Discussions have formally begun to relocate the information building (misnamed “booth”) from the main entrance to the university because “the booth blocks incoming traffic.”
An intelligent observer knows the information building is not positioned in the middle of the road to block traffic. So how does the booth block incoming traffic?
When faculty, staff, students and visitors stop at the building, in more than 10 vehicles at a time, to get temporary parking permits, the right lane to main campus with incoming traffic, especially during the busiest hours, is partially blocked. A solution: stop issuing parking permits at the information building.
The most expensive building, per square foot, on the main campus of Florida Gulf Coast University was built in 2001 at a cost of $82,700. It was constructed to operate as a location to provide visitors with “information” about the FGCU campus to include directions, parking and event locations. The building was assigned to the University Police Department, which placed a parking information sign over the original green-lettered information sign and used the building to issue yellow temporary parking passes to everyone.
The first building — viewed by students, faculty, staff, visitors and the greater public — became the focal point of the university in March 2010. In that year, “Mr. Green” began greeting every car that stopped by and passed the information building with smiles, waves and salutes. He was later assigned to the Office of Admissions/Welcome Center from UPD/Parking Services with complaints of “institutional workplace bullying.”
The information building in its present location and Mr. Green with his “front door” experience, first and foremost, represent Florida Gulf Coast University.
With the new renovations and published planned improvements from Ben Hill Griffin Parkway to Lutgert Hall that include the information building, why are formal internal discussions really taking place to relocate the building, and Mr. Green?
 
From,
Robert Green
Senior Clerk, FGCU