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RCC gets approval to explore expansion By DAMIAN MANN Rogue Community College received the green light this week to explore a potential $40 million expansion of Jackson County facilities, possibly seeking voter approval by May 2002. A committee, with the blessing of the RCC board this week, will exam everything from expanding the downtown Medford campus to building an entirely new facility. RCC president Rick Levine said $40 million would be the maximum asked of voters for the bond measure, resulting in an increase in property taxes of about $55 a year based on an average home value of $160,000. That's 34 to 35 cents for every $1,000 in assessed valuation. The college, overwhelmed by record enrollments this fall, also wants to increase its Josephine County facilities through a separate bond measure. Levine said he doubts the school would move out of downtown Medford and said he remains committed to the current campus. "This (moving) is not a realistic option," he said, citing the expense of purchasing some 120 acres to create a full-size campus as one potential hurdle. But as the school struggles to find sufficient space in the downtown area and faces continued parking problems, Levine said, it becomes necessary to analyze every option. "We can only do certain things downtown before we tax the existing infrastructure," he said. A single facility would give students adequate parking and a one-stop academic environment. The downtown campus, though, provides a more central location for students - particularly those from the Medford area. At present, existing buildings provide 110,000 square feet of space. Levine said it might be necessary to increase this by 60,000 to 70,000 square feet to handle student load and to prepare for further growth. The school will analyze the construction of a new downtown building to complement the main facility on Central Avenue, which also could be enlarged with the addition of a third floor. Levine said the school would look into creating a technical facility - possibly at the Department of Veterans Affairs' Domiciliary in White City. As the student population grows, Levine said, it might be possible to offer some core courses, such as English and math, at the technical facility to alleviate commuting from the two campuses. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.