As the Program in Public Health continues to relocate to 121 South Main St., those most directly affected by the move seem to have nothing but positive things to say about the process.
Vincent Mor, professor of medical science and chair of the community health department, commented in a recent interview with The Herald on how increased resources associated with the acquisition will allow programs like the Master of Public Health program to expand. Fox Wetle, associate dean of medicine for public health and public policy, referred to the building as "a very good site" that will facilitate collaboration among Brown's public health research centers. By nearly all accounts, the relocation of the Program in Public Health is an example of how University departments can benefit from expansion off College Hill, a key component of the University's Strategic Framework for Physical Planning.
However, as we have noted previously, efforts to expand almost always draw criticism from either local residents or city officials. Most recently, such disapproval has come from Mayor David Cicilline '83, who criticized the University's recent agreement to purchase seven buildings and other properties in the Jewelry District during an Oct. 26 forum at Vartan Gregorian Elementary School.
"What disappoints me about Brown's decision is that it's a lost opportunity to help transform another part of the city," Cicilline is quoted as saying in an Oct. 27 Providence Journal article, referring to his hope that Brown divert resources to disadvantaged Providence neighborhoods. Cicilline added, "It's not the best way for Brown to grow."
President Ruth Simmons acknowledged this criticism during last night's general body meeting of the Undergraduate Council of Students, noting that Cicilline's disapproval of the purchases perhaps stems from miscommunication. "We always try to develop in a way that would be useful to the city," she said.
In the coming years, the University will surely eye other property throughout the city - including, for example, land freed up by the relocation of Interstate 195 - as it continues to expand and implement components of the strategic framework.
In order to ensure that Brown does not face unnecessary barriers from city officials when negotiating future purchases, it is important for administrators to address concerns regarding these most recent ones. Simmons noted at last night's meeting that University and city officials have been meeting for the past two years about purchases off College Hill, and we believe it is important for this sort of communication to continue. Though Cicilline might not be able to do anything about the Jewelry District purchases, it is important for administrators to underscore how Brown's expansion can benefit the entire city if they want future negotiations to go smoothly.
