Construction Noise Yields Apology From JMU
November 19, 2009 • By Amanda Caskey, Contributing Writer
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HARRISONBURG, Va. — Construction has already started on the Bridgeforth Stadium expansion, and while some students who live in residence halls nearby might not understand the schedule, JMU has apologized for any inconvenience.
A letter posted Thursday on the JMU Web site issues an apology to “students and community members who have been affected by noise [and] parking and transportation disturbances.” It was signed by Jeff Bourne, director of intercollegiate athletics, and Maggie Burkhart Evans, director of residence life.
Construction is supposed to start hours after the last home football game against Towson Saturday, but preliminary construction to relocate a sewer line has already started. The letter apologized for the noise and sidewalk accessibility issues the “early demolition” creates.
Construction is expected to continue during final exams week, which could cause problems for students living near the stadium as they prepare and study.
Freshman Becca Melnick, an Eagle Hall resident, already has concerns about the coming weeks. Since her room faces away from the construction, she hasn’t had as many problems as other residents, but it has been a disruption.
“I think that it does put us at a slight disadvantage for finals, especially because our study room directly faces the stadium and parking lot where the construction will be taking place,” Melnick said.
However, another Eagle Hall resident, freshman Jessica Levy, does not think the noise will be a problem.
“As long as they don’t do construction through the night, I don’t care,” Levy said. “Honestly, the sidewalk cleaning at 7 a.m. bothers me more.”
The letter claims most work will not begin until 7 a.m. to “allow our students living in the area a measure of quiet when preparing for their days.” Earplugs are being distributed to anyone who would like a pair.
Many have questioned the scheduling of the construction, including JMU’s Faculty Senate. Members passed a proposal Nov. 7 addressing the construction issue for the administration, saying the Office of Academic Affairs should be consulted before major demolition or construction projects.
“Finals is the week before we all leave for a month so I do not see why they couldn’t have pushed back the schedule until we were already gone,” Melnick said.
Others believe the construction will not have a negative effect on their studying and living habits.
“I’m not too concerned with the noise disrupting class or my studying because the only time I am ever over to Showker [Hall] is during class,” sophomore Nick Daly said. “I usually study in my room [or in] the library.”
The first phase of construction, expected to continue over the next nine months, will increase seating, lighting and accessibility in the stadium.
The letter stresses the importance of sacrifice during the project.
“It’s hard to appease everyone’s needs when a project the size of building a new stadium gets underway,” Daly said. “I am extremely excited for them to just start already. I can’t wait to see the new stadium.”
Contact Amanda Caskey at caskeyap@jmu.edu
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