Half-finished construction over numerous areas of the Pierce College campus is affecting school morale, making it time that officials do something about it.
Pierce has undergone many changes since its founding more than 65 years ago. Buildings have been built, renovated and taken down, making the campus what it is today.
There are currently 24 projects that have been completed — 12 projects are currently under construction, eight are in moratorium, three are in planning and one is in the design stage, according to a Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) Building Program Monthly Progress Report from July 2013.
Construction projects that students say should have been finished are now an unattractive sight. Students must now avoid all construction zones by maneuvering around just to get to classes.
Business major Brandon De Jesus, 20, thinks the half-finished construction definitely affects school morale.
“My first class is here at the Performing Arts Center and my other class is towards the North Gym,” De Jesus said. “I have to go all the way down towards the Student Center just to get through that little pathway instead of being able to cut through.”
Due to all the construction that is currently underway, it doesn’t make sense for Pierce College to take on more construction. Motives seem to be in the right place but taking on too many projects at once can prove costly.
A total of $648 million in funding has been used for many projects such as the construction of the Child Development Center, Physics Building renovation and Physical Education Facilities, according to the LACCD. Buildings put on hold include the Digital Arts and Media Building and Agricultural Education Center.
The construction not only presents students with a tougher challenge to get to class but to some students, it ruins the school’s appearance.
Radiology major Michelle Guzman, 20, says she feels like the construction plays a part in what the school looks like.
“It looks horrible,” Guzman said. “It makes our school look ugly.”
With the Pierce College campus full of unfinished construction projects and their plans for more, it’s time for school officials to finish what they started and make the projects that are on hold a top priority.
