By Hannah Gray
ASUP announced its capital improvement project for this spring semester last Monday. ASUP will replace Espresso UP's espresso machine and resurface the basketball court behind Villa Maria for this spring semester's capital improvement projects. Originally, ASUP had recommended that a coffee cart be placed in the Village, but that turned out to be not feasible.
For the first part of the capital improvements, ASUP will invest $4,500 to a new espresso machine for Espresso UP, according to ASUP President Kyle Bunch.
The current espresso machine's steamers do not work properly and quickly enough, creating long lines and an undesirable milk temperature on Wednesday nights, according to sophomore Rachel Kohl, the director for Espresso UP. Also, sometimes the streamers give out completely, causing Espresso UP to shut down early, disappointing many students.
"We've done the best we can with the old machine the last couple of years, but we look forward to the new one immensely," Kohl said in an e-mail. "The new machine will help us make more drinks in a lesser time - cutting down on the students' wait, which is something I think everyone will be pleased with."
In addition to the espresso machine, ASUP funding will allocate $15,000 to resurface the basketball court behind Villa Maria Hall.
If there is money left over after the resurfacing, ASUP will look into funding hoops and seating for the court.
The idea to fix up the basketball court was first presented by freshman Kyle Figura, Christie Hall senator. Figura has wanted this project to pass in the senate since last semester and is very excited for the improvements.
"Everyone has been complaining about Howard Hall and this will give another area for recreation," Figura said. "I hope it will encourage more people to get out and play hoops."
Another issue, according to Figura, is that the quad by Chrisitie Hall does not drain, which leaves the field unusable.
ASUP first brainstormed possible ideas for capital improvement projects, and, after much debate, the coffee cart was the primary choice. The coffee cart would be similar to the one in the basement of Franz Hall. But the coffee cart was not a feasible project, costing a total of $85,000, when ASUP only had $15,000 to allocate toward the project.
"The coffee cart is not a bad idea, but it is much more expensive than we thought," said Denis Ransmeier, the finance vice president.
Another issue faced with the coffee cart is that someone has to make the coffee, which added to the cost and resources, Ransmeier said.
Also, since Bon Appétit is currently dealing with the expansion of The Commons, an addition to the vendors came at an inopportune time. Bon Appétit, therefore, was unable to help out with the costs.
"It's a good idea. With Tyson, Haggerty and the new hall there will be more students living on the east campus more than before," Ransmeier said in support of the coffee cart. "We need to develop a food outlet over there, especially if Bon Appétit is able to provide the labor."
The idea for the coffee cart is currently on Ransmeier's "Wish List" file.
"This is one of those things that will get done sooner or later," Ransmeier said about placing a coffee cart in The Village.
