Take Action
Thursday, January 28, 2010
"If university purchases plant, Wooded Hillock may be safe." Diamondback Online.
"University of Maryland to buy Washington Post plant for $12M." Baltimore Business Journal.
The University, pending approval from the state Board of Works, will purchase the old Washington Post newspaper plant and use the space for the relocated facilities, effectively preserving the Hillock. It is unclear how this decision could affect future development initiatives on the Hillock, but it makes an impressive statement nonetheless. Bob Hayes and Joanna Calabrese express relief, yet concern that the process of procuring the Post plant was also lacking in transparency and the involvement of students and faculty.
Friday, December 11, 2009
"University Senate votes to save Hillock." Diamondback Online.
In a landmark victory, the University Senate voted 61-12 to recommend a moratorium on development of the Hillock! Dr. Marla McIntosh spoke eloquently and passionately about the value of the Hillock, and several other faculty and students spoke up as well. Administrative Affairs still has the final say, but it is worth noting that the administration has only once gone against the recommendation of the Senate.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
"Wooded Hillock’s status uncertain." Diamondback Online.
The development process continues to suffer from a lack of transparency, and information concerning the DNR permit remains unclear despite the January target date for bulldozing the Hillock.
Monday, November 16, 2009
"Developer pulls out of East Campus project." Diamondback Online.
The Hillock could be cleared as soon as January, now that there are no longer any constraints due to financing with Foulger-Pratt. It is likely that the Hillock will be cleared as quickly as possible, even if actual construction does not start until 2011, so that opponents will no longer have anything to fight for.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
"U-Md. shouldn't sacrifice ideals during hard times." The Washington Post.
Post columnist Robert McCartney visited the Hillock on Thursday. In this article, he summarizes the major objections to development and points out how flimsy the adminstration's replies are, such as the supposed "net gain for sustainability" and the alleged lack of other options.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
"Downturn stalls U-Md.'s plans for upscale East Campus district." The Washington Post.
The University has ended its contract with Foulger-Pratt/Argo to build East Campus in one go. Instead, East Campus will be built "piece-by-piece", and development is likely to proceed sooner with the Hillock as the first "piece" to be developed.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
"Senators concerned about hillock." Diamondback Online.
The Campus Affairs Committee of the University Senate has expressed concern over the way in which the Hillock was selected as the development site, and may make a recommendation if asked to do so.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
"University Senate intervention could change hillock debate." Diamondback Online.
The Campus Affairs Committee of the University Senate convenes to listen to testimony regarding the importance of the Hillock and the student and faculty opposition to development.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
"Students use unique petition to push saving Wooded Hillock." Diamondback Online.
The Student Sustainability Committee gathers over 100 thumbprint signatures representing leaves on a tree, as a petition to administrators.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
"City council votes to approve $13.3M budget." Diamondback Online.
"Staff Editorial: Key to the city." Diamondback Online.
The Mayor and College Park City Council write a letter urging the University administers to reopen the decision process and rethink the Hillock as a development site.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
"Students meet with UM officials on campus plan." The Gazette.
Davey Rogner, Phil Hannam, and Joanna Calabrese (students) meet with Frank Brewer (associate vice president of Facilities Management) to request that the decision process be reopened.
Monday, May 11, 2009
"Wooded Hillock site to be bulldozed." Diamondback Online.
Dr. Stephen Prince points out the value of the 2001 tornado-affected zone on the Hillock to teach students about the recovery process in the forest after a natural disaster.
Monday, May 11, 2009
"Seven students sitting in a tree." Diamondback Online.
Seven students build a treehouse in the center of the Hillock as an alcohol- and drug-free escape from the typical campus party scene.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
"Univ of MD Cuts Trees." WBFF Fox 45 News at 10.
In this video story, a professor explains the importance of the soils on the Hillock in preventing excess runoff into surrounding developed areas, and Clark Delong talks about the rare native species found there. A short ad precedes the story.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
"Critics question UM plan to bulldoze woods." Baltimore Sun.
Students and faculty point out the disparity between the designation as an arboretum and botanical garden, and clearing almost 9 acres of campus forest.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
"Sustainability: Plan to talk or plan for a fight." Diamondback Online.
Matt Dernoga reminds the University of its commitment to sustainable growth, which includes preservation of open spaces and natural environments.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
"Legislation to push Hillock alternatives passes SGA with unanimous support." Diamondback Online.
The SGA unanimously opposes development of the Hillock, and faculty members point out the value of the Hillock as an outdoor classroom.
Thursday, February 13, 2009
"University plans to develop woodlands." Diamondback Online.
The plan to build on the Hillock is finally revealed to the public, well into the decision process.