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New web site details construction projects

A new web site has been posted to give Carolina employees and students the latest information on campus construction projects.

Facilities Planning's "Capital Improvements Program" site --found at http://www.fac.unc.edu/CIP -- includes a link to a list of construction projects that takes viewers to information about each project. Information includes:

* Projected schedule;

* Projected budget;

* Designer and phone number, once selected;

* Carolina design manager with e-mail link;

* Carolina construction manager with e-mail link; and

* Map of the area and, once approved by the Board of Trustees, a rendering of the facade of the building if it will change, or if the project is new construction.

Karen Geer, head of capital improvements accounts for Facilities Services, said plans call for "news-you-can-use" items to be added to the site as the information becomes available. These will include items such as proposed construction fencing locations, pedestrian safety issues and road or parking lot closings, as necessary.

Planners are also looking into ways to communicate more general information about ongoing items such as concrete pouring, jack hammering or other work that could produce significant noise or odor problems, Geer said.

"We also are investigating linking with sites such as Public Safety, Student Affairs and other organizations that coordinate with construction projects," Geer said. "Construction Management is also in the process of developing ideas for inclusion in the site."

Facilities Planning will update the site regularly, Geer said, which will be a key to its usefulness.

"We feel it is imperative that we let the community know as much information as quickly as possible," she said. "As dates change we are updating the site, and as new items come to our attention we are incorporating the information in our database and upgrading the site."

The site is just part of Facilities Services' efforts to let the campus know what is happening with construction. Planners have already met with the Faculty Council and will meet with the Employee Forum in February, and they hope to give the two groups regular updates. Planners are also meeting with deans of individual schools to explain the plan and process.

Geer said Facilities Services will work with the Daily Tar Heel and Gazette to get out information. Other communications means being explored include the existing network of building-level construction contacts and pertinent list-servs.

"Facilities Planning will work very diligently to communicate with the community to let them know of aspects that will affect campus," Geer said. "The Capital Improvements Program will touch 20 percent of the buildings on campus and everyone on campus will be affected in some way by the program.

"Our goal is to let people know just what the impacts will be and when to expect them."

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