Who turned out the lights?

Residents of Georgia College & State University’s Bobcat Village are voicing concerns about the lack of lighting around their homes.

The only source of light on the often busy Highway 441 bypass for residents of Bobcat Village and their visitors is a dimly glowing GC&SU West Campus sign. This is a major concern for students adjusting to their new environment.

GC&SU Physical Plant Operations Associate Director Rick Ruark spoke
about the reason for so little lighting at the entrance to West Campus Drive.

“Anything that is beyond the parking lot from the clubhouse on out it is up to the city, and plans are still not complete for the lighting at the 441 intersection,” said Ruark.

Richard Goodson, deputy director of Public Safety at GC&SU, is aware of the poor lighting at the entrance to Bobcat Village and around the clubhouse.

“The University always has a master plan, and things are often done in stages. That does not mean that it won’t be done, but these things are part of the big plan,” said Goodson.

GC&SU Senior Sarah Hardinson feels strongly about her safety when entering and exiting Bobcat Village.

“The lack of lighting is dangerous because of the wreck potential, and the fact that there are college students here, the wreck potential really goes up,” said Hardinson. “It would be extremely beneficial if the school or the city would put some better lighting in the entrance.”

Many students park in the upper parking lot.

This lot is in front of the clubhouse where students access their mailboxes, the computer lab, pool tables and the swimming pool. Students also park in the upper parking lot to catch a ride with the GC&SU Shuttle Bus.

“The top parking lot could use more lighting, too,” said Hardinson. “It is really impossible to see anyone walking across the parking lot at night until you are right on them.”

Ruark is positive about the improvements still to come with the additional lighting to be added at Bobcat Village.

“We’ve already gotten pricing for getting the lighting system complete in the top parking lot,” said Ruark.

The goal is not only to provide better lighting, but also a better sense of security.

“We will make sure that everything is safe for the students,” said Ruark.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Feb 14 2003. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry