First and foremost, the University’s plan is to build a four-foot high railing between the Hi and Lo Rise student apartments and Traverse Square. A railing is very different from the rumored construction of a wall or fence in this area. For its part, the Administration should have informed students residing in the Hi and Lo Rise complexes about the details of the construction that was to take place outside of their doors.
Several students have voiced concern that the railing could be viewed as a symbolic barrier between students and Middletown residents. Given that the proposed construction is simply a railing and in no way resembles the Berlin Wall, it is unlikely that this concern is warranted. While it is commendable that students are sensitive to this issue, the strife surrounding the railing is unfounded. Few residents of Traverse Square seem to be upset by the construction and, fortunately, actions like those taken by Traverse Square tutors play a bigger role in characterizing the University’s relationship with the neighborhood.
The addition of a railing does not seem as if it will accomplish the goal of improving safety in the area. The railing would not adequately prevent people from the possibility of falling off the ledge between University property and Traverse Square, one of its intended purposes. In addition, the railing would do little to hinder someone who has committed an assault or a robbery on campus from escaping via Traverse Square.
Other safety concerns should be given greater priority. Improving campus lighting in the William Street area, as well as several other areas on campus, is one issue that needs to be looked at. Even more importantly, the RIDE shuttles need to drastically improve how well they adhere to their schedule (which has yet to be distributed to students in a wallet-sized leaflet).
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