List of Concerns about STAR Campus Project

· Many faculty are still unaware of the project, which is important because the project will greatly impact how UD is perceived, UD’s carbon footprint, financial issues, and potentially student enrollment.

· TDC project appears to diverge greatly from the original description set forth in the STAR Campus “Master Plan 2011- Executive Summary” touting environmental sustainability, community engagement, “creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing campus,” and “developing the campus in an environmentally responsible way through sustainable and efficient use of buildings and natural systems, seeking opportunities to increase and reclaim open space and protecting the quality of the campus environment as UD expands to meet the needs of its educational mission.”

· President Harker signed the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, which states deep concern for global warming and its potential for large-scale, adverse health, social, economic and ecological effect. It also states “We believe colleges and universities must exercise leadership in their communities and throughout society by modeling ways to minimize global warming emissions…” It also requires “Within one year of signing this document, begin purchasing or producing at least 15% of our institution’s electricity consumption from renewable sources.”

(see http://www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org/about/commitment) TDC project seemingly runs counter to this commitment that he made on behalf of the University.

· The Path to Prominence website states that “Furthermore, the University has begun implementing one of the most ambitious climate action plans of any institution, pledging to cut University emissions 20 percent by 2020.”

(see http://www.udel.edu/prominence/pip-implementation.html)

· As pointed out in the “Master Plan 2011- Executive Summary,” the STAR campus is adjacent to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the University’s Athletics facilities. How will these be affected?

· Noise and pollution may be significant, even at the central campus. What are the audible and visual effects projected to be evident at the central campus? The visual appearance of the campus may change drastically.

· The building of a power plant of the proposed size may adversely affect other planned facilities or uses of the STAR campus.

· Is UD truly being a “good neighbor?” Any project that is perceived negatively by the surrounding community may create distrust and resentment for decades to come.