To the Editor:
We are writing to correct one significant error in last week’s Campus article about the construction of the new student residences and to address another misleading impression that article created.
Contrary to the writer’s assertion that Middlebury has “outsourced the majority of human capital involved in design and construction to beyond Vermont’s borders,” the facts are that we and the project developer have hired Naylor and Breen Builders from Brandon as the general contractor. In addition, almost all of the subcontractors on the project will be from Vermont.
Regarding wheelchair accessibility, four of the sixteen townhouse units and three of the sixteen suites in the residence hall will be wheelchair accessible. In each accessible unit / suite, there will be at least one bedroom that is fully accessible. The staff apartment in the Ridgeline building also will be accessible—the first staff apartment on campus so equipped. All other suites are designed to be “visitable,” as defined by the State of Vermont’s Act 88.
It is unfortunate that the author did not fact check this information prior to publication. This past spring term, the College made a point of reaching out to solicit student input for this project with two all-campus forums. Preliminary designs were presented and students had opportunity to provide feedback. Some of that feedback led to design changes. It is worth noting that last February an editorial in the Campus “commended” the College for seeking student input on our housing plans.
We look forward to the opening of the new residences next fall and believe they will significantly enhance the residential experience of Middlebury students for generations to come.
Douglas Adams
Associate Dean of Students for Residential and Student Life
Tom McGinn
Project Manager, Facilities Services
