The wheels are literally turning toward the creation of a better-but not bigger-campus at UW-Madison.
Gary Brown, director of the Office of Planning and Management for the Campus Master Plan, spoke at Memorial Union Tuesday night about plans to renovate the campus on many levels. The presentation focused on the central region of campus.
Brown said the new plan, scheduled to take no less than 10 years to execute, would not in any way extend the boundaries of campus.
\We are going to stay within the boundaries, and will re-create ourselves within it,"" he said.
Alternative transportation was one of the major issues addressed by Brown. Short-term goals include added bike lanes, more space reserved for walking and bicycles, and even possible street closings to discourage car usage.
Heavy pedestrian areas were another note of immediate concern to the Master Plan Committee. According to Transportation Planner Robert Kennedy, at certain hours throughout the week up to 1500 people walk across the intersection of University Avenue and Charter Street per hour.
Also noted was the potential to increase the efficiency of the bus system. This would most likely include more campus bus lines that run faster and offer more efficient return routes.
A long-term transportation possibility currently being considered is a rail system, which would include stops directly on the campus.
Brown stressed many buildings on campus could be relocated or merged to create space for more necessary buildings, particularly another dormitory to house those wait-listed each year.
""It is vital to have first year students in our housing,"" Brown said.
In order to create space for on-campus housing, it could mean the elimination of buildings such as Van Hise, Humanities and Ogg Hall.
Brown said he is motivated to maintain the vast amounts of open space around campus. Paralleled with this notion is the possibility of opening up Henry Mall by removing surrounding buildings to create a favorable ""view-shed.""
Approximately 40 people attended the public meeting, but the student voice was underrepresented. Josh Clements, UW-Madison junior said, ""It would be nice to have more students involved in the project.""
Another meeting, focusing on the west side of campus is scheduled to take place tonight in room 1306 at the Health Science Learning Center at 7 p.m.
