The Pilgrim’s Protest

In our December 2007 issue, TPP reported on the changes that will be happening in the CIU Village. TPP asked Brion Burns for an update on what is happening with The Village.

In October of last year an announcement was made in a CIU faculty meeting that CIU plans to build apartments. The Board of Trustees had already given approval for the school to have an outside party finance and build apartments on CIU property. Some initial discussions had taken place with a couple companies who work with universities in building this type of housing. Village residents were informed of this announcement via an email message. This message also informed the residents that the Village would be closed over the next few years. No timetable was given.

In the months since the initial announcement was made and the Village residents were informed, there has been a meeting involving administration and residents. Issues and concerns were brought to light in this meeting. A small group of residents has also been meeting with members of the administration to further voice concerns and to explore options for the future. During one of these meetings, President Jones gave assurance that CIU will work together with the residents during the transition period. No owners of mobile homes will be left to deal with the situation on their own. If there is any financial loss, the loss will be absorbed by CIU.

Currently Keith Marion is in discussions with a couple different companies interested in the possibility of building apartments. No agreements are pending at this time. There are still questions that need to be answered before any plans can be formulated. Once an agreement is reached, there will be at least a 24 month period before closing the Village.
Village residents are sent weekly updates via email and meetings between administrators and residents are ongoing.

- Brion Burns
Associate Dean for Student Life