In Brief: University Requests Advance Funds for East Campus Space

A university official requested a $1.7 million advance to move groups off the land for the East Campus project at Tuesday's city council worksession.

The council will decide whether to advance the money to clear area for the prospective East Campus development at its meeting next Tuesday.

The project will clear land between Paint Branch Parkway and Fraternity Row to make space for new businesses, possibly including a grocery store and hotel.

J. Frank Brewer, interim vice president for administrative affairs at UMd., said construction bids were higher than expected to build a lawn mower and heavy equipment shop and for renovations to the Severn Building. Groups that were located on the future East Campus are moving into new buildings, including the Severn Building, to clear ground for construction.

The unexpected costs stem in part from plans for an environmentally friendly roof on one new building.

In 2009, a program to clear space for development on East Campus started. The state planned to provide $5 million each year for five years.

In addition, the university has committed $22 million of its own money to clear the site, Brewer said.

Brewer said groups were lining up for space in the Severn Building, but limited parking will prevent employee-intensive groups from moving in.