By Stu Johnson
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Work should begin next spring on a new Bluegrass Community and Technical College campus off Lexington's Newtown Pike. Over time, the college will move students from its Cooper Drive complex to what's now the site of Eastern State Hospital.
The college's plans were detailed Tuesday when President Augusta Julian appeared before Lexington's Urban County Council.
"We certainly need additional renovation funds. We need road and intersection upgrades. We may find more burial sites."
The plan includes the relocation of some graves on the grounds of Eastern State Hospital.
Julian also says private developers could build nearby housing units. Council member Peggy Henson expressed concerned during the meeting, saying neighbors could be anxious when students move in.
"There are many, many students who are fantastic, know how to behave, but then there's that few that can cause major problems to the surrounding area."
The first one thousand students may move onto the new campus in the spring of 2013, however, Julian says a full transition could take 20 years.