WSU President Elson S. Floyd today, Dec. 18, gave the university’s faculty, staff and the community an update on where the University District proposal currently stands at year’s end. Here’s that letter:
To The WSU Community:
The University District has been a topic of discussion for most of 2008, and I would like to update you on where it stands as the year comes to a close. As most of you know, I advanced the concept of designating the southern part of College Hill as a “University District” last February. The idea came about after extensive discussions with the President’s Student Advisory Council and other student groups, and many members of our extended campus community including faculty, staff, alumni, neighbors, and other University leaders.
The discussions this idea generated throughout the year were robust. We held four open-public forums in campus and city locations. We heard opinions from various constituent groups like the Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, Greek Housing Corporation members, Chapter advisors, student government, the mayor of Pullman, Pullman City officers, council members, realtors, and business owners. I have listened very carefully to both the supporters and detractors of this concept. As a result, the proposed Inter-local agreement, which many of you have reviewed, will not be advanced.
However, it is still my desire to make changes that improve the quality of life for all who live in these neighborhoods, and therefore I plan to take two preliminary actions for January 2009.
I will ask the Pullman City Council to designate south of Stadium Way, east of Grand Avenue, and north of Reaney Way as the University District. No other action will be asked of the Council at that time.
Additionally, I will appoint a broadly constituted, constituent-based Board of Advisors to develop the specific definitional terms, conditions, and specific requirements for improvement of this District. Those proposals must be advanced and approved by the Board of Advisors and then the Pullman City Council prior to becoming effective. Interested parties and constituent groups will be given the opportunity to suggest specific criteria and recommendations to the Advisory Board before a plan is presented to the City Council.
Thank you for your continuing interest, input and involvement in 2009.
Happy Holidays,
Elson S. Floyd, Ph.D.
President
President
