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Kl* KG Ml*THIS WORLD. WEDNESDAY. MAY l». UW«Page 1Triton plans $1,700,000 land purchase_ By AUDREY ROSEN Triton College lias found a “bargain” — in a 15-acre parcel of land across from its campus «a Fifth Avenue in River Grove.The college’s Board of Trustees voted at their May 12 meeting to author' tee contract aegotiatfoasfor the landpurchase to begin. Dr. Brest Knight, acting president of the college, saidthe Illinois Community College Board(ICCB) would have to approve the idea, but foresaw no opposition to the purchase plan.“We feel that it’s a bargain,” Knight said. “I don’t drink we can afford not to buy it”He explained that classroom short* ages, parking problems, traffic tie-ups and a lack of “green space” for outdoor activities were ail reasons Triton needed, extra land.“We have an obligation to respond to the demands of the community we re serving,” said Knight The Triton board has been considering various alternative solutions for several months, In private.The 14.8 acres, formerly the site of “GoUJand,” a driving range, putting course and go-cart track, has frontage on both Fifth Avenue (664 feet) and First Avenue (80 feet).A performing arts building with classrooms, two academic classroombuildings, a women's softball field and over «ttt extra parking spices would be included on the new land.No cost estimates or projected completion dates have been released on the buildings, since plans for them can only be made alter the land has been bought.The availability of state and college funds for construction will also determine when the buildings will go up.Traffic congestion on Fifth Avenue between Triton and North Avenue, one factor that determined the decision, will reportedly be partly alleviated by the purchase of the 86-foot strip for a road to First Avenue. The access road runs from the roar of the proposed parking lot, parallel to Sunset Stables, and through to First Avenue.Triton will pay for the land over a 10-year period, with 29 per cent down and the balance in 10 equal installments at 6 per cent Interest with the option to pay off in full with no penalty.The land is the only parcel of undeveloped property bordering the present campus. Industrial, residential and Forest Preserve property form Triton’s other boundaries,Knight emphasized that all statistics on the land purchase were approximate. and that costs could varyslightly. The prke, however, is considered “well within the guidelines” of Triton's budget, he said, and was verified by three separate appraisers and the college attorneys.“This Is not something we’ve decided to do in « short time, said Board Chairman Robert Collins. “We've talked about it for several months“There was the possibility that it could have been s«W to someone else, and the land would have been gone to the college forever,” he added. “Even in these days of « tight economic situation, it would he in the worst judgment of any board to pass up the opportunity to acquire vacant land.”Buildings currently on the property— a vehicle repair facility, office and snack bar, plus outdoor lights and narking spaee — will possibly be used by Triton once the land is bought, for temporary classrooms and the storage and repair of college-owned vehicles.“They will be razed when the new building plan is implemented,” said Richard Fra ace tic, vice-president forbusiness at Triton. “The lights couldbe used in the parking lot, or In theathletic field.”Trustee Pat Naples, who originally brought the land to the board’s attention when alternatives for growth were first being discussed, abstainedfrom voting on the plan“The people who own the land are neighbors of mine,” he said. “There are some dose family ties between us. It's out of good conscience that 1 abstain.”Naples said that no conflict of interest existed in the matter. Collins approved Us actions, saying that Naples was “probably correct” in abstaining.Ail of the trustees spoke in favor of the purchase plan. Trustee Fat Pavi-nl was especially eloquent in his praise of the idea, commending previous board members for their “foresight” (Pavini was elected to theboard April 10).“I consider myself deeply privileged to he a part of this,” he added, comparing Triton’s growth to the growth of universities during the Renaissance. “litis could be the cause of a renaissance of the entire (Triton)district.’»»“1 think this will be the best choice for the college as a whole,” said Trustee Paul Schafer.“We’d he remiss in our responsibilities as trustees not to take advantage of purchasing this land,” added Trustee Fran Sullivan, who moved for adoption of *hu purchase resolution.It was passed unanimously (Pavini amended his “yes” vote with “very proudly.”)Knight said tile contract will probably he finalized soon, after the ICCB grants its approval.Hie college will make payments on the land through a loan to the Site and Construction Fund from the general operating fund, Triton’s main budget. The loan will probably be repaid through bond sales, which mustbe approved by referendum.In otber business at the meeting:— Board members debated the necessity of Triton subsidizing equipment purchases for student athletes, and football players in particular. The issue was brought up after thepresentation of a purchasing scheduleincluding football equipment.Trustees Sullivan and George McGee sr voted against the purchase, questioning if students who paid activity fees to (he college knew how their money was being spent.“The athletes should purchase theirown equipment, or at least part of it,” McGee contended.Schafer, a former Triton student, responded that “when I was a student, I knew what the money was going for.” He said that “we must recognize the need for students involved in athletic programs, and that for students who entered on athletic scholarships, “this is one way for them to achieve.”The equipment purchases were approved by the board.Triton College Campus end Vicinity
Newspaper Details
News Journal
Chicago, Illinois, US
Wed, May 19, 1976
Page 1
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IL, USA 18 May 2020
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