Although many Hoboken residents are staying home to fulfill their employment duties, construction workers are still showing up in-person to continue working. Since classes have transitioned to being online, Stevens has been blocked off and left empty, but construction continues to progress. According to NJ Governor Phil Murphy, construction workers still need to be present for work.
The thought of an almost empty college campus in April being populated by mainly construction workers is a fascinating concept.
Lisa DeMarco, Stevens’s Director of Design and Construction, and Robert Maffia, Vice President for Facilities and Campus Operations, helped provide an update on the continued development of construction on campus.
Both commented that the projects, such as the University Towers, have not been halted in any way. They have stated that “Work on the new student housing is dependent upon the contractor having the ability to complete its work. We have not been notified by the contractor of a schedule change.”
Thus, it seems the COVID-19 pandemic has not had a major effect on these projects. It has also been noted that there have been no ramifications on the cost of these projects, even during a time of financial uncertainty.
Furthermore, both project leaders at Stevens stated, “We are closely monitoring the global impact of the coronavirus and how it may affect construction operations on campus. If plans should need to change significantly, we will notify the community.”
Although the current standard of social distancing and quarantining is the easiest way to prevent the spread, Governor Murphy continues to advise construction projects to continue. Thus, construction at Stevens will go on, keeping in mind the potential need for adaptation as unforeseeable barriers may arise in the future.
Stevens’ current construction projects are not being paused, keeping projects on track to be completed by their expected time. However, continuing these projects during the pandemic also poses a risk for workers. Construction will continue as planned, with the health of workers on watch.
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