State funds would expand renovations

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2005.

The college is trying to add state funds for the local Measure E construction program.
The extent of work to be done will depend on what the state allocates to LBCC. Slated to start construction early next year are the new M and N buildings, whose occupants will be moved into the new South Quad Complex.
The college has been utilizing the $176 million renovation budget over the past three years and construction is ongoing. The funds were part of the Measure E Bond construction program that was passed by voters in 2002.
A detailed Web site for the bond program is dedicated to updating students, teachers and the community on recent progress regarding construction and renovation projects.
According to the Web site, construction is planned through 2009, possibly ending with the renovation of Building A on the LAC.
"I think construction is a good idea. This school feels crowded and the addition of classrooms could allow more opportunities for students to get a better education," student Fernando Chavez said.
Current projects at the PCC remain unfinished and unfunded, like the new Child-Development Center. When finished, it will offer state-of-the-art technology and be expanded to educate students in early child development form 24 months to kindergarten age the Web site stated. Also cut short in the budget are plans for a new 665-square-foot campus restroom. It's scheduled for construction in February 2006 to replace the existing temporary facility located in the horticultural area. The LAC work is underway with the South Quad Complex scheduled for completion by October 2007. Plans for the expansion of the Library and learning resources center are included in the current budget.
"There are many exciting projects occurring on both campuses. On the LAC, Phase 3 of the overall construction plan includes the retrofit of Building A converting it to a, 'one-stop' student center,"Margie Padron, contracts administrator for the Bovis management team, said.
"This is an exciting time for the college and we thank you so much for your continued support," LBCC President Jan Kehoe said on the Web site.
Information on current or future projects may be obtained by logging on to the Measure E Web site or contacting the Bovis field office at LAC or PCC.
"We have received only a few questions from students. We encourage all students, faculty and staff to forward any questions or concerns to us," Padron said.