By Jacquie Rath
The ultimate re-design of the campus, which is being referred to as the "Campus Master Plan," will include new structures as well as modifications of existing ones. The changes are slated to take place over 15 to 20 years, but could begin within two years. There are plans for a Campus Center, dormitory facilities, additional parking, expansion of the gym, development of green space, a larger chapel and a theater with increased seating capacity. Molloy has been a commuter school for 50 years, and the campus currently has no dormitories or dining halls.
The session targeted the concerns of Rockville Centre officials. Because the campus is within village boundaries, any modifications to its facilities would be subject to the same review processes as any other planned development.
The meeting was not a public hearing, and although some residents of the surrounding neighborhood attended, comments from the public were not encouraged for fear that the ensuing discussions would taint future review processes. However, Molloy representatives assured attendees that public meetings and hearings are planned for the near future. At those sessions, public comment will be encouraged and duly noted.
According to Bogner, the plans for the modifications began taking shape almost two years ago, when campus officials began meeting with Butler, Rogers and Baskett, an architectural firm that is well known for successful redesigns of other campuses, including Hamilton College. Together they began to define what Molloy's future needs would be.
In an effort to ensure that Molloy remains competitive among Long Island colleges, there have been many studies done on student needs. As a result of extensive research, it was determined that the campus lacks critical facilities to provide students an optimum educational experience. Most Long Island institutions of higher education have added facilities in the last 15 years. Hofstra, Adelphi, C.W. Post and St. John's, viewed as Molloy's primary competitors, were pointed to as examples.
Bogner stressed that it is not a goal of the college to substantially expand the student body. "We looked at two things," he said. "First, how we can effectively and efficiently use the campus property the college owns now to be able to provide a better educational experience for current students. And secondly, what we need to do to compete effectively with the other institutions on the Island.
"What is missing on campus are gathering spaces for students, such as quads and green space," Bogner said. "Students want to be a part of a community on campus." Molloy currently has no student center, and offers only Wilbur Lobby as an area for students to gather for conversation and group study efforts. The lobby holds at most 100 students.
The Master Plan has been segmented into two phases. In Phase I, the college plans to move athletic fields to off-campus facilities to free up space to build and add parking facilities to the periphery of the college. Additionally, a new "public square," or campus center, will be constructed. "It will be located in the heart of the campus because it is the heart of the campus," said Bogner. The center, which, according to campus officials, will be smaller than the existing Kellenberg building, will include the new theater, a café, a coffee bar, meeting areas and a bookstore.
Also part of Phase I will be a 150-bed dormitory, housing a structured learning community. It will be "substance-free," and there will be a leadership wing and an honors wing. "Living in the hall will be a privilege on our campus," Bogner said. The dormitory will have three floors, one of which will be partially below ground.
Phase II will include an additional academic building, a second dormitory, expansion of the gymnasium, a parking garage, conversion of the existing convent into a residence hall, a dining hall, and construction of a larger campus chapel.
Members of the Rockville Centre and South Hempstead communities who were in attendance had many questions about parking, traffic and the proximity of the new facilities to homes. They were reminded that the upcoming public meetings would be the forums in which those questions could be addressed. The college administration also said that the environmental impact of the changes as well as traffic concerns are being addressed in ongoing studies.
"Molloy has always been an integral part of the Rockville Centre community," said Bogner. "The planning has been done to ensure the village will continue to be proud to have Molloy as a neighbor."
Additional information about the planned expansion and upcoming meetings can be found at www.molloy.edu/public_square.
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