Ohio University is building a multi-million-dollar road to nowhere.
OU is projected to spend about $7.4 million to pay for construction costs associated with Bobcat Lane, which would connect Baker University Center to Richland Avenue. But the university has hit a roadblock ' forgive the pun ' because it began the project without getting written approval from the city of Athens to connect the new road to Richland.
While the university can build a road without city approval, OU cannot join it to the existing street without city permission. Athens refused to give the go-ahead in August, and the university has yet to respond. City officials said they rejected Bobcat Lane because they have been trying to make Richland Avenue safer for drivers and pedestrians, and the proposed road would only impede the progress they've made.
Now, of course, the university cannot halt the project, because it is under a contract to finish it. It may be able to recoup some money from the contractors, but Richard Shultz, director of University Planning and Implementation, doesn't yet know how much. And, because OU has been sluggish to respond, Bobcat Lane will likely be a pedestrian walkway, which is, as Athens City Law Director Pat Lang put it, not a very efficient use of money for the university.
How inefficient? To put things in perspective, based on 2008-2009 figures, $7.4 million would have paid tuition for 830 students this year ' or given 207 students four-year, full-tuition scholarships.
When such a large amount of money is being spent, the university should be doing everything in its power to try to find a compromise with the city. Perhaps a traffic light could finally be installed, making the area safer for both drivers and pedestrians.
But next time, OU, get it in writing.
Editorials represent the views of The Post's executive editors.
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