The UMC Board of Directors is proposing an estimated $2 million renovation of a popular eatery in the UMC.
If students have ever walked through the Alferd Packer Grill in the UMC during lunch time, they know that seating is hard to come by.
The proposed renovations will not only make the Grill more accessible to students but will also reduce carbon footprints at CU. To make this goal a reality, the Sustainability Task Force has taken on the project.
The task force, chaired by UCSU Vice President Dan Omasta, a junior political science major, specializes in energy efficiency, water conservation, locally grown food and environmental change and outreach.
“We will take steps such as eliminating Styrofoam, installing energy-efficient lighting and energy-efficient windows and using socially-responsible furniture,” Omasta said.
The plan still needs further approval before renovations can begin.
“For the project to move forward, it will still need to be approved by [the] UCSU Legislative Council and the university administration,” said UMC Director Carlos Garcia. “The project has been approved thus far by the UCSU Food Services Study Commission and the UMC Board.”
If approved, the renovation is scheduled to take place in 2010 at the earliest and will take about six months to complete. The project will be funded through UMC reserves, possibly UCSU sustainability funds, food service revenue generated through renovation and an estimated $5 increase in student fees, according to Garcia.
Students in the crowded seating area of the Grill say they like the idea of having more breathing space, despite an increase in student fees.
“I think it sounds like a good idea,” said Chasen Golucke, a freshman open-option major. “When you put it to $5 a person, it’s not a big deal.”
Other students say they agree that a small increase in student fees is worth renovating the Grill.
“I think it’s a good idea,” said Kyle Reader, a sophomore psychology major. “It does get really crowded in here. That could make it more efficient. If it’s only that minute [of an] amount I don’t think it’ll matter too much to students because we pay so much for everything anyways.”
Not all students, however, say they agree with the proposal.
“I’m totally against that because they’re gypping us to get a bigger income for themselves,” said Hannah Nichols, a freshman international affairs major. “If money is going to come out of student fees it should go back to students, not to the university.”
Omasta explained that this is not the case.
“On an annual basis, [the] UMC Board comes to Finance Board and UCSU for funding, which is reflected in student fees,” Omasta said. “The Grill not only could become more sustainable, but by increasing revenue, more money is available for such things, and student fees do not have to be increased. It balances out.”
Omasta says he hopes the renovation will be the beginning of many changes at CU.
“A $3 to $5 increase in student fees that encourages environmental justice I feel is a worthwhile cost,” Omasta said. “I’m hoping that this UMC renovation will basically start a dialogue all around campus.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Sarah Ruebsamen at Sarah.ruebsamen@colorado.edu.
