As with any major construction project, environmental concerns are taken into account with the potential expansion of Lindsey Street.

The construction is expected to decrease air pollution because idling vehicles generate more pollution than those moving at an efficient speed, said Jim Berry, director of Public Works for Norman.

"The project would allow traffic to flow more efficiently, and as a result, pollution would decrease," Berry said.

Experts eased other environmental concerns regarding the Duck Pond and the campus, saying those areas will not be harmed.

Sarah Peterson, assistant professor of regional and city planning, said that increasing the flow of traffic is not the only determining factor in decreasing air pollution. She said air pollution is relative to speed and design.

"Speed limit is just as important as air pollution," Peterson said. "Higher speed creates a less safe pedestrian and cycling environment and creates more noise pollution."

Peterson said every major construction project requires a certain level of compromise between expansion and the environment.

"It's a time-worn fight against nature and technology or progress," said Krystal Davis, a graduate student studying environmental science.

Berry said that, overall, he anticipates positive effects on the environment as a result of the construction.

No Walk in the Park

One area targeted for expansion is the area between Jenkins Avenue and Brandt Park, which includes the Duck Pond. Some community members are concerned about the preservation of the park and pond.

"It would be good to widen Lindsey, but in other situations, it is more important to preserve the environment," said Jamie Causey, English senior.

Richard Marshment, director of Regional and City Planning in the College of Architecture, said the possible run-off of residue into the Duck Pond should be taken into consideration.

Berry said the Duck Pond could potentially experience the negative effects of water pollution, but the city's water will not be affected. The run-off from the construction could temporarily flow into the stream of the Duck Pond in the case of excessive rainfall during the construction period, he said. The engineer will have to design erosion and sedimentation controls as a part of the plan and the contractor will have to implement those measures, Berry said.

Peterson said the city should try to maintain a pleasant park environment and consider the quality of life for the surrounding residents.

"I love the outdoors and I appreciate nature," said Terra Talley, Norman resident and public relations junior. "I feel like cutting down trees and replacing them with concrete is not good for animals and takes away from the natural beauty of the environment."

Berry said that even though the construction will cut into the duck pond's land, it will not infringe on any personal property, major foliage or animals. He said the city can expand the street up to 100 feet wide.

"There is not very much wildlife within the [100 feet] right-of-way," he said.

Campus Community

Construction so close to campus could affect the environment of the university.

OU is known for its aesthetic appeal, said Andy Roop, director of Prospective Student Services. He said that when prospective students visit OU, they often comment on the beauty of the campus and the impact it has on their decision to attend OU.

"I think we have a beautiful campus, and that's why I chose OU," Causey said.

She said she was impressed with the grass and trees that have been planted around Gaylord Hall.

Roop said that because of the importance of OU's appearance, he thinks it's a good idea not to include the on-campus segment of Lindsey Street in the construction.

"I think it will definitely be a positive thing that that part of Lindsey Street will not be widened," he said.

Roop said parents appreciate that there are no major streets between the residence halls and the academic side of campus and that he would like to keep it that way.

"We stress that learning does not stop once you cross Lindsey Street," he said.

Roop said he thinks nearby construction will enhance students' views of the university.

"I see construction as a sign of progress, especially across the campus," he said. "I don't think it will take away from the community feel of campus."
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