Air Force to study building's impact

The U.S. Air Force is set to begin studying the environmental impact of the Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, which the University plans to build on the current site of Smith Hall. The Air Force is conducting the environmental impact study because federal funding may cover almost half of the building's expected $75 million price tag. The year-long study will examine the building's potential effects on air quality and traffic, as well as the historical implications of razing Smith Hall, which is more than 100 years old. The first step will be a public meeting, to be held August 19 at 7 p.m. in the Wistar Institute's auditorium, where those with concerns or questions will have a chance to express their views. "The idea is to get as much participation as possible," said Carl Magueri, the University's assistant director for news and public affairs. The Air Force will use the meeting and written comments it recieves before September 11 as a starting point for its study, according to Vice Provost for Research Barry Cooperman. Cooperman said he expects the Air Force to release a draft of its study by February, which will be followed by a second public meeting to discuss the findings. A final report is expected next July. Only after the final report is released can work on the IAST begin, due to federal regulations. Cooperman said construction of the facility, which could begin next summer, will take 18 to 24 months. The Air Force is already committed to funding $10 million for the IAST. Cooperman said that another $10 million from the Air Force will probably be granted soon and that the University has requested another $15 million. The University is pledged to match the federal grant dollar-for-dollar. If the total contribution of the federal government reaches $35 million, the University will pay at least that much and be responsible for any remaining costs. The state government has contributed $1 million to the IAST. The University has also recieved $3.5 million from private sources, and Cooperman expects it to receive more as the project nears completion. The IAST project has been the object of criticism by those who complain that the University cannot afford to lose Smith Hall from a historical standpoint and fear that the historic character of the rest of Smith Walk will be destroyed. Others, noting the Defense Department's investment in the project, have expressed concerns about safety and the type of research that will be done at the IAST. Robert Kohler, a professor in the Department of History and Sociology of Science, said he is worried about the effects of "toxic substances" used in chemical laboratories. Kohler also said that the plan will damage the area's esthetics. HSS, currently housed in Smith Hall, also stands to lose its home. The department will be relocated to 3420 Market Street in December or May to make way for the demolotion. It will move to Logan Hall after renovations to that building are completed. While Cooperman emphasized the Air Force will consider the concerns of all interested parties, Kohler was pessimistic. He accused the University of ignoring the community's interests and only calling meetings "when they are obligated to by law." Kohler said he plans to bring members of several environmental groups to the meeting, but "given the time of year, I have guarded optimism" about attendance. Most University students and faculty will be on vacation during the August 19 meeting. "It's designed to be a meeting with nobody there," Kohler said. Kohler also doubts the concern for environmental issues. "I really don't think they're serious about meeting environmental concerns," he said.