Since it was announced last March, the $360 million anonymous gift to the Institute has drawn not only national recognition but also strong criticism from some local politicians.
Shortly after the announcement, County Legislator Robert Mirch sent a letter to President Jackson. In his letter, Mirch proposes that RPI give one percent of the gift to the City of Troy to pave the streets. Since then his opinion has been debated locally in editorials and letters published in the Troy Record.
"With the gift, the donor made stipulations; it is cavalier on [Mirch’s] part to think that RPI, a non-profit organization, has the liberty to turn over a percentage of the gift to the city. Even if it is unrestricted, it is to benefit the Institute. It is not even feasible to entertain doing something like that," said Eddie Knowles, Vice President for Student Life.
Mirch argues that RPI has become a financial burden for the city of Troy, citing the city’s fire department expenses as an example. He estimates that Troy spends nearly $400,000 each year on services of the fire department to the RPI campus, which he says is a drain on the city’s limited budget.
The president did not reply to Mirch’s letter, but many in Troy see that as a clear answer.
Troy Mayor Mark Pattison, a democrat, said Mirch, a republican, made the comments for political reasons. "RPI contributes a lot to Troy, and we have always had a good relationship with the students and administration," he added.
"I grew up here, so I remember how it was when the Union wasn’t built yet," said Mirch. Then, the students used to come to downtown for food, entertainment, or just to hang around, but now it like a "ghost town" he said.
John Bloom, a local resident, disagrees with Mirch saying that RPI contributes to Troy more than it takes. "RPI brings to Troy many things; new people and prestige are just two."
Paul Wilhem, a Troy resident, stopped students during Communiversity events earlier this semester. He told them "the community gives to RPI, but what does RPI give to Troy?"
Rensselaer contributes to the community in different ways. Institute-sponsored programs ranging from building renovations to child education have been going on for years. RPI has made monetary contributions which include the Winslow building, which RPI rents to the Junior Museum for a symbolic $1 a year.
The Institute is the single largest contributor to an annual $400,000 grant to Troy through the Troy Redevelopment Fund. In addition, RPI has aided Rensselaer’s Center for Initiatives in Pre-College Education which provides technology mentors for the local schools and the Troy Community Networking Project among others.
"Troy needs help. Just look at College Avenue; it’s a complete disgrace," said Mirch. RPI’s total acreage in Troy is 264 including 56 acres that make the central campus. The rest of the land is used for residential, institutional, and athletic purposes. "Had RPI given the one percent that I suggested earlier this year, they would’ve already earned it in interest," he said.
Mirch has another suggestion for the administration, this one regarding the Electronic Media and Performing Arts Center.
"The current plan [for the EMPAC] isn’t much help to Troy. They should use Proctors, it is an old and beautiful building," he said.
