District should re-evaluate needs
Collegian Opinion

    Here we go again. Tarrant County College has just increased its share of property taxes.

   The increase will finance the much-needed central campus; however, TCC has two campuses approaching 40 years old.

   The age is obvious to one who visits the South Campus and looks at the Gym. One could be swimming and watch the building fall apart simultaneously. This problem has obviously gone unattended for some time.

   The contract for demolition of the pool has been approved, but work has not begun.

   Also, students can go from dodging falling cement in the swimming pool to the pool around the Rotunda, where students must walk through ankle-deep water during rain.

   Students can then head to the library that contains black mold in the basement. But we need a centralized campus.

   Recently, NE Campus completed a warehouse facility. This building will house some offices when the removal of asbestos begins.

   Also, on NE Campus, students have been walking past a large hole next to the Instructional Media Center for months but nothing is being done to the area.

   That’s right, we have asbestos in the buildings on NE Campus, but we need a central campus first.

   Areas on NW Campus still report water pressure issues. With NW Campus not having a plant manager, The Collegian could not find information on repair plans. But we must have a central campus.

   After a heated debate during construction on SE Campus, there are still construction issues. Also, it was built to accommodate 5,500 students but currently has more than 8,000 enrolled.

   There is a severe need for more classroom space on SE Campus. But a central campus is the key.

   Why is TCC more focused on adding a centralized location when some current buildings are in poor repair?

   Do not misunderstand; we do need this tax increase, and we do need a centralized campus available, but what we need most are timely and effective renovations.

   We have not been able to stay current. Visiting other campus facilities, we can see how little updating has been done. However, this is not the case for the May Owen Center.

   The status of the MOC has been the topic of much debate. At one time, we were told the building would be sold. Instead, renovations began. With the renewed talk of selling, however, renovations have been halted.

   The chancellor’s office has seen several redecorations over the past few years. These efforts were spent on a building we were told would be sold. Such actions seem to show a disregard for the immediate needs of the college district.

   What we have done is allowed ourselves to be led like sheep.

   By not asking questions and not being involved, we can see past and present dollars wasted.

   But having a centralized campus is more important.