UA spurs U. to improve Quad drainage

Attention Quadrangle residents: Are you sick of having to navigate around ocean-size puddles on your way to and from classes? Do you find yourself peeling off one pair of sopping sneakers after another in an effort to stay dry? Fortunately, all of this may soon be a thing of the past -- at least according to University officials. Al Zuino, associate director of operations and maintenance in Housing Services, attributed many of the recent problems in the Quad to clogged drains and broken pipes. He said that he has been deploying his maintenance crews to the Quad over the past few days in an attempt to alleviate the problems. The combination of inadequate water drainage -- especially in the Lower Quad -- and the recent rainy weather have been an area of concern for many residents, according to freshman Undergraduate Assembly representative Michael Bassik, a Daily Pennsylvanian staff member. In an effort to solicit student input on dormitory maintenance problems, Bassik and several of his fellow freshman representatives went door-to-door last month in predominantly freshman dorms such as the Quad and Hill House. Bassik, a College freshman, said that "everyone had a lot of different little things that annoyed them," such as bathroom cleanliness and ventilation. But the drainage problems in the Lower Quad seemed to be among the most common concerns, he said. After identifying the problem, Bassik approached UA Vice Chairperson and College junior Samara Barend for help. Barend, a DP columnist, was able refer him to Lou Visco, director of maintenance and utilities for Facilities Services. Bassik described Visco as "very helpful," pointing out that he responded almost immediately to Bassik's e-mail and arranged a "Quad walk-through" with Bassik to locate and discuss concerns. "I was very impressed with the response time and attention to student concern," Bassik said. After the two noted areas in need of improvement, Visco passed the information along to Zuino, who began dispatching maintenance crews to the Lower Quad Tuesday. According to Zuino, all the drains are being thoroughly cleared of debris. Broken drain pipes near the Lower Quad entrance -- in front of Birthday and Graduate Houses -- have been marked for replacement. He did note, however, that the excavation process to fix these pipes will not begin until the summer because such a project would be "very disruptive" to current residents. Both Visco and Zuino praised Bassik and the UA for their willingness to bring problems to the attention of the facilities staff. "It's an open communication channel," Visco said. "I like to see people's comments -- good or bad." Although Zuino said the maintenance department was already aware of the drainage problems in the Quad, he also welcomed student input. "I think [input is] absolutely super," Zuino said. "I totally welcome any opinions and suggestions from anyone." Barend called Bassik's project a "true testament to the fact that UA members can get tangible things done." "Here's a UA member who's taken the initiative, gone to the administration and lobbied for students," Barend explained. "UA members aren't powerless." And anyone passing through the lower Quad this week has been able to see for themselves the results of UA action: Several maintenance trucks have been stationed on the grassy expanse as workers cleared the drains. Zuino said he is confident that the problem will be alleviated. "It certainly should reduce flooding," he said. "This is not a terrible problem. Of course, its impact is terrible when you can't get into your dorm. But it's easily fixable."