Proposed site for BCC dorms

11/26/2012 (Updated 10:10:06 PM)

(Source: Jason Weinstein)

PORT DICKINSON -- If B-C-C has it's way, a four-story dormitory complex ready to house 300-320 students will be at adjoining locations by Front Street on the school's campus by the Summer of 2014.

"National figures I believe are pretty close to 40% of community colleges have residents halls and growing. And that percentage will of course grow when we have ours," said BCC President Dr. Kevin Drumm.

The biggest obstacle left to clear before going forward with the project is financing. The school and private non-profit BCC foundation will team to bond for the $20 million project. The county also needs to sign a land deal with the BCC Foundation.

"The challenge today is the financial environment that we're in versus prior to 2008 when it was much easier to get favorable financing," said Drumm.

Drumm says the dorms are needed for students who travel to the school from neighboring counties and for international students, as well as sports teams.

"Our coaches are just chomping at the bit to be a little more competitive in attracting athletes here because now 20 of our 29 sister institutions have residents halls," said Drumm.

Town of Dickinson Supervisor Mike Marinaccio says some neighbor concerns that their homes' value could be affected by the dorms shouldn't be an issue now that the school has agreed to build them on campus instead of in an adjoining neighborhood.

"I don't see this affecting the property values for the neighbors next door here at all. We've had the school here probably longer than some of the homes have been here," said Marinaccio.

Drumm says if this phase of adding dorms is successful, more housing and students could be added.

****In the Town of Dickinson, Jason Weinstein, Fox 40 HD News****