by Assistant Editor Matt Clifton
PARAGOULD, Ark. (BNc) — A proposed bypass near Paragould could split the campus of Crowley’s Ridge College in half, creating potential safety problems for students.
The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department said four routes for the proposed bypass were discussed at a public meeting Feb. 19 at Paragould. Two of the routes would take the bypass directly through the center of the CRC campus.
Among the problems with these routes is that one would completely eliminate the Wilson Dormitory, and also cut off the Natural Science building from the remainder of the campus. The Hillcrest church of Christ building, which is used for chapel services and some Bible classes, would also be cut off from the main campus. The bypass would also run dangerously close to other prominent classroom structures on the campus.
President Ken Hoppe of CRC said having a safe campus for students is essential in achieving the college’s mission to promote academic and spiritual growth in every student.
“Splitting the campus in two sections and a major highway running through the campus with vehicles traveling at 55 mph or faster would not provide a safe environment for our students,” Hoppe said.
“Another safety issue would involve the way that students would cross the highway to attend classes at CRC’s Natural Sciences Building or Hillcrest church of Christ. These two buildings would be cut off from the main campus.”
According to today’s Jonesboro Sun, a decision on the location of the bypass could come by the end of the year. However, public comment on the project will only be accepted until March 5.
Those wanting to comment on the bypass project and assist CRC in this matter can find all the information they need from this flyer distributed by the college.
Reaction?