I was disheartened to see Wednesday's article about a proposed dorm/apartment complex near the Ellicott Complex ("A new dorm where? Maybe near Ellicott," April 26). My question for UB's leadership is the following: when will you ever learn? While impressed with President John Simpson's bold leadership, this proposal appears torn from the playbook that William Greiner used for 13 years to erode both our national visibility and credibility in the local community.
The proposed project continues 40 years of flawed land and facilities management. Instead of creating a walkable living experience near the academic spine or - heaven forbid - launching an innovative project that stabilizes the struggling University Heights neighborhood, UB chooses to house several hundred more students in the "middle of nowhere." Those without cars will be unable to readily take advantage of the myriad cultural, educational or employment opportunities in the City of Buffalo - the very place that the "B" in UB stands for.
After four years of graduate studies, I've seen firsthand how the placement of UB's "on-campus" apartment complexes infantilizes the students housed there - particularly the graduate/professional students. In the absence of a walker-friendly environment or social synergy, students retreat into their own domain, and the sizable minority without cars seldom have a chance to leave North Campus.
I challenge UB's leadership to boldly plan the next phase of university land management. With talk of a new law school building and additional student housing facilities, decisions that will impact the region for at least the next 50 years are being made. It is imperative that these decisions better both the students and community we serve. I'm not convinced another car-centered and culturally isolated residence hall or law school are in the best interests of anyone.
