YSU will scale back plan

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State University trustees’ finance and facilities committee now proposes borrowing $40 million for a centennial master plan, rather than the $58 million previously discussed.

Hunter Morrison, the university’s Center for Urban and Regional Studies director, said the lower figure reflects putting some projects on hold. “The projects still reflect YSU’s commitment,” Morrison said.

Some of the major items on the current list of projects to mark the university’s centennial in 2008 are construction of a new Williamson College of Business Administration, campus parking and gateway improvements, Lyden-Cafaro quad phase, Garfield Building renovation, Kilcawley Center reconfiguration, Kilcawley House reconfiguration, Cushwa Hall improvements and renovations to Williamson Hall, home of the current business college.

Also on the master plan are University Plaza improvements, work on the Wick-Pollock Inn and Carriage House, Coffelt Hall conversion, Melnick Hall renovation, Harrison Field relocation and Ward Beecher Hall upgrades.

Melnick Hall’s renovation, estimated at $1.1 million, is among projects that could be postponed, the committee noted. The committee did not discuss any other specific projects that could be put on hold.

Dr. David C. Sweet, YSU president, said a final proposal will be voted on when the full   board of trustees meets Dec. 13. “In the final proposal, we will lay out our next steps,” he said.

The board acknowledged it’s necessary to spend money to continue to improve the YSU campus to attract and retain students.

The university already has completed nearly $26 million in work including the campus bookstore and the   $12.1 million Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center, which opened in fall 2005. YSU had originally projected a cost of $101 million in campus improvement projects.

Financing sources for the improvement projects include nearly $30.5 million in state capital funds and more than $8 million in philanthropic gifts. The university also will finance the plan through a bond issue.