The e-mails were sent to residents of the Clark, Norton, and Lawry dorms—those students most affected by the noise due to their proximity to the site. Construction of the new hall and garage is being conducted in the far east corner of Pomona campus, near Claremont McKenna College’s Collins Dining Hall.

Bob Robinson, Assistant Vice President and Director of Facilities and Campus Services, said that he is “responsible for creating and disseminating the construction updates” being sent via e-mail. He added that he updates “the students on the progress of the construction and [reiterates] the measures [taken] to reduce construction noise.”

While Robinson said that he’s “not aware of any specific person coming to [his office] to take issue with noise emanating from the project,” he said that Pomona’s Office of Campus Life (OCL) has contacted him with student concerns.

The noises have been particularly bothersome to some North Campus residents.

“When the window’s open, I can’t nap,” said Clark III resident Joon Woo PO ’11. “The noises keep me from sleeping.”

Woo said he simply closes the window on what he describes as “clanging” in order to sleep. Other complaints received by OCL have cited similar problems, with some residents finding the noise problems too severe to solve by just closing windows.

Robinson said “the biggest concern is the noise from construction vehicles, engines running, and back-up alarms.” Robinson has outlined the measures being taken to reduce the noises coming from these and other sources in e-mails sent to students near the construction site. In his latest e-mail, sent Oct. 22, he described noise-reduction measures continually in effect.

One such measure is making sure that cleaning the facility, pouring concrete, emptying trash bins, and hauling debris occur only after 8 a.m. Robinson also said in the e-mail that operation of “pneumatic tools (chipping guns, jackhammers) and deliveries of base and rock (truck and trailer deliveries)” is restricted before 9 a.m.

Robinson also includes updates on construction progress in his e-mails. In his latest e-mail, Robinson mentioned several tasks that were completed the week of Oct. 22, including irrigation installations, wall construction, main stair installations, floor topping preparation, and finishing of wood ceilings. He also outlined which tasks were expected to be completed during the week of Oct. 29.

Robinson said that construction of the residence hall is scheduled for completion in March 2011. He predicted that the noise level will decrease after holiday break.

Students with questions or concerns about construction-related activities are asked to contact Bob Robinson via e-mail at Robert.Robinson@pomona.edu or by telephone at ext. 71764.