Eccc Will Expand Computer Lab In/Around: East Central Neighborhood

Thu., March 18, 1999

Amy Scribner Staff writer

Patrons will no longer have to squeeze into a tiny room to have computer access at East Central Community Center.

The center’s computer lab will be doubled in size as part of an expansion slated to begin at the center next month.

The construction will add a partial second level to the northwest corner of the center. It will include room for the center’s youth programs and up to 16 computer stations.

The current lab has just eight computers.

The project was put out to bid last week. It will be funded with about $150,000 in federal community development money and a $100,000 grant from the Comstock Foundation.

Increased computer space has become one of the most immediate needs at the center, said director Diane Jennings.

The original lab was added just a year ago and the demand for computer access already exceeds the available space.

“It’s booming,” said Jennings. “We didn’t think it would catch on this fast. We feel we’re outgrowing (the current space).”

In addition to basic classes in computer basics, Excel and Microsoft Word, there are several senior citizen classes offered. The lab is also open daily for use. There is a $5 annual charge to have unlimited use of the lab.

After school, the lab is crowded with kids in the center’s recreation program, who use the machines for their homework.

Even more East Central residents will be able to use computers when the new space opens. The center recently received four new computers that can’t be hooked up in the cramped lab.

“We’re just desperate,” said coordinator Mary McIntyre. “We’re really crowded in there now.”

Retired engineer Will Hoover said he’s pleased with the plan. He spends hours each day designing cards and surfing the Internet at the computer lab.

“I think it’d be marvelous,” said Hoover.

Another goal, said McIntyre, is to develop programs in the new lab that will boost employable skills for welfarereform families.

She envisions courses covering the Internet and other technology, as well as an area where people can work on resumes and practice newly learned computer skills.

“We’re trying to help people with their job skills,” said McIntyre. “We want people to learn good computer technology that will help them in the work force.”

The construction is scheduled to take six to eight months.

It hasn’t yet been decided how the old computer lab space will be used once construction is complete.

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