Opinions shift over continuing construction

As construction continues on Cal Poly’s campus, opinions on the construction are shifting from it being a hindrance to a positive change for the university.

When construction began on Cal Poly’s Recreation Center expansion project, not everyone was thrilled. Some called the project a hindrance, others called it an eyesore and wished the money had been spent elsewhere. But as the project progresses towards its finale, more students and faculty are beginning to see the light at the end of the project’s long and dark tunnel.

Kinesiology senior Kevin Bezerra has many of his classes in the kinesiology building, adjacent to the construction site. Toward the beginning of the construction, when the West Pedestrian Walkway between Hathway Street and South Perimeter was closed off, Bezerra found the project to be more of a nuisance, he said. But, as the project progresses, some of the walkways are reopening to students.

“In order for Cal Poly to grow it needs to update its buildings. I think the freshmen should be really excited about the project,” Bezerra said. “It’s last year’s seniors that were probably disappointed because they didn’t get to use it.”

Bezerra also pointed out that while the construction is not the most visually appealing thing to have on campus it is necessary for the time being.

“I think the good outweighs the bad,” Bezerra said. “It’s a bit of an eyesore but it’s going to be great once it’s done. More people will actually be able to use the (Recreation) Center.”

Back in April, Lorin Torbitt, chair of the University Union Advisory Board, pointed out that with progress comes temporary inconvenience. It’s one of the products of construction, she told Mustang Daily reporter, Tim Miller.

Assistant coach to the men’s soccer team Brian Reed sees it another way. He spends a lot of his time in his office, next to the construction site and he says that even working right next to construction site, the project hasn’t been a problem for him yet.

“I don’t mind having to work with the construction. Anything that improves Cal Poly is something that I fully support, along with the rest of the athletic programs,” Reed said.

Construction on the expansion has been ongoing since May, when demolition of the Recreation Center was completed. For some students the construction may continue to cause problems until its completion. Others, like Bezerra and biochemistry senior Jonathan Presley, are finding a way to make do with the available paths on campus.

“I’ve been trying to keep in mind that this is only temporary so it really doesn’t bother me that much,” Presley said.

While the construction may not be affecting Presley, he points out that others may still feel negatively about the project.

“It’s not a great first impression for the freshmen,” Bezerra said.

Bezerra would get a positive impression if he came to visit the campus and saw all of the construction, he said.

“During a time when budget cuts are happening, here’s a school that’s building. I would want to go to a place that is evolving and expanding,” Bezerra said.