "The cafeteria operates on a separate line and independently from the rest of the building."
"I'm just happy that they have everything pretty much under control and safe," said Dana Parsons, Spivey freshman and McColum Hall resident. "The little path to walk on is kind of annoying."
"You can hear things from the rooms, but I wouldn't say that the noise is going to cause problems. Students have to understand what they're doing."
Merry Goodman
Emporia freshman and Templin Hall resident
Some Templein residents had complained about the demolition noise, which will cease by the middle of next week.
"You can hear things from the rooms, but I wouldn't say that the noise is going to cause problems," said Merry Goodman, Emporia freshman and Templin Hall resident. "Students have to understand what they're doing."
As the demolition on each floor was completed, plumbers began work, followed by electricians, Stoner said.
Stoner said Ferrel Construction would try to finish the plumbing and electrical work before winter so the building could be sealed and the heat turned on. Crews will begin the drywall and Sheetrock processes as they seal the building.
The cost of the Lewis renovation is estimated at $5.2 million. According to the progress report, an additional $700,000 has been allotted for unexpected problems.
Garito said students living near Lewis should prepare to hear some more minor noises.
"Other noise is going to be generated as they are running the utility lines through the floors and they are drilling holes," he said. "But it won't be as bad."
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