Personal Safety Advisory Committee Log of Concerns and Status Report 2012-2013 Last update: 5/1/2013 LOG Table of Contents: SUMMARY OPEN SYSTEMIC CONCERNS OPEN CONCERNS (not reviewed or no solution yet): PENDING CONCERNS (solution in progress): LONG TERM CONCERNS CLOSED CONCERNS CLOSED SYSTEMIC CONCERNS SUMMARY: Opening Summary 2012-13 (as of 9/1/2012) Open Concerns: 3 Pending Concerns: 22 Long Term Concerns: 5 Closed Concerns: cleared TOTAL: 30 Closing Summary as of 5/1/2013 Open Systemic Concerns: 0 Open Concerns: 3 Pending Concerns: 13 Long Term Concerns: 8 Closed Concerns: 26 Closed Systemic Concerns: 1 TOTAL: 51 1 OPEN SYSTEMIC CONCERNS None. OPEN CONCERNS (not reviewed or no solution yet): Dickinson Community: Lighting Johnson and O’Connor Date: 4/25/2013 The stairs between the current Johnson & O'Connor are not well lit, and now with all of the construction going on and students need to use those stairs as a detour, it seems that this is a safety issue. I was hoping that a lamp could be installed. I talked to Physical Facilities, and they said this was an issue to bring up with the RD. Johnson doesn't have one (at least that I know of) so that is why I am coming to you guys with this issue. Jeff Horowitz AD – Dickinson email: jhorowi@binghamton.edu phone: 607-777-2826 Ravi Prakriya (student) Jason Boring Resident Director Champlain-Whitney-Johnson email: jboring@binghamton.edu phone: 607-777-7250 Physical Facilities: Lighting to McGuire Building I think more lighting needs to be installed near the crosswalk between Physical Facilities and the McGuire Building. It is very dark there and difficult to see folks walking from Physical Facilities to the parking lot. I’m afraid someone might get hit by a car. Joy S. Tassey Administrative Assistant Philosophy Department jtassey@binghamton.edu 607-777-3616 Resolution: The PSAC reviewed the area and determined that lighting is not a problem but that due to the four lanes of traffic, signage is desired to alert drivers to the crosswalk in that area. 2 Hinman to Paid Lot I just returned from a Workplace Violence Prevention walk-through at ISSS and Trisha Marrapese, the new director, mentioned to me that she had fallen on a few occasions on the somewhat disquieting, unlit and uneven pathway leading from Hinman Commons to the Paid Parking Lot. This is a pathway she traverses frequently after dark. From what I understand, this walkway suffers from some other issues as well, in terms of its structure, so it may already be on your radar. As a former PSAC member (Trisha, PSAC is the Personal Safety Advisory Committee), I suspected your campus-by-night tour is likely on the horizon and I am writing to ask that you and your team investigate and escalate as appropriate. Thank you for your help. And best wishes to all for a happy holiday weekend! ~Lisa Lisa Havtur Time and Attendance Coordinator Human Resources Binghamton University PO Box 6000 Binghamton, NY 13902 607-777-3734 3 PENDING CONCERNS (solution in progress): Reporting of safety concerns is not clear 1. Bill tried to report a problem and was told: a. Contact Environmental Health and Safety (incorrect) b. File it online (could not because a password is needed) 2. Res-Life thinks they cannot submit a concern. For example – referring to the sidewalk in front of CIW (along lot Q1): Well, that’s not a “Residential” area so we can’t put in a request officially….but we’ve been asking to have it fixed for ages. Am not sure who the walk “belongs” to but it’s not us. 3. If neither Bill nor Res-life know how to submit a concern, then who does? Resolution: Staff and students need to be instructed to call Customer Service at x2226 or email pfcse@binghamton.edu to report routine maintenance issues. Possible postings on Dateline. Nature Preserve Road closed during winter Contacts: Dylan Horvath and Julian Shepard Resolution: A study is being conducted to review pros and cons. Escorts Date Logged: 4/29/2012 I think it would be vitally important to have an escort system in which a student can call a number and have someone to walk with them after dark. For the past four years I have called the escort number that Binghamton University provides but have always been told to "wait for the safe-ride shuttle." It is not safe for young women to be waiting on the side of the brain or main road waiting for a van that may or may not see them in the dark. That's why, again, I think it is vitally important for volunteers to be available to walk with students across campus if need be. Samantha B. Van Adelsberg svanade1@binghamton.edu Responsible Party (name and email contact): NYSUP Action Taken: Finding students to work the midnight to 8am shift is difficult and priority goes to staffing the shuttle. Daniel Chambers, Deputy Chief of Police is contacting Harpur’s Ferry to determine if some sort of joint program could be implemented to provide coverage. Resolution: Staff and students need to be instructed regarding their expectations for escorts. Escorts cannot be provided as merely a convenience, but only for true safety concerns. Possible postings on Dateline. One recommendation, is a phone app that shows the location of the safe ride vehicle on campus, so that students will know of its arrival at certain locations. Dickinson Community: Lots T1 and T From: Jessica L Krohn [mailto:jkrohn@binghamton.edu] Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2012 12:47 PM To: ziegler@binghamton.edu Subject: Safety advisory council 4 I wanted to express concern about the lack of visibility when exiting the T1 lots or when backing out of parking spaces that are outside of the T1 lots, along the road, near the construction. I believe the visibility is limited due to the pick up trucks from the construction workers. I was wondering, perhaps now or maybe when construction is completed, that the spots along the road, near T1, would be changed to only allow compact cars to park there, thus enabling a greater level of visibility. Jessica Krohn, LMSW Interpersonal Violence Prevention Coordinator Binghamton University, C4 rm 120 Phone: (607) 777-3062 Website: http://www.binghamton.edu/ivp/ Resolution: Dear Jessica, The PSAC has studied the areas of lots T (along the road) and T1 (offset from the road) and have made a formal recommendation to Vice President VanVoorst and Associate Vice President Lawrence Roma, that lot T be closed to parking. Lot T1 would remain open, but would be much safer to exit without cars parked along the road in lot T. MEMORANDUM TO: James VanVoorst, Vice President SUBJECT: Recommendation from Personal Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) regarding parking lot T FROM: W. Ziegler, Chair - PSAC DATE: 12/12/2012 Vice President VanVoorst, On the recent Campus-by-Night tour by all voting members of the Personal Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC), a review was made of Parking Lot T. Upon review of the concern forwarded to us, a visit to Lot T, and a subsequent meeting to discuss the situation, the PSAC wishes to recommend strongly the closing of Lot T to parking. When Dickinson Community opens late this summer, there will be approximately 3000 students living in Newing and Dickinson and those students will most likely walk through the area of Lot T to get to destinations in the main classroom area of campus. With cars and trucks parked along the street in the Lot T location, visibility is minimal, and especially dangerous as cars and truck attempt to leave Lot T. Adding another 1,500 students crossing the street in that area when Dickinson opens, on top of the current danger in that area, will create an even greater risk of a car/pedestrian accident. In summary, the Personal Safety Advisory Committee strongly recommends that Lot T be closed to parking. Bill Ziegler Chair - PSAC 5 East Gym and Fit Space lighting Date: 4/30/12 The East Gym resident parking is in the back of the East Gym, where there is an entire wall of trees blocking anyone from view if they wished to conceal themselves, it is not well lit, there are two short cut areas that would make it seem a little safer that are blocked off so you have to walk where almost no light reaches, and the parking in the front of the gym is for commuters only from 7am -6 pm. While that does leave some time open for students to park in the front during hours when it is dark very late at night or very early in the morning, there are still times when students are forced to park there when it is dark. For instance my suite and I go to the gym at 6:10 in the morning and leave at 7:15. This means that we still have to park in the back where there is no one around and still dark. This makes us increasingly uncomfortable, and our parents are going to be emailing parking services at a later date to voice their concerns about our safety on campus as well. Rachelann Tripp (rtripp2@binghamton.edu) Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities Action Taken: PSAC met with reps. from Fit Space, Parking Services, and OCCT. Recommendations included improved shuttle service, new lighting, alternate parking restrictions/accomodations. Decision is to cut back shrub/tree growth away from that area to provide a more open environment for pedestrians. Also, as new lighting is installed on the path along the tennis courts to ITC, then that should provide residual light to the area of concern This area should be reviewed again fall 13. Engineering Building Date: 3/1/13 when you pull down toward the dock area of the library ,at the intersection ,this is very dark an hard to see students if they are crossing the intersection in the cross walk. I hope the pictures will help .I know a light would really help. From: Robert H Mulcahy [mailto:rmulcahy@binghamton.edu] Safety Director & Asbestos Coordinator Physical Facilities From: Virginia A Bellinger <vbelling@binghamton.edu> Date: Fri, Feb 1, 2013 at 2:37 AM Subject: Light Virginia Bellinger Supervising Janitor UU,Fine Arts, Anderson Center (607)777-2917 vbelling@binghamton.edu 6 Health Services Date logged in: 12/1/2011 and again 11/2012 Motorists do not recognize this area as a cross walk for students. The additional distractor of the ever changing construction further complicates things. Students travelling to Health Services are often not feeling their best and therefore not their "sharpest" in terms of noting details of their immediate environment. Couple that with the fact that students are very casual about the way they cross roadways and great concern exists. Personally I have stood at that crosswalk while several cars at a time have passed with no apparent awareness that a crosswalk exists. This has included personal vehicles, public transportation and University vehicles. It is concerning. I appreciated your attention to this matter. Johann Fiore-Conte Director of Health & Counseling Services Binghamton University (607) 777-2221 FAX: (607) 777-2881 jmfconte@binghamton.edu Resolution: Action Taken: Temporary Crosswalks and walkways were better marked When the new Dickinson Community is completed during the summer of 2013, a walkway will be available along East Access Road all the way from Health Services to East/West Drive (the Brain) without pedestrians needing to cross East Access Road. Because CIW students are likely to take a short cut across the parking lot and then across East Access Road, we will review that area once construction is complete. To be completed Summer 2013 ITC (Murray Hill Road) Path and bridge from Child Care Center to ITC lighting needs to be improved. Date logged in: 12/1/2011 (originally recommended by PSAC in 2010) Reported by (name and email contact): Casey Wall – Res Life Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): No work scheduled Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities From: Casey L Wall [mailto:cwall@binghamton.edu] Sent: Monday, November 26, 2012 3:07 PM An area of concern I have, is the sidewalk that runs from the track area past the day care center to the bridge to Murray Hill. It is extremely dark there once it gets dark at night. The only light in the area is a blue light, it is so dark you could literally run into someone, because you couldn't see them in front of you. Resolution: The PSAC and Vice president VanVoorst toured this area and were quite surprised how dark it is (and that we had not received more complaints). Physical Facilities (PF) accompanied us and saw the 7 problem first hand. PF has ordered lights for that area and they might already have been installed. If not, they will be shortly. Newing College: Stairs to parking behind Bingham and Broome Date logged in: 12/1/2011 and 11/2012 I just had a resident come to me last week and mention that she had tripped and sprained her ankle on the stairs between Bingham and Broome that lead down into the parking lot. She said that she had a hard time seeing where she was stepping since the staircase isn’t well lit. I’ve tried to pay attention when I drive by there when it’s dark out, and it does seem that they are a bit dimly lit. Heidi R. Morton Resident Director-Broome Hall Newing College Binghamton University 607-777-5273 Action Taken: Your concern was reviewed and the location in question was visited by the Personal Safety Advisory Committee. At the time of your email the lighting that was scheduled to be placed near that area had not been done due to a problem with the contractor. Just a couple of weeks ago, the lighting project was completed. However, I believe that new lighting problems have been created in that area with the installation of the new lights and the removal of the older lights, so this will remain an area of concern. Facilities is currently working on a plan to install additional lighting in that area, especially from the stairway in question to the Newman Bridge. Casey, Alberto, and Sean, Each of you have written to me (the PSAC) regarding the same safety concerns regarding lightning behind Newing, lighting in the S1, S2, S3 lots, and the path to the Newman (Troll) Bridge. The PSAC along with Vice President VanVoorst visited this area and agree with your observations. The long delay in having this resolved unfortunately became a difference of opinion on whether the contractor or the University was responsible. The University has agreed to expedite the solution and will take responsibility for getting it done. Some of the lighting is already in place and more is on the way. Here are the concerns you stated and the resolution to each concern: Newman Bridge railing: A new railing along the path to the bridge has been ordered and is already in place or will be soon. Newman Bridge lighting: New lighting has been designed, approved, funded, and ordered. Installation may have begun, but will be completed by spring 2013. Lot S1, S2, S3 lighting: New lighting has been designed, approved, funded, and ordered. Installation may have begun, but will be completed by spring 2013. Stairwell lighting on the north side of Broome Hall to Newman Bridge area: New lighting has been designed, approved, funded, and ordered. Installation may have begun, but will be completed by spring 2013. 8 Newing College: Lighting along East Drive Date logged in: 4/29/13 From: B. Jean Fairbairn Cc: Joy S Tassey; Kathryn N Perry; Andrea M Snyder; Bill Ziegler Subject: Re: FW: Textbook Information Availability Needed by SSD for the Provision of Alternate Format Textbooks to students with Print-related Disabilities I’ve noticed as I drive out, that the night lighting around East Campus Housing is very low. I realize the campus may be using energy-efficient bulbs in street lighting but there have been several occasions on dark nights when students seem to simply appear in the road, a dangerous situation. I hope others have noticed and raised this concern as well. Resolution: The Personal Safety Advisory Committee has visited this area due to a couple of others voicing your same concern. Within the next several weeks, the entire lighting situation will change in that area as the East Campus construction project nears completion. Once the sidewalk from Newing College to College in the Woods is completed and the lights installed, that area should appear much brighter at night. Paid Parking Lot Lighting and railings From: Lori A Fuller [mailto:loriv@binghamton.edu] Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2012 10:00 AM The area that most affects me is the paid parking lot. I pay the annual rate to park in the lot which neither seems well lit or well kept in the winter. It looks as though they are adding more lighting which will perhaps make the parking lot seem a bit safer. The walkways that are in front of the parking lot also do not seem to be managed well in the winter. I am always fearful that I will slip and fall. There is really nothing to grab onto to help if such an incident were to happen. Though I wish I had the answer on how to fix this issue I can only make the suggestion of putting in some type of railing to help stabilize your walk in case of inclement weather. The other concern that I have is people crossing outside of the crosswalks when you are leaving campus at night. I can’t tell you how many close calls I’ve had with people stepping off the curb without looking or running in front you assuming that you can stop on a dime. Perhaps if the sidewalks had better lighting so that you could actually see someone on them would help. I realize all of this takes money and I wish you much success and appreciate your time on making our campus safe. Lori Fuller Harpur College of Arts & Sciences Binghamton University / LN2430 P.O. Box 6000 Binghamton, NY 13902-6000 (607) 777-6293 / fax (607) 777-4900 loriv@binghamton.edu Resolution: The PSAC, Lieutenant Bay of the University Police, and Vice-president Vanvoorst visited the paid parking lot. All of the lights in that parking lot have now been replaced, and that should resolve your lighting 9 concern. The walkways down from the parking lot to the street and the railings have been put on the schedule for remediation. In the meantime, the existing railings have been reinforced and repaired. I do not have a timetable yet for the full remediation of the sidewalks, but will keep this concern as an open topic for the PSAC to review. We all hope the situation in that area gets better very soon and if not, please contact me again. Regarding your concern for students stepping into the roadway; we all share your concern and fear and it happens as much in daylight as at night, so additional lighting is not likely to stop that very dangerous practice. We continually try to educate our students as to these dangers and I think that is the best we can do. Studies are underway on how to reduce the overall traffic on the brain, but there is no easy solution to that. The University Police are well aware of the problem and in fact while I was riding in one of the police cars recently, a student walked right off the curb in front of us, so even driving a police car is no assurance of safety. Science 4 Crosswalk Signage Date logged in: 1/29/2012 The pedestrian crossing in front of (and just to the west of) Science 4 is well illuminated but the Caution sign in the middle of the road that used to be there has been missing for months. Ralph R. Miller Distinguished Professor of Psychology & Director of Graduate Studies Action Taken: I discussed the missing crossing signs situation with Dan Chambers, Deputy Chief of Police. Unfortunately, despite the low snowfall, many of the crossing signs that were located in the roadways were destroyed by snow plows this winter. The signs cost between $500 and $1000 each, and there is not a designated budget for these signs. At face value, it sure seems that this should not be too difficult of a problem to resolve – simply remove the signs before plowing begins and then put them back in the spring. We sure hope that will be the case for the future. West Gym Crosswalk Lighting Date logged in: 1/29/2012 and 11/20/12 The pedestrian walk crossing the road in front of and just to the left of (exiting) the West Gym is totally unilluminated. Hundreds if not thousands cross there each evening at unnecessarily risk of being hit by a car or bus. Ralph R. Miller Distinguished Professor of Psychology & Director of Graduate Studies Telephone: (607) 777-2291 Secretary: (607) 777-2334 E-mail: rmiller@binghamton.edu Action Taken: Your concerns were reviewed and the locations in question were visited by the Personal Safety Advisory Committee. The crosswalk area near the West Gym is currently being reviewed by Physical Facilities to determine how to improve lighting in that area. 10 LONG TERM CONCERNS Apartments Community (Susquehanna/Hillside): Walkway to/from Susquehanna - Hillside through Lot M to/from main campus or Hinman Facilities refers to this project as the Pedestrian/Vehicle Project for Hinman We recommend a designated walkway through Parking Lot M to Hinman and the main campus. Date logged in12/1/2011 Reported by (name and email contact): Casey Wall, AD Residential Life Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Pending Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities Action Taken: Memo sent to Ms. Wall. Current Status unknown Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center: Pedestrian Safety DATE: March 11, 2013 TO: Brian Rose, Vice President for Student Affairs James VanVoorst, Vice President Administration Timothy Faughnan, Chief of Police William Ziegler, Chair of Personal Safety Committee FROM: Suzanne Howell, Director of Residential Life and University Housing RE: Pedestrian Safety near East Campus Housing I am writing to express my concern for pedestrian safety near new Newing College and Dickinson Community. Beginning in the Fall 2013 semester, there will be approximately 2700 students residing in the two areas, and will need to cross the main campus road in order to get to their classes. In January, an additional 333 residents will be added once new Digman Hall opens up. It is my understanding that the University will be hiring a consulting firm to review and make recommendations about current campus traffic patterns and parking areas, however, in the meantime, I believe it is imperative that a temporary solution be put in place for the Fall. As the Director of Residential Life and University Housing, I am very concerned about our students crossing the road. As you are aware, the current traffic pattern of Campus Drive, allows cars to travel in two directions. The area in front of Newing can become congested as students are crossing the road, this will only be exasperated with the new Dickinson buildings coming on line. You are also aware of how dangerous and delayed, for both pedestrians and drivers, it can become near the Lecture Hall as students are coming from Hinman or the Lecture Hall. Often the people crossing in this area are not paying attention to the traffic, or assume that traffic will just stop for them, and walk out into the road without looking. It is my belief this will be the same situation in the Newing/Dickinson area, but with many more students living in that area, it will only be worse. I would like to offer a temporary solution to this issue, until the transportation consultants complete their study of the campus and offer permanent solutions. My suggestion is that the traffic pattern be limited to one way on East Campus Drive between the entrance of the S-lots and the Connector Road. While this might cause some issues for the campus community, I believe it will keep our resident students safer. I would be happy to speak with you further about my concern. I look forward to hearing from you. 11 Response: MEMORANDUM DATE: April 9, 2013 To: Suzanne Howell, Director of Residential Life and University Housing From: William Ziegler, Chair Personal Safety Advisory Committee CC: Brian Rose, Vice President for Student Affairs James VanVoorst, Vice President Administration Timothy Faughnan, Chief of Police PSAC Committee RE: Pedestrian Safety near East Campus Housing Thank you for contacting the Personal Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) regarding your concern for pedestrian safety near new Newing College and Dickinson Community. The PSAC met with Vice President VanVoorst and we discussed your concern and agree with your observations. Several initiatives are in place, although for now, none of the initiatives involve restricting traffic to one way as per your suggestion. The following are the initiatives: 1. Vice President VanVoorst informed the PSAC that a comprehensive study is being performed by an outside consulting firm regarding traffic and parking across the entire campus. While you may have heard of similar studies being conducted in the past , these have tended to concentrate on isolated concerns rather than a comprehensive review across the entire campus. This study is being overseen by the campus Parking Advisory Committee and the Transportation Committee. Additionally, the overall concern for traffic and parking on campus is a topic with recommendations from the Infrastructure Team of President Stenger’s Road Map initiative. The comprehensive study is expected to be complete by the end of September, 2013. 2. The PSAC is requesting that a real-time digital speed limit sign, similar to the ones on West Drive, be installed on East Drive prior to the crosswalk that leads from old Dickinson to the large stairway to the East Gym. This request has already been made and the plan would be for the sign to be installed this spring. 3. All sidewalks in the new Dickinson Community and a sidewalk leading from Newing to the intersection of East Drive and East Access Road will be complete by mid-summer which will take some of the pedestrian pressure off the C4 crosswalks. 4. All unnecessary fencing will be removed from the Dickinson construction site, which will allow better visibility of pedestrians and vehicles. 5. Lighting along East Access road in the area of the new Dickinson Community will be complete by mid-summer, which will also permit better visibility. While these initiatives are not currently specific to your recommendation, the PSAC and Vice President VanVoorst believe the implementation of the above items and the results of the comprehensive study will lead to a viable solution to your concerns. Thank you again for contacting the PSAC. William Ziegler 12 East Access Road Sidewalk: There are no sidewalks from the Health Services Center along the East Access Road to the housing development to the south. The amount of foot traffic is evident by the paths worn through the grass. This is especially dangerous during the winter months when plowed snow covers the pathways through the grass. Date logged in: 1/9/2012 (originally recommended by PSAC in 2008 and every year thereafter) Reported by (name and email contact): PSAC Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): open Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities Action Taken: Under review by Physical Facilities Mountainview College Walkway to/from Mountainview to/from Hinman: There are no sidewalks along this roadway. Date logged in: 12/1/2011 Reported by (name and email contact): PSAC Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Open Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities Action Taken Mountainview College: Walkway to/from Mountainview to/from Paid Parking Lot The Mountainview Trail Date logged in: 1/6/2012 Reported by (name and email contact): Tony Preus Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Was scheduled to be a long term improvement – Bill Ziegler has heard that this project has been removed from the schedule – o an update of the status is needed o If the project is canceled, then where is the money the students contributed to this project? Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities Action Taken West Drive Sidewalk Removal Proposal: The PSAC is concerned about a possible plan to remove sidewalks on the South side of West Drive from Hinman College to Newing College Date logged in: 4/9/2012 Reported by (name and email contact): PSAC Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): open Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities Action Taken: Memo from PSAC to VP VanVoorst asking for a full safety review of the proposal West Gym Path from to West Gym from East Gym parking lot through the woods is not lit, nor is a blue light visible while on that path. 13 An alternate (longer) path with lighting and blue light is available, however, off campus visitors have no way of knowing that when making the trek from the East Gym parking lot to the Events Center or the West Gym. Date logged in: 12/1/2011 (originally recommended by PSAC in 2010) Reported by (name and email contact): PSAC Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Pending Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities and NYSUP Action Taken: West Gym: Traffic and Crossing Pattern from West Gym to Science IV An alternate crosswalk design has been submitted that makes pedestrian traffic much safer especially when events end that are housed in the West Gym. Date logged in: 1/6/2012 Reported by (name and email contact): Doug Bonawitz – NYSUP dbonawi@binghamton.edu 72393 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Open Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities Action Taken 14 CLOSED CONCERNS Closed Concerns was cleared and a new log started 9/22/12 for 2012-13 Anderson Center 11/1/2012 The new walkways south of the Anderson Center look very nice, but there is a problem. As one emerges from the south entrance of the Anderson Center walking toward the Bartle Library, one encounters a curb that doesn't look like a curb. It appears to be at the same level as the walkway on both sides of it, but as one proceeds in a southerly direction one has to step down from that curb. I've missed that step a couple of times in the past several days, without falling, fortunately. If that section of curb were painted yellow it would alert pedestrians to step down -- or up when coming from the opposite direction. Father Bob Sullivan frbob@binghamton.edu Resolution: Walkway has been marked/painted Apartments Community (Susquehanna/Hillside): Skywalk P-gate (P-gate missing) The existing P-gate needs to be closed and an additional set of P-gates need to be installed at the bottom of the path where none currently exist. Date logged in: 12/1/2011 Reported by (name and email contact): PSAC Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Pending Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities Action Taken: Facilities has assured PSAC that the gate will be installed Summer 2012 Resolution: P-gate installed Apartments Community (Susquehanna/Hillside): Rockland/Saratoga Parking Lot P-gate P-gate needs to be installed across the parking lot from Glimmerglass next to the dumpster. Date logged in: 12/1/2011 Reported by (name and email contact): Casey Wall, AD Residential Life Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Pending Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities Action Taken: Memo to Ms. Wall. This project is currently scheduled for Summer 2012 via Physical Facilities. Resolution: P-gate installed Apartments Community (Susquehanna/Hillside): ZZ Lot 15 1) The ZZ South has a lot of pot holes and uneven ground all over it-the worst section is in the middle of the parking lot and towards the front (by the road). 2) The sidewalk between Evangola and Darien also has holes and uneven ground. When it rains sections (toward the stairs) have large puddles across the entire sidewalk. 3 Jessica Moore Community Director, Hillside Resolution: Kristin and Suzi, This was originally reported to the PSAC by Jessica, but I believe she has now left BU. However, I wanted to provide you the current status of her concerns. 1) The ZZ South has a lot of pot holes and uneven ground all over it-the worst section is in the middle of the parking lot and towards the front (by the road). The PSAC visited this lot and spoke with Facilities regarding its condition. This lot has been repaired but not completely repaved. Due to its remote location, this lot takes on a bit lower priority than other roads and parking areas on campus. Facilities is aware of the overall condition of ZZ and will monitor and repair as needed with a full repaving sometime in the future. At this point the PSAC will consider these concerns as resolved. If you feel otherwise, please let me know. Apartments Community (Susquehanna/Hillside): The sidewalk between Evangola and Darien The sidewalk between Evangola and Darien also has holes and uneven ground. When it rains sections (toward the stairs) have large puddles across the entire sidewalk. Jessica Moore Community Director, Hillside Resolution: Kristin and Suzi, This was originally reported to the PSAC by Jessica, but I believe she has now left BU. However, I wanted to provide you the current status of her concerns. 1) The sidewalk between Evangola and Darien also has holes and uneven ground. When it rains sections (toward the stairs) have large puddles across the entire sidewalk. Facilities has informed the PSAC that this area has been repaired. At this point the PSAC will consider these concerns as resolved. If you feel otherwise, please let me know. Apartments Community (Susquehanna/Hillside): Skyward Trail pavement 16 The skyward trail (walkway path between Hillside & Susquehanna) has a large hole/broken ground in the middle of the sidewalk midway down. The students said a lot of students ride their bikes down this path as well as walk and they were afraid the hole could be dangerous. Jessica Moore Community Director, Hillside Resolution: Kristin and Suzi, This was originally reported to the PSAC by Jessica, but I believe she has now left BU. However, I wanted to provide you the current status of her concerns. The skyward trail (walkway path between Hillside & Susquehanna) has a large hole/broken ground in the middle of the sidewalk midway down. The students said a lot of students ride their bikes down this path as well as walk and they were afraid the hole could be dangerous. On a recent tour, the PSAC determined that this area has been repaired. At this point the PSAC will consider these concerns as resolved. If you feel otherwise, please let me know. CIW Date Reported: 11/5/12 Action/Responsible: Physical Facilities Concern: Lack of lighting from CIW dining hall to parking lot In CIW, the path from the front lot (where the buses drive through) to the walkway between Tuscarora and Iroquois is not appropriately lit at night. There are two paths that students use, one paved with loose or missing pavers and one lined with mulch and wood beams, when they come across the street back to CIW after class or evening events in the Union. It is the main entryway into CIW and many students have voiced this concern this year. Reported by: Scott Shuhert (via student concerns) Residential Life Assoc. Director of Operations Resolution: We spoke to Facilities soon after your concern was reported and they acted on it soon thereafter. We have reviewed this area recently and have determined that: 1. the construction activity has been cleared from this area 2. all the lights are back on 3. The sidewalk and pavers have been repaired 17 The PSAC now feels that your concern has been resolved. If you feel otherwise, please let me know. College in the Woods: P –gate needed on the walkway between CIW and Mountainview Date logged in: 1/6/2012 Reported by (name and email contact): Tony Preus Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Pending Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities Resolution: Action Taken: A P-gate in this area will be problematic for emergency vehicles and will not be installed. Dickinson Community: Concern: Blue Light: There is a need for a blue light on the East side of Dickinson along the road. The blue light in the woods heading from Dickinson toward the East Gym is not visible when the leaves are on the trees. Date logged in: 12/1/2011 and again 11/2012 Reported by (name and email contact): PSAC Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Pending Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities Action Taken: Blue light installed Dickinson Community: Concern regarding the fencing that extends to the road next to the old Dickinson Dining Hall. With the placement of this new fencing all pedestrians have been directed to cross diagonally through the intersection. That intersection is dangerous enough because of the angle of East Access Road, but with pedestrians now being asked to walk thru it is a bit much. Scott Schuhert Associate Director of Residential Life for Operations Binghamton University (607) 777-2322 sschuher@binghamton.edu Action Taken: Fence blocking sidewalk removed. New crosswalks painted for additional visibility Dickinson Community: Lighting Concern From: Sarah A Bull [mailto:sbull2@binghamton.edu] Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2012 2:03 PM To: William L Ziegler Cc: Suzanne E Howell Subject: Personal Safety Advisory Committee Input The sidewalk that parallels The Brain that runs between Newing and Dickinson, as well as the sidewalk to the right of the Dickinson basketball courts are very dark at night. Since these are frequently-used paths for students travelling to and from class, it would be great if lights could be added there. I really appreciate the fact that your committee is asking for input about 18 improving campus safety. Thank you for all of your hard work! Resolution: The PSAC reviewed your concerns and we agree that the area is not as well lit as it could be. However, this is a temporary situation and we feel that the problem is caused by the construction fencing in that area and want you to know that the problems will be resolved as soon as the construction is completed this summer (2013). Dickinson Community: Lots T1 and T From: Jessica L Krohn [mailto:jkrohn@binghamton.edu] Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2012 12:47 PM To: ziegler@binghamton.edu Subject: Safety advisory council I wanted to express concern about the lack of visibility when exiting the T1 lots or when backing out of parking spaces that are outside of the T1 lots, along the road, near the construction. I believe the visibility is limited due to the pick up trucks from the construction workers. I was wondering, perhaps now or maybe when construction is completed, that the spots along the road, near T1, would be changed to only allow compact cars to park there, thus enabling a greater level of visibility. Jessica Krohn, LMSW Interpersonal Violence Prevention Coordinator Binghamton University, C4 rm 120 Phone: (607) 777-3062 Website: http://www.binghamton.edu/ivp/ Resolution: Dear Jessica, I am writing to follow up on your concern to the PSAC. The PSAC has studied the areas of lots T (along the road) and T1 (offset from the road) and have made a formal recommendation to Vice President VanVoorst and Associate Vice President Lawrence Roma, that lot T be closed to parking. Lot T1 would remain open, but would be much safer to exit without cars parked along the road in lot T. Thank you for notifying the PSAC of your concern. East Gym Crosswalk from Dickinson Date Logged: 4/29/2012 I have noticed a possible safety issue regarding the crosswalk near the path to the East Gym (where you cross the street from Dickinson to the gym). The paint is nearly completely faded, and in less than full light, I don't think that most drivers can tell that there is a crosswalk there. This is a more significant issue, given the amount of traffic that path and crosswalk is receiving since the gym's opening. Marisa Sweeney Resident Assistant | Mohawk Hall Binghamton University 2014 BS Accounting| BA Politics, Philosophy, & Law 516-263-3599; msweene4@binghamton.edu Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities Resolution: 19 Action Taken: Crosswalks painted Fall 2012 and will be continually monitored by Physical Facilities. Crosswalk painting will remain a problem until the truck traffic is reduced summer 2013 with the completion of Dickinson Community construction. Hinman to Lot M2 No crosswalk painted on roadway: 11/12/2013 About 50 feet from the intersection of West Drive and the Nature Preserve Road is a sidewalk leading down from lot M2 to Hinman, but no crosswalk is painted in the roadway. Reported by: PSAC on Campus by Night Resolution: The PSAC (as advised by Lieutenant Bay) does not wish to mark this as a crosswalk due to the danger of crossing the road adjacent to such a busy intersection. A crosswalk just a short distance from this area is marked and much safer. Lecture Hall – Basement Lighting Date: 4/30/2012 many of us who work down in the basement areas have had our safety compromised by the new "energy saving" lights reduction program which basically plunges the basement into darkness until you get into extreme proximity to turn on a light. The effective reality is working in a very dark and dangerous environment, and I actually carry a flashlight ... it is such a serious problem. We work hours when there is little traffic down here, so the problem can be quite troubling. This effects staff as well as student employees such as projectionists who work late at night and weekends. Also, there are no emergency backup lighting units down here either, so the many times we have lost electricity in this building, we have had to evacuate student classrooms using flashlights. My recommendations would be: 1) Install emergency battery backup lighting units at locations near exits and classrooms (for example in the Student Wing / LH buildings -- near room B13, and B32, and B90 to name a few locations) 2) Reduce or remove the automated shut off lights in the basement hallway areas, or if unable, install far more frequent motion sensors to turn on the lights, and enable the proximity switches to turn on at great distances. Adele Brown Cinema Department 777-6345 Resolution: Action Taken: Wayne Schneider, Assistant Director of Facilities has reviewed the concern and does not see a problem at this time. Please contact him and copy Bill Ziegler and Mike Kukawa if this concern is still present. Mountainview College: P-stop missing - Walkway to/from Mountainview to/from Paid Parking Lot P-stop is missing on NE corner of the Paid Parking Lot on walkway to Mountainview. Date logged in: 1/6/2012 Reported by (name and email contact): Tony Preus Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): pending 20 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities Resolution: Action Taken: P-stop has been installed Newing College: Endicott Hall – driving on sidewalk delivery people and students with loads in their cars - seem to think they can drive up the side walk and right to the front door of Endicott Hall. So if you are in the parking lot area between Broome and Endicott (where the Endicott RD & ARC park) they drive up the side walk there - and to the front door. -Casey L. Wall Assistant Director of Residential Life Newing College Binghamton University 607-777-2864 reslife.binghamton.edu cwall@binghamton.edu Resolution: University Police will patrol this area. Signs have been erected to prohibit driving on the sidewalk. Newing College: Lighting behind C4 Date: 2/2/2013 Casey Wall behind C4 and the patio area outside of the dining hall seating area - again a lack of lighting. This is specifically an issue, as when the "Nite Owl" opens in the dining hall - they close the gate by the other dining hall seating entrance, forcing students to go around outside the patio entrance - where there is no lighting. Action Taken: Interior lights are used to light up that area. One night a movie was being shown and the interior night-lights were shut off. Those lights are now back on. Newing College: Roadway in front of Bingham Hall Roadway lane boundaries need to be painted around the entire corner in front of Bingham Hall Date logged in:12/1/2011 Reported by (name and email contact): PSAC Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Pending Responsible Party (name and email contact): NYSUP Resolution: lines have been painted Newing College: No railings - Walkway to Bridge to churches and temple behind Newing: Need a walkway railing from the Newing parking lot all the way down to the bridge. The walkway is extremely steep. Date logged in: 12/1/2011 and 11/2012 Reported by (name and email contact): PSAC Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Pending 21 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities Action Taken: This project is currently scheduled to be completed Summer 2012 via Physical Facilities. Resolution: Railings installed Newing College: Bridge washout - Bridge to churches and temples behind Newing: The bridge washout is dangerous on the Murray Hill side of the bridge and a temporary railing should be installed until permanent repairs are made. The north side of the bridge on the Murray Hill side does have a temporary railing, but the south side of the bridge on the Murray Hill side does not. Date logged in: 12/1/2011 and 11/2012 Reported by (name and email contact): PSAC Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Pending Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities Action Taken: This property This project is currently scheduled to be completed Summer 2012 via Physical Facilities although there is a delay due to obtaining permission from the property owner on the Murray Hill side of the bridge. Resolution: Project complete Newing College: Poor lighting - Walkway to Bridge to churches and temple behind Newing: Need a walkway railing from the Newing parking lot all the way down to the bridge. The walkway is extremely steep. Date logged in: 12/1/2011 and 11/2012 Reported by (name and email contact): Marguerite Ward '12, BU student, mward2@binghamton.edu Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Pending Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities Action Taken : This project is currently scheduled to be completed before Summer 2012 via Physical Facilities. Memo to Ms. Ward and subsequent work by contractors of East Campus project: The Personal Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) reviewed your concerns and twelve members of the PSAC visited the bridge location you referenced. Concern: The walkway behind Newing to the Newman Chapel has a blue light system, which is good, but the walkway has several dark spots--both before and after you pass the blue-light pole. Response: The PSAC walked the bridge area after dark and agree with your concerns. We were informed that the lighting system for the entire parking area that leads up to the bridge on the BU side has not been installed due to a delay from the manufacturer for the designated lighting. We are expecting the lights to be installed very soon and that will brighten up that entire area considerably. One problem is that Binghamton University does not have any authority to provide lighting on the Murray Hill Road side of the bridge. That area is private property so the best way to get anything accomplished on that side of the bridge would be to work with the owners of that property and the 22 Newman Chapel. If the lights on the BU side are not installed in a reasonable amount of time, please send me another email and I will take the problem directly to Vice President VanVoorst. Casey, Alberto, and Sean, Each of you have written to me (the PSAC) regarding the same safety concerns regarding lightning behind Newing, lighting in the S1, S2, S3 lots, and the path to the Newman (Troll) Bridge. The PSAC along with Vice President VanVoorst visited this area and agree with your observations. The long delay in having this resolved unfortunately became a difference of opinion on whether the contractor or the University was responsible. The University has agreed to expedite the solution and will take responsibility for getting it done. Some of the lighting is already in place and more is on the way. Here are the concerns you stated and the resolution to each concern: Newman Bridge railing: A new railing along the path to the bridge has been ordered and is already in place or will be soon. Newman Bridge lighting: New lighting has been designed, approved, funded, and ordered. Installation may have begun, but will be completed by spring 2013. Lot S1, S2, S3 lighting: New lighting has been designed, approved, funded, and ordered. Installation may have begun, but will be completed by spring 2013. Stairwell lighting on the north side of Broome Hall to Newman Bridge area: New lighting has been designed, approved, funded, and ordered. Installation may have begun, but will be completed by spring 2013. Resolution: Project complete Paid Visitor Parking Lot: Danger of lights falling into Parking Lot due to rotted light poles Over a long period of time three light heads have been removed or fallen due to rot in the light poles. This is the only remaining parking lot on the entire campus that still has wooden poles being utilized to mount the lights in the lot. Additionally, there are two poles in the upper section of the paid lot with lights secured to the poles using a makeshift arrangement of a large “U” bolt type attachment. One of these poles has already lost half of its lighting due to rotted wood. This is an unsafe condition for two reasons; one being the loss of lighting in a highly trafficked area for both pedestrians moving back and forth from Mountainview and vehicles The second reason is that these light heads that are not properly secured could fall on either a car or a person in the lot and cause significant harm. Since BU has previously been alerted to these problems and made these long-term temporary fixes, then the University could be liable for any injury or damage. Date logged in: 1/29/2012 Reported by (name and email contact): PSAC Night Walk Resolution: New lighting has been installed Peace Quad Date Reported: 9/05/12 23 Action/Responsible: Physical Facilities notified 9/20/12 Wayne Schneider Concern: Lack of lighting along construction fence on the Peace Quad My name is Morgan Appel and I am the Program Coordinator for the Dean of Students Office. This requires me to stay late several evenings and I wanted to send an email to somebody about the light walking through the peace quad now, and Beth Riley told me to contact you. Even when the initial construction started on the union, students could still walk close enough to the original sidewalk that there was enough lighting to see where you were going. Now that they have put the fence up in the middle of the peace quad, every student that wants to go to Dickinson, Newing or C4 has to walk through the peace quad. Last night I had to do so to get to my car in Rafuse, and I realized how truly unsafe I felt. Aside the fact that it is dark, and creepy and somebody could potentially be waiting by the fence to harm somebody, I physically bumped into a boy last night because we were both looking down struggling to see if we were still walking on the sidewalk. I think there is potential to someone to get hurt here, because neither the lights from Admin, the union, or Fine Arts reach the center of the peace quad. I am wondering if there is any way to put just one temporary light in the middle of the walkway in the peace quad. I truly feel this will make a big difference. Please feel free to contact me and let me know if you have any questions! Reported by: Morgan Appel , Program Coordinator for the Dean of Students Office. Sarah Glose , student Resolution: There are lights there are lights! I cannot thank you enough for being so consistent in your responses to me, as well as following through on an action plan. I almost feel guilty with how many lights they put up but when students and myself left our meeting at 8:30 last night we were all elated to find that we could see where we were going, and know if other people were near us. I cannot tell you enough how impressed I am and how thankful I am to you for taking our concerns seriously. Thank you! Morgan Rockefeller Center Date Reported: 9/20/12 Action/Responsible: Physical Facilities notified 9/20/12 Wayne Schneider Concern: Here is a summary of the issue, and I do want to say that it troubles me that although this was brought up as an issue by our staff previously (Tony states “a few years ago”), yet no action has been taken by Physical Facilities to rectify it. Location: Nelson A. Rockefeller Center, Side A, Ground Floor interior hallways 1. Hallway outside main entrance to Room G-1 and the two bathrooms 24 2. Hallway outside rear interior exit door to Room G-1, near door leading to interior staircase to fist floor The same problem exists in both locations, insufficient lighting that makes the area dark and unsafe, especially in the evening. Students are in the building until late at night to use the library on the first floor, and then go downstairs to use the two bathrooms. Some staff in the G-1 office suite (International Student and Scholar Services, Office of International Programs) routinely work in their offices several hours past 5pm. It is very dark by the entrances to the two bathrooms, and equally as dark at the rear entrance, which is used by staff to exit the office after hours. Reported by: Ellen H. Badger, Director International Student & Scholar Services Binghamton University, State University of New York Box 6000, Binghamton, N.Y. 13902-6000 USA 1-607-777-2510 (phone) 1-607-777-2889 (fax) ebadger@binghamton.edu Resolution: I just wanted to let you know that Wayne met with me about a week or so ago about the lighting in our hallway, and new, much brighter LED lights are now installed. It makes a noticeable difference. Regards, Ellen Traffic Circle (campus) From: Michelle L Gierlach [mailto:mgierla1@binghamton.edu] Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2012 11:02 AM To: ziegler@binghamton.edu Subject: Safety Considerations I am writing to suggest a concern about a safety matter as was suggested in a faculty e-mail. This specific suggestion involves the traffic circle located behind the Couper Administration building. Several times throughout the semester, I have almost been t-boned as cars fail to yield in the lanes which come from the parkway to the traffic circle, even though there is a bright yellow sign that reads: "both lanes must yield." Most recently I had three cars fail to yield in a row at full speed. Would it be possible to think of some suggestions for this, such as a speed bump or a patrol officer who can monitor the area? Michelle Gierlach Graduate Assistant: Organization Coach Services for Students with Disabilities Resolution: The PSAC and Vice-president Vanvoorst visited and reviewed the area of your concern. We all drive that same area and have witnessed the same sort of driving behaviors and feel that those behaviors happen at most traffic circles and are an unintended consequence of the traffic circle concept. Lieutenant Bay of the University Police visited that area with us (she is a member of the PSAC) and she has called for increased patrols in that area. 25 CLOSED SYSTEMIC CONCERNS Construction checklist to include lighting PSAC wants to see the checklist Resolution: Complete 26