The board also confirmed the former president’s residence at 29 Park Place will not be used again for presidential housing.
Ohio University’s Board of Trustees passed a plan for the university’s next 10 years among other resolutions at its board meeting Friday.
The board unanimously passed the Comprehensive Master Plan, which includes plans and recommendations for a number of projects for the university. These projects include the possible relocation of OU’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine to West Union Street, existing building renovations and the renovation of The Ridges.
Sandra Anderson, the board’s chair, also announced the university is making plans for the future of Park Place. She also confirmed the former president’s residence at 29 Park Place will not be used again for presidential housing.
“29 Park Place will be preserved, protected and upgraded for future use,” Anderson said. “The Board will continue discussions about (the house) at the next meetings.”
The university has considered renovating the house to be a “multi-use” office and conference facility, according to a previous Post report.
The Comprehensive Master Plan also recommends plans for pedestrian and student use on Park Place.
“(The plan) recommends partnering with the City of Athens to review vehicular access and envision more student activity and program space along the corridor,” a draft of the plan reads.
The board also approved fee and rate increases for the 2016-17 academic year, which includes a 3.5 percent tuition and fee increase for students in OU’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine.
The board also passed budgets for various construction projects, including the renovation of Jefferson Hall on East Green and additions to Clippinger Hall. The total approved budget for this summer’s construction projects is $49.8 million, according to the board’s agenda.
The meeting was also Anderson's last as chair of the Board of Trustees. She said she has been a trustee in some capacity for the past nine years. Her appointment will end in May.
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