08/22/02: Construction Update #1
Colleagues,
Introduction
Welcome back to Glendale Community College, where "the road to success, like I-17, is always under construction." Seriously, the Fire Lane Project (FLP) will improve our walkways, reduce trip and fall hazards, enhance access for those with disabilities or reduced mobility and allow access for fire fighting equipment should it be needed. Bottom line, a more attractive, safer campus environment, improved risk posture and lower insurance rates.As Dr. Randolph stated during the Convocation Program, I am the link between instruction and construction . My weapon of choice is regular communication, thus this first update. I will publish an update each week, until construction is no longer an issue.
A Picture Is Worth 1000 Words
I realize that your time is valuable and that some may not want to wade through a long message. Therefore, please click on the link below and view the campus map. The red lines or areas represent construction activity in and around a particular building or area (demolition, debris removal, concrete pours, resodding, and irrigation and lighting installation). This means large vehicles and noisy equipment, and you may want to read this entire message. The blue lines or areas represent completed projects (clean sidewalks and quiet). It's as simple as that.http://www.gc.maricopa.edu/index/campus.cfm?see=Construction
It's Good News Week
The good news this week is that our architect and the general contractor understand the GCC culture. They have embraced the campus and will do everything possible to expedite this project and reduce inconvenience to faculty, staff and students. To that end, they are already one week ahead of schedule and project FLP completion by November 4, 2002. And, beginning next week, they will do almost all work between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. The only exception is the crew who is installing irrigation lines with the small trencher. They really need to see what they are digging up and require the light. But, if they are making too much noise, are digging by your classroom during a test, please contact your department secretary and we will find a solution.
Construction Highlights - August 21 to August 30
- The sidewalk areas south of the Math Bldg. (MA), around the SPS, Old Enrollment Center, Student Union (SU), 06 Bldgs, and on the west side of Testing and Disability Services (TDS) are completed. Some additional gravel may be added to the tree wells and clean up activities will continue.
- The sidewalks west of the Business Bldg. (B), east of the B Bldg. - south to the stairwell, and the sidewalk running along the north and west sides of the Language Arts Bldg. (LA) are completed.
- Sod removal and irrigation installation continues along the north-south mall from the Life Science Bldg. (LS) south to the center of campus. Sidewalk access is not affected at this time.
- The sidewalk area between the TDS Bldg. and the B Bldg. will be replaced. This includes the pick-up and drop off area on the south side of the north-south mall. We will maintain access until it is absolutely necessary to restrict passage, then minimize impact to those days when there is the least amount of student and employee activity.
- The small picnic pads between the 01 and 02 Bldgs. and the 02 and LA Bldgs. remain out of service. Concrete pouring will occur in four to six weeks, concurrent with the pouring of other areas.
- Electrical work (light poles) and irrigation replacement activities continue along the edges of the north south and east west malls. Access or sidewalk use is not affected.
(Like a syllabus, this schedule is tentative and activities may conclude early)
Brake On Orange
The orange fences are for your protection. They isolate and protect wet concrete, open trenches and formed areas. Please use the appropriate detours---unless your name is Dick Fosbury. Thank you for your help.
Behind Every Good Manager Stands A Great Secretary
In the coming week, Al Gonzales, the M&O staff and I will meet with department secretaries to expand the communication process. They will receive a detailed briefing on upcoming construction activities so they can keep you informed, alert us to significant department events and help the College adopt a proactive approach to construction management. They will also have the opportunity to check outstanding work orders and initiate new maintenance requests. This is not to infer that the secretaries will be doing it all, or that they will be out inspecting classrooms. They are like reference librarians, not Rosie the Riveter. They will be as effective as you and I allow them to be.
Eyes And Ears
Lastly, I want to engage all of you. Next week, I will outline a program of inspections to help us improve classrooms and College facilities. The more eyes and ears, the better. Together, we can make a difference, and demonstrate our commitment to maintaining what the taxpayers provide us. Thank you for your patience while we improve GCC.
Charles F. Jeffery
Construction Liaison
