Issue date: 12/8/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Casey Hilder

The City of Memphis began repaving the streets west of campus yesterday, during the week final exams begin, drawing criticism from University of Memphis officials and students about the timing.

The construction work will close several roads between Patterson Street and Highland Avenue until the project is complete Dec. 12, said Pam Cash, The University's facilities project manager.

Although the streets were not scheduled to close, Bruce Harber, director of police services and public safety, said the city would close the streets from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to keep students and others from parking along the curbs.

Cash said the city notified her about the project Nov. 25.

"Although The University has nothing to do with the scheduling of the road repairs, the contractor definitely could have better addressed the issue of timing, as it falls the same week as exams," she said.

Over the next four days or so, the city will be working on Norriswood, Watauga, Midland and Mynders Avenues, from Patterson to Highland Streets, and Brister Street, from Walker to Watauga Avenues.

Cash said the project was scheduled during finals because asphalt companies could shut down over the holiday season, and The University has been on a waiting list to get the roads repaired for a while.

Harber said in a campus-wide e-mail that The U of M had tried to negotiate with the city but was unable to reschedule the project.

"The University contacted city officials about the possibility of a delay until after the semester break," he said. "However, since the contract had already been issued, the dates could not be adjusted."

Harber's Dec. 1 e-mail was the first students had heard of the paving project.

Senior hospitality and resort management major Allie Hanson said students didn't need another thing to worry about during finals.

"It's completely inconvenient that the roads are closed during finals," she said. "They should wait until students are gone for the break because it won't be so busy around campus. Students are already stressing about exams, and worrying about a place to park is the last thing we want to worry about." 

In the e-mail, Harber said those who violated the temporary no-parking order would be punished.

"Enforcement will be in place during the work, which will include measures up to and including towing," Harber said.

Continued...

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