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RVTV move upsets some students set for relocation By Amber Fossen Ashland Daily Tidings Southern Oregon University students had their chance to voice concerns, and they did. University officials met with residents located on Webster and North Stadium streets Tuesday night to discuss the relocation of Rogue Valley Community Television at the site where their homes now stand. Families questioned the why, what, when and where of the operation while expressing concerns over parking and a general dissatisfaction with the relocation project. Residents like Julie Bedford, an SOU junior, were particularly concerned with parking. "It doesn't sound as if parking has even been considered," Bedford said. The football field, track field and practice fields are all located within the area causing congestion during games or other school events. Residents felt that parking was already a concern without putting in the new $1.1 million RVTV multimedia center. Kevin Talbert, SOU chief information officer for information technology, said that only a small number of parking spaces would be utilized for the facility. "We would probably ask to have four or five spaces reserved for us," Talbert said. "It will be a fairly busy place but I don't anticipate large numbers coming in." The main question plaguing the hour-long meeting was "Why here?" University officials said a variety of locations were looked at when the 2000-2010 master plan was established. Properties including Lincoln Elementary, the vacated part of ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum, a location along Walker Avenue - which was marked for RVTV's new home in the 1999 SOU master plan - and even a wing at the Ashland Middle School were considered for RVTV's new home. However, after a planning consultant reviewed project plans in late November 2002, school officials were informed that relocating the facility to the corner of Webster and North Stadium streets would be even more ideal when factors like noise level, student and pedestrian access, proximity to another academic building and hook-ups to campus cabling were considered. "This came fast and really not the way we originally envisioned," Talbert said. Residents were told they can expect construction to begin in April and last through November. SOU officials said they will be looking into the possibility of selling the three homes to be used for low income housing. According to Bruce Moats, SOU director of the Physical Plant, construction will comply with city regulations and will operate between the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. "Yes, there will be necessary demolition and construction at this site," Moats said. "We have a fairly ambitious schedule to accomplish." The goal is to have RVTV into its new digs by December. Ara Ajizian, an SOU junior communications major, said he will be living right next to the construction. "I feel extremely powerless in the whole situation," Ajizian said. "It's their houses (and) they can do what they want but at the same time they send us notices of tuition increases. We're among the students who are in need." Neighbor Andrea Adams, an SOU sophomore, felt the university was not taking into consideration the needs of the families. "I know that it's just three families but it's three families who are connected with this community. Our time here, our energy is disposable just like that," Adams said. University officials said they are looking into alternative residences for the families and will aid them through the moving process. "I see a lot of welfare paid to the needs of our students," Talbert said. "If I were in your shoes I would feel the same way but I can't sit here and say the university isn't here for students." Resident Skip Mahoney, an SOU English major, said he understands the university's position. "I don't get the sense that anyone's been negligent," Mahoney said. "Some things are bigger priorities and I understand that. I just don't like the timing." Residents have until April 1 to vacate their homes. LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -