With the recent fire that took place on the night of Monday, Aug. 15 on the north side of Longwood Landings, many students were forced to relocate. These students were ultimately displaced throughout main campus and alternative Longwood affiliated off-campus sites.
Since many of the students have been moved involuntarily, the difference in cost for the different Longwood affiliated housing has brought question to the minds of the 102 students that were affected.
Ken Copeland, Vice President for Administration and Finance, assures students that there is a plan in the works to financial compensate for the difference in costs.
“(The plan) it’s not a full refund because they are living in student housing,” said Copeland in regard to what type of refunds the students should expect.
Copeland explains that the plan will also include for a meal plan since the students were expecting to have a kitchen in their apartment complex and are now forced to eat more primarily at Dorrill Dining Hall and on-campus sites. Students who live through Longwood managed off-campus housing are required to purchase a minimum meal plan. Copeland further explains that that aspect of the cost of an increased meal plan will be factored into the plan that is still in the works.
“I have discussed with the folks in Student Accounts the necessity and the need for us (Longwood) to do something on behalf of these kids that were involuntarily relocated,” added Copeland.
According to Copeland, there have been an unknown number of students that have requested to be released from their housing contract and been granted. These students will not be financially compensated. Copeland reiterated that those students who have been released of their contract have had their bill credited for a semester worth of housing costs.
“There are some extenuating circumstances we just need to make sure we are clear about before we announce the final plan,” said Copeland.
The plan is still being worked out with the options of an across-the-board financial refund to those students affected or tending to the specific needs of the student on more of an individual basis.
“The message that these students need to hear loud in my mind is that we have not forgotten about them and we certainly have no intention of turning a deaf ear,” said Copeland.
As for the building itself, construction crews have begun working towards reopening, according to Copeland. English Construction has started rebuilding the damaged areas of the building on Monday Aug. 29, 2016. Copeland explains that the building needs repairs on the complete fourth and third floors, in addition to partial of the second floor.
English Construction has taken out much of the dry wall from the affected areas from one foot off the ground due to water damage. The carpet from the hallways of the north end of the building has been stripped out and will be replaced. The vinyl that occupied the kitchens and bathrooms of the apartment units have been taken out in addition to some of the cabinetry. All of the furniture in the affected area will be removed and stored in a storage facility while the rebuild is taking place, in order to prevent further damage. Copeland explains that all of the affected areas are primarily a result of water damage.
“We have concentrated much more on getting the building dry and getting the reconstruction start than we have on the financial side,” added Copeland. Copeland disclosed that the rebuild of the damaged areas will be paid in entirety by insurance and that the insurance adjuster has visited the site itself to evaluate the damage.
Picture of Longwood Landings following fire
Picture of Longwood Landings following fire.
