Chatham Moves Closer to Breaking Ground at Eden Hall Campus

moved a little closer Wednesday night to transforming its Eden Hall campus.

 — which was approved in June — was amended to note changes in where buildings are placed and how parking lots are configured in the central portion of the campus.

The Richland Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the changes to the master plan, as recommended by the township's planning commission. 

"This is the master plan that we approved (in June 2011)," said Supervisors Chairman Herbert Dankmyer before the vote. "They made some changes so we have to reapprove it."

The university still has to obtain permits before it can put a shovel in the ground, he added.

Sean Cryan of Mithun, the architectural firm working on the campus plan, explained the changes as he showed slides of the first phase of development planned for the 388-acre campus. 

Any time a master plan is amended, a hearing must be held to allow for public comment.

Jennifer Mihalyi of Glasgow Road asked when construction would begin, how long it would take, and how many students the first stage of development will facilitate.

"We hope to start the construction this summer," said Walt Fowler, vice president of finance for Chatham.

Construction is expected to be completed by the fall 2013 semester, he said.

No residential buildings are planned for the first phase, so students will commute to Eden Hall's campus, he said.

Fowler said the university hopes to enroll 50 to 60 master's-degree students by fall 2013.

In other business, the supervisors tabled for the first phase. It will be discussed at the supervisors' March 21 meeting, which will be held at 7 p.m. at the , 4019 Dickey Road, Gibsonia.