NCC Wants to Double Campus Housing

Mardi Closson, NCC's Dean of Students

At Northampton Community College's sprawling campus, twelve apartments and a residence hall provide housing for about three hundred students. But by the time school starts in 2015, college officials would like to double its housing component. That's what Mardi Closson, the College's Dean of Students, told Commissioners at their December 3 meeting.

Closson, along with Attorney Bill Murphy and Facilities Director Mark Culp, pitched the expansion before a receptive Board, arguing that this would actually reduce traffic to and from the campus. She added that there already is a long waiting list for housing, which is determined by weighing distance, grades and disciplinary problems.  The college is the only facility in the state that offers funeral service education, and one of few offering a dental hygiene program. She denied any plans to convert from a two-year to a four-year college.

Commissioner Tom Nolan, who lives near the campus and has opposed expansion in the past, told College officials he is now sold. by their "good track record" and "history with the Township."

Agreeing, Commissioner Marty Zawarski noted there are only 11 incidents per year with police. He did, however, complain that college students crossing Green Pond Road to the main campus are "wearing blinders," and don't stop for or notice traffic.

President Paul Weiss, noting that 89% of Northampton Community College graduates remain in the Lehigh Valley, stated that the college "has been a good neighbor."

After getting an informal green light, college officials will now pitch their expansion to the Planning Commission in January.