Following legal disputes surrounding the construction of the Class of 1978 Life Sciences Center, the College's recently released plans for a new visual arts center have drawn criticism from Hanover residents. While maintaining a cordial relationship with Hanover is in Dartmouth's best interest, such a relationship cannot come at the expense of needed institutional development.
Some Hanover residents have criticized the proposed center's modern design, asserting that the building is too urban for a "traditional New England town" ("Visual arts center plans uncovered," July 18). In their previous objections to the construction of the Life Sciences Center, Hanover residents argued that the Hanover Zoning Board had improperly classified the building. While the Grafton County Superior Court rejected this argument in early July, the legal dispute greatly delayed the building's construction ("Court allows construction to start," July 11).
No such zoning issues complicate Dartmouth's efforts to build the visual arts center. While some Hanover residents may dislike the current design, they seem to lack the legal standing to impede the College's actions that they possessed in previous disagreements.
It is the College's pregorative, therefore, to alter its plans or to continue with its current course of action, despite community members' objections. It should choose the latter option.
While detractors may be correct in asserting that the present design clashes with Hanover's traditional architectural style, the College should not allow this criticism to prevent it from moving forward.
Even if the majority of Hanover residents believes the modern design to be problematic -- and it is not clear that this is the case -- the College cannot refrain from taking actions it believes to be in its best interests solely because the town objects.
Yes, Dartmouth should strive to maintain its historically close relationship with the town. Hanover owns the Green, the very heart of campus, which symbolizes the importance of this tie. In the past, Dartmouth has appropriately attempted to address Hanover residents' concerns surrounding campus construction, including taking steps to reduce the light and noise generated by the Life Sciences Center ("Locals appeal building of Life Sciences Center," April 1). The College should not compromise, though, on the essential aspects of its vision.
Ultimately, Dartmouth and Hanover are so closely intertwined that the town will likely benefit from the College's pursuit of its own interests. Dartmouth cannot afford to disregard Hanover residents' views completely, but neither can it allow these views to constrain its growth.
