Red tape delays new basketball courts

Construction of a new outdoor basketball court on the roof of a parking garage at 38th and Spruce streets is stalled because Penn has not been able to get city permission. The court was originally slated to be completed by the start of classes today. But the city's Department of Licenses and Inspections has turned down two requests for zoning permits in the past few months. Still, the court should be completed by the end of the year at the latest, according to Vice President of Facilities Services Omar Blaik. The University and the Undergraduate Assembly agreed more than four months ago on a plan to construct the basketball court on the roof of a parking garage at 38th and Spruce streets. Since then, the University has submitted three zoning applications -- two of which were denied. The third is currently under review. According to UA Chairman and College senior Michael Bassik, stricter city licensing requirements have forced a delay in obtaining the necessary zoning permits. "The delay will be a temporary one, and it's not a result of the University's failure to move forward," Bassik said. University officials say that information missing from the architect's drawings forced L&I; to reject two separate zoning applications, resulting in the building delay. "We could not start construction without the drawings being approved," Blaik said. "The zoning delayed us, but we hope to be done by the end of the year." The most recent zoning application has been submitted and is currently being reviewed, according to Facilities Services officials. Once final approval of the plans is received, construction will go forward. "The application is in the zoning unit and we're awaiting an official response," University Licenses and Inspections Coordinator Richard Russell said. Russell added that it is not uncommon for L&I; to reject zoning applications for missing information on drawings and plans. "[Approval delays] are certainly not unique for the drawing that comes from the design professional," Russell said. "[Construction will begin] as soon as the permit is acquired, which we hope will be within the first month of getting back to school," Bassik said, adding that the entire process of construction should last no more than four weeks. The UA began discussing the issue of basketball courts early last year, when a survey of students revealed a need for more outdoor recreational spaces. Further surveys showed that the campus' existing basketball courts were habitually overcrowded and failed to meet the needs of the University community. After several months of negotiation, Barchi and the UA finally agreed on a plan to build one court on the garage at 38th and Spruce streets. Funding for the new space -- estimated to cost $80,000 to $100,000 -- would come from the UA and from the University