During the COVID-19 pandemic, an access project was determined to be essential for campus security. There was no reliable method for physically securing itself in case of an emergency.
The gates were given approval by the Board of Trustees on Dec. 13, 2022. The gates are built to close in-and-out traffic. The gates will not be closed during breaks, nights, or weekends, or for regular vehicular traffic.
An architect created the project, which was contracted for, following the public contract codes, $447,500. The project is funded by a grant from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, said Melissa Utsuki, executive director of communications and external relations. The architect is Westberg White, and the builder is Horizons Construction.
Through the Physical Resources Committee, a shared governance committee, college groups routinely analyze the project, Utsuki said.
“The project supports the College’s commitment to emergency preparedness and any reference to this campus security enhancement will be addressed in the applicable campus safety and campus access policies,” Utsuki said.
Trussed pipes make up the gates.
Fred Diamond, director of Facilities and Construction, said the project work began on Jan. 19, and is 15% finished. Utsuki said work will be finished in the summer.
