Reconstruction forces
Amazon tenants out
By Andrew Scale*
for mu Origan timiy Cmmik)
Residents of the World War II
vintage Amazon Family Housing
units have less than six months
lo vacate their homes in prepa
ration for University reconstruc
tion plans
"We deeply regret the major
intonvimlem <* of these actions
and the impact this will have on
the live* of our residents." said
Mike Eyster. director of Univer
sity Housing. “Wear*committed
to minimizing those impacts, and
with residents' cooperation and
the effects of normal attrition, we
ran manage the situation "
In addition to their evacuation
notices. Amazon residents have
been hit with o rent increase that
became effective Sept l Rental
rates went up $20 |>er month to
defray rising costs of managing
the houaing.
Reconstructing the 1045 apart
ments, which were initially
wartime barracks and intended
for only a decade of use. is long
overdue,
The new complex will lie ener
gy efficient, contemporary m
style, cater to user needs and.
most importantly, house more
students and families than the
present buildings
The plan has been met with
varied reactions.
For some, like Chris Biondel
lo. the need to find new housing
is not a problem
"It's great." Biondello suid.
"I've lived here with my moth
er for about nine years We got
a good deal on a house east of
i ninpus. hut not everyone is us
fortunate."
•We deeply regret
the major
inconvenience of
these actions and
the impact this will
have on the lives of
our residents
Mike Eyster,
housing director
Karen Hays, a graduate stu
dent, is not as fortunate. She and
her family do not look forward to
relocating.
"It's a shame they couldn't wait
until after June graduation to start
the demolition plans." Hays said
"Wo might he forced to move
twice in one year, and that's a
trauma we hoped to avoid "
The March 22 evacuation
deadline gives the contractor an
opportunity to raze and prepare
the site during optimum weath
er conditions.
The University has offered to
help relocate as many families as
possible, but extends no guaran
tee*.
"Basically." said Ron Tendick.
director of family housing, "when
we have facilities become avail
able in Westmoreland or in the
un-impacted area of Amazon, we
will make those units available
to residents in the impai t area
The University has also put a
moratorium on new family hous
ing applicants to ease the demand
on family housing space pending
residential location
r m a*. -
11 ... MRIMN ►/KSMAN/lcx Ni"»M
4nwon residents have less than six months to leave their homes because of University reconstruction.
TO ALL UNDERGRADUATES
Educational Opportunities Program
provides the following services free of charge to its members*:
✓ Ttitoring in most University courses
(individual and group)
✓ Small classes in writing, critical thinking,
math, and problem solving
✓ Counseling
(individual and support groups)
✓ Academic advising and referrals
✓ Non-credit workshop series
* The eligibility criteria for HOP membership are broad enough that over 3,000 University students could qualify for these free serv ices; because the federal funding is j
limited, applicants are screened to match specific needs to available services. Eligibility is based on a combination of factors, including need for support, income lev el, j
parents' level of formal education, and/or physical or learning limitations. EOP is open to ail applicants year round. j
Educational Opportunities Program can help you achieve!
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time and talents to make sure I fit in here at the University. EOP helped me build my confidence and acquire
the necessary skills to make my first year a success."
- Lyllye Parker, UO graduate; Golda Parker Wickham Scholar and Centurion Award Recipient
Stop by Academic Learning Services, 68 PLC, to learn more about its Educational Opportunities Program j
and the range of other academic support services that are available to all students at this University. j