Plans for the new OSU-Cascades campus in Bend.
courtesy of OSU-Cascades
Supporters and opponents of Oregon State University's campus in Bend, OSU-Cascades, discussed the incoming branch Tuesday night at show taping for OPB's Think Out Loud.
Most Central Oregonians support the four-year university, which is currently not an option to students who want to stay in the area.
"As the father of two 14-year-olds, I do want my kids to stay and have this option," said Preston Callicott who lives near the proposed campus. "It will save me a ton of cash."
However, opponents cite concerns about housing, traffic and livability, arguing that university should be required to plan for the whole campus, instead of just the first 10 acres already under construction.
"Part of the vision for this campus is that students are going to bike and walk to work," said Tracy Pfiffner, a volunteer with the citizens group Truth In Site, which objects to the west side campus. "The truth of the matter here is that we get a lot of snow and ice, and it's dangerous to bike for a good part of the school year."
