To the Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to address the recent “Our View” piece in the Daily about the Kraettli Apartments. There seems to be this perception that because Kraettli is an older facility and because we are doing maintenance on newer facilities like Traditions Square that we are somehow neglecting the Kraettli Apartments. This is not true in any way. The Kraettli Apartments and our students who live there continue to get our full attention. We have completed or are near completion on a number of projects that directly impact our residents’ welfare, safety and productivity. I would like to share some projects and budget numbers with you. Please be mindful that Housing and Food Services is an Auxiliary unit and as such can only spend as much money as we can generate or afford to borrow.

Expenditures for Repair, Maintenance, Painting, Carpet, Furniture, Appliances:

FY 08 $1,103,239

FY 09 $ 961,320

FY 10 (7 months) $722,821

Expenditure for Roof Replacement:

To Date: $3,400,000

This summer: $900,000

Fire Safety Upgrades - Near Completion:

Total cost $650,000

Wireless Internet: Complete by the end of February:

Total Cost: $130,000

I think these numbers demonstrate a huge commitment on the University’s part to our residents who live at Kraettli. We also have additional projects scheduled as budget allows. One in development now is a new convenience store for the Kraettli complex.

Thank you for the opportunity to address this issue.

David L. Annis

Director, Housing and Food Services

Traditions Square both East and West combined.

FY 08 $688,848

FY 09 $774,000

FY10 (First 7 months) $396,000

Click here to read Friday's Our View about the Kraettli apartments