Get it done already

The lights are on at Moravian Cafes. Well, some of them, at least. With Quiznos dishing out its first sandwiches this month, local patrons can finally buy food at the Cafes -- now The Food Court -- for the first time since it closed in 2004.

However, while Quiznos' opening is a start, it also highlights the fact that the other three food court spots are still sitting empty. Taco Bell/KFC, Famous Famiglia Pizza and Gourmet Ice Cream and Yogurt have yet to set up shop.

This situation must be resolved quickly.

Deadlines for the project, originally slated to be completed in early 2005, have continued to fly by, and the University community has suffered for it. With Moravian's doors closed, the east side of Penn's campus is left with few choices for reasonably priced fast food.

Back in April, Facilities and Real Estate Services spokesman Tony Sorrentino hoped the stores would be open by September.

In September, University officials told The Daily Pennsylvanian that mid-October would be more realistic -- and that soon became mid-November.

Now, with one tenant open and Famous Famiglia scheduled to open Friday, there is light at the end of the tunnel. And with patrons visiting the partially opened Cafes, the University should have even more reason to open the other stores quickly.

In addition to doing a better job of meeting deadlines, the University should attempt to set more realistic deadlines in the first place, since setbacks are inevitable. The cycle of missed deadlines and disappointed customers has been frustrating for all.

The new and improved Moravian Cafes and CVS will undoubtedly be a great addition to the campus, but until all the shops open, the only impact will be continued frustration.

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