Random notes from the Volunteer Webinar (4/15)

It is three - they count the garage as a building.

Oh?  Where is this new garage?  Is this a public parking garage, or a garage for facilities and grounds?  Does anyone know?

From the webcam, there is construction activity (and has been for a year or more) to the east of Luth and the grass practice field (can be used for soccer / football).

Maybe.

To a question about where to house study abroad students if there was no study abroad program, Fr. B. said, almost as a throw-away line, that the current Jesuit residence wouldn't be ready to house them.

Searched Worcester city building permits for HC properties: main campus; 1 City View, both parcels on Avon, both parcels on Kendig. Nothing.

Did learn HC is replacing the windows in Carlin for $900K, and spending $1.2M for a vivarium in Beaven.

Once today’s meeting is available in the archive, we can review the meeting to bring clarity regarding the third building.

Can you describe the Vivarium? Are you referring to the movie?

The witness can step down now.🙂

RGS, don’t take it personally regarding the question about the garage. We appreciate your summary.

I attended the meeting today. I heard that construction was halted on the new buildings on campus. I was slightly distracted at the point that Fr. B was discussing construction. I was not laser focused at that point in every word from Fr. B, since he had previously stated that he would be repeating some things that many of us had already were aware.

I attended the HCAA Winter Board meeting, on February 22, 2020, which a number of HC senior administrators, Tracy B., Dottie H., Margaret F., Marcus B., all provided updates regarding their areas and departments. There were a number of topics discussed including the two new major buildings currently under construction. A new garage was not mentioned three weeks ago.

I just reviewed an email from Mike Shanahan, HCAA President, dated 3/31/20 to all HCAA Board Members, which he noted that “Construction of the two major projects on campus - the wellness center and the new arts center - are continuing as of now, albeit with added safety measures by the contractors. All other capital projects on campus have been suspended”. Since Mike’s email, the decision was made to halt construction on the two buildings mentioned.

At the October 19th Meeting of the HCAA Board and Class Chairs, Fr. B and Rick Patterson discussed the new Jesuit residence to be built as Ciampi has become too large for the current number of Jesuits currently residing in the building. Plans regarding the new residence at that time was in the preliminary phase.

I believe all Crossporters are aware of the “Jo” and the PAC, and can review there progress on the webcams. The last time that a second garage construction was mentioned was when the preliminary discussions were occurring regarding changes to the Hart Center roughly six years ago.

So please don’t be offended. A second garage under planning now would be a news not previously discussed in either the meetings I attended in October or February.

The transfer of coronaviruses from bats living in the Vivarium to humans will be easier in Beaven? Actually, I have no clue but a Vivarium is a prime candidate for discussion as to what is essential and what is not that HC and other colleges may have as enrollment, retention, and financial aid figures become clearer. A million for improved academics or for financial aid? The chicken or the egg, which is more essential?

I have no reason to think bats will be hosted in the Vivarium but it reminds me of the plan in 2016 for the Mass. Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to re-establish a colony of venomous timber rattlesnakes on an off limits, uninhabited 1400 acre island in the pristine Quabbin Reservoir. The only problem is there is a land bridge or Isthmus to the mainland and the public went wild with thoughts of snakes slithering off the island. The movie "Snakes on a Plane" didn't help. The State finally had to drop the plan.

My great interest in a 'new garage' stems from a conversation I had with a representative from HC some years ago, in which we discussed at some length plans for expanding / reconstructing the Hart.  (IIRC, this was the conversation in which the plan for a second locker room complex next to Fitton was discussed.)  The discussion then veered into what to do about parking at the top of the hill, particularly for spectators.  Existing parking lots were being carved up with new buildings.  Which led to sketching out, on a hotel cocktail napkin, building a new multi-level garage along the west property line between City View and the Hart.   I was mindful that Bond Brothers, who, IIRC, while building the big addition to the science complex, was given a contract to construct the multi-level parking garage near Kimball.

Fast forward.  The big new parking lot on the north side of the Luth obviated an immediate need for a new parking garage.  I remembered that HC had a property interest (not explicit) in this parcel of land on McKeon Road.  (Around 112 McKeon Rd, building and lot in center of the image.)

goo.gl/maps/PPVgwngMV38QKqpg9

To the city of Worcester's real property database I went to see who owned the parcel.  In the course of doing that, I noticed that the property listings now include a link for all building permits issued for a property.  (Appears to be at least 20 years worth).  Eureka.  I could search for building permits issued to the college for  the main campus.  I only went back six months, and found no garage, but did find the Carlin windows, and the Beaven vivarium.

Other possible sites for a new garage , Joyce Center in West Boylston.  Other HC-owned property outside the campus fence.   HC property inside the campus fence  here:

goo.gl/maps/7ix1zSBaExvGhwJ38

or
goo.gl/maps/FCkY6rN373fK7aAa8

^^^ this is where they have temporary trailers, and the area was formerly a contractor staging area for Luth
or
goo.gl/maps/Bosw8q6ur6TQdCwy8

HC owns the brown-roofed building on Epworth.