Editorial | Staying informed

For returning students, one of the most noticeable changes made on campus over break is the addition of fences and barriers blocking off the Walnut Street sidewalk between 39th and 40th Streets.

While Penn administrators deserve commendation for beginning the 3900 block construction on schedule, the University's track record as far as construction is by no means perfect. Some projects, like the high rise renovations in Harnwell, were completed on time; others, like Skirkanich Hall, were delayed several times.

But while it is too early to discuss whether construction on the 3900 block will be completed on time, one thing is clear: the University should make sure that the lines of communication are open and active between officials overseeing construction and students or other residents in the immediately surrounding areas.

On the Facilities and Real Estate Services Web site, for instance, there is no mention of the 3900 block construction under their "Current Construction" feature. This part of their Web site is the perfect place to post important information such as dates for demolition or additional street closings.

With the sidewalk now blocked off and the stores vacated, it's clear that major construction work is set to begin any day now.

But it's certainly not too late to make sure the community knows, at least approximately, when it will happen.

Once facilities administrators are aware of the demolition and construction schedules, notices should be posted or otherwise made public. Since the 3900 block is situated in a more residential area of campus - across the street from the W.E.B. Du Bois College House and adjacent to a number of homes and apartment buildings - students and other residents should know if loud, disruptive construction work will be taking place right around where they live, eat and sleep.

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