Eastern expands into downtown Richmond, looks at future growth
University has sights set on farms to south, housing to the north
Ben Kleppinger
Issue date: 1/22/09 Section: News
|
But Richmond was not the first choice for the university that would eventually become Eastern Kentucky University.
The original choice for Central's location was Anchorage, Ky., according to a history compiled by Eastern's library. But when the people of Richmond and Madison County promised to give $101,000, Central relocated, the history recounts.
Ever since then, the city and the university community have been growing side-by-side. Today, Richmond has a population of 30,000 and is the biggest city along Interstate 75 between Lexington and Knoxville, Tenn., and Eastern has an enrollment of more than 16,000, with four extended campuses in southeastern Kentucky.
As Eastern expanded, it purchased many residential properties along the borders of campus.
An analysis of property records by The Eastern Progress shows the university currently owns 45 properties in the central area of Richmond.
Eastern's policy of property acquisition in the Richmond area was created with two goals in mind, said James Street, Eastern's director of capital planning and facilities management. To the north and west, Eastern buys residential properties when they become available in order to create a "buffer zone." To the south, Eastern buys farmland when it becomes available in order to provide space for expansion.
Street said the buffer zone allows Eastern to minimize conflicts with owners of property that borders university land.
"By using the middle of a street as a line of demarcation between the university and whatever, you eliminate those sorts of conflicts," Street said.
The buffer zone also provides Eastern with the option of development in the future, he said.
"We're in a unique position," Street said. "It's a fairly wise long-ranging view to purchase these properties as they come on the market."
Street said the University of Kentucky had property condemned at one point in order to acquire it. By purchasing the residential properties around campus before Eastern needs them, Street said Eastern avoids situations like UK's that cause "ill will" in the community.
Be the first to comment on this story