Feedback on Master Plan
Dave Agazzi welcomed the group and thanked everyone for attending. The first item on the agenda was discussion on the feedback received to date. A copy of the survey results was distributed.
The frequency of responses was tabulated and as of today, at 9 a.m., the results are as follows:
Top three changes liked by respondents:
- Campus Center/Student Center
- Bridge between J and T buildings
- Fitness Center/YMCA partnership
Top three changes disliked by respondents:
- Moving Nursing and Allied Health to North Campus
- Building the proposed road on the southern border of Main Campus
- Moving general education courses out of North Campus
After these results were compiled, additional feedback was received. The final feedback results will be compiled and will be available on the master plan website.
The proposed changes for the Campus Center, Greenhouse, and J-building include:
- B-building is proposed to be preserved with the campus center built around B-building.
- B-building would be incorporated into the campus center.
- The seven classrooms in B-building would move to J-Building.
- The early childhood center is proposed to remain in B-building and expansion could occur on the first floor.
- The cafeteria is proposed to be much smaller and will be in the connection between C and A building. Patrons would be allowed to eat throughout the concourses.
- The space north of the proposed campus center could be used for a turnaround for deliveries.
- Three larger greenhouses and the ILCA site are proposed to move near the barn at the corner of Houbolt and the exit road. Space for two classrooms and storage would be provided. Land around the site would be dedicated for the Horticulture department plantings.
- The bookstore space in J-building is proposed to become a gallery for use of the Fine Arts department; the current gallery could be used for academic/LSTS purposes.
- The space on the bridge currently occupied by Business Services is proposed to become a small black box theater. With Human Resources relocating, that space is proposed for a new theater lobby that oversees the cafeteria and lake.
- Student activities is proposed to move to D-1010 and occupy all of the space along with student government.
- LSTS is proposed to move into the STAR space which would allow media to move to the second floor.
- The library is proposed to expand into the media space.
- The proposal to eliminate the exit road and widen the entrance road to four lanes is not recommended at this time.
Traffic/parking study
Neil S. Kenig of the firm of Kenig, Lindgren, O’Hara, Aboona, Inc., presented the following report:
- A traffic study was completed on the college roads. The peak traffic times are between 7:15 to 8:15 a.m. The major inflow of vehicles entering the campus during this period is approximately 1,350 vehicles in that one-hour period. In addition, 78% of the vehicles come into the campus from Houbolt Road and 22% arrive via Centennial Drive.
- One important aspect of the study is where the people are coming from and going to. The study further indicated that in the morning we have 48% of our traffic coming from the north and 52% from the south.
- Two outbound peaks in traffic are between 11 a.m. to noon when there were approximately 650 vehicles leaving the campus with 28% using Centennial Drive and 72% going straight out to Houbolt Drive.
- Another peak of outgoing traffic is between 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. when we also had approximately 650 vehicles leaving the campus with 22% leaving via Centennial Drive and 78% onto Houbolt Drive.
- By 11 a.m., over 82% of our parking spaces are filled.
- In our eight lots, we have 3,200 parking spaces available. All existing parking lots were reviewed. If we modify the parking spaces from 9 feet to an 8½ foot space, we would increase parking in all lots by 5%.
- Parking would also be changed to face the buildings. Students now walk between parked cars which is a dangerous situation.
- Mr. Kenig has been in contact with the city of Joliet. He stated that the city is in the planning stages for a road to the south of the campus to connect to the newly proposed interchange at I-55 and Rt. 59 and onto Olympic Boulevard.
Landscaping/horticulture
Laura Verden from JJR presented an overview of the landscape plans for the campus.
- Input was received from the Agriculture/Horticulture department regarding moving plants to Houbolt Road. By moving to this location, the department will not be landlocked.
- A green roof project is being proposed which would be tied to the college’s curriculum. Various departments would participate in this project.
- The entry point from Houbolt Avenue would have colorful plantings.
- A berm would be constructed along the proposed road to the south to lower the impact of the sound.
- The natural areas also provided input. Various projects in regard to the restoration are underway which have been underwritten through grants. The college will consider funding the major restoration of the natural areas.
- Plantings around the existing buildings would be added along with the new buildings that will be built. The attempt would be made to unify the plantings throughout the campus.
- Edge plantings would be considered that focus on less maintenance and could provide a screening around the parking areas.
- Immediate attention would be focused on restoration along the lake.
Extended Campus update:
- College officials recently held a meeting with Roger Claar, mayor of Bolingbrook. He has secured the funding for the proposed center that will be built. The college would like to see 2+2+2 programs, wherein the college would offer an associate degree, another bachelor’s degree and one for a master’s degree. Benedictine, Lewis and St. Francis are considering offering classes at the building.
- No changes are presently being proposed for North Campus, City Center, Morris or the Weitendorf property. At the Buildings & Grounds Committee meeting, a representative from the city of Joliet and Will County was present. It is possible that with the TIF money available, a developer would be interested in the City Center property.
The master plan calendar was reviewed in order to allow the Board more time to review the plan at the February Board workshop where the final draft and documentation will be provided. The Strategic Plan will be presented at the February meeting with the Master Plan and financial plan presented at the March meeting.