To the Editor:

The blizzard that struck on President's Day was not the only snow in Dorchester that week. The Reporter's interview with Jo Anne Gora, chancellor of UMass Boston, was as big a snow job as you will ever see. Using a dazzling display of figures and comparisons to places like Portland Oregon the chancellor argues that the building of dormitories on the campus is not a major change in the school's mission.

First, I feel I must comment on the process, or lack of one. I may not be too bright, but I thought an impact study was done before a major project, not during or after it. The study scheduled for release this summer was begun after the community raised objections and well after plans had begun. Isn't that like checking out new barn doors as the horses head for the open fields? The fact that planning didn't stop also tells you something about "the study."

The chancellor states that 2000 beds are needed to provide an "on campus atmosphere" for students. She says that UMass Boston is bringing up the rear in providing housing at public colleges in the state and that 2000 beds seems an appropriate number when compared to "peer group" schools such as Portland, Atlanta and Cleveland.

If we assume the 2000 residents would be full-time students, the figure would represent about one-third of those presently in that category. Do these 2000 students stay on campus for four years? Perhaps after a year or two they get together with dorm buddies and seek local off campus housing, not as individuals but in groups of four, five or six. This would make high rents more affordable. As the joys of "campus life" attract more students will 2000 beds be sufficient? If not, will the paper that promises a 2000 bed limit be worth anymore than the one that promised no dorms would be built?

As for bringing up the rear in providing housing at state schools, UMass should not even be in line according to its stated mission when it sought community approval. The same is true when comparing it to other city campuses. The UMass campus was established as a strictly non resident campus.

I don't know where Chancellor Gora was thirty years ago, but I was at the community meetings concerned about the impact that the proposed university would have on the area. There were two major cornerstones that secured community support. One was to have the university involved in community programs and allowing local groups the use of university facilities. The other was a promise to have no residential students on campus- period!

I do not consider the chancellor speaking to groups promoting the building of dorms to be community outreach. Forgive me if I am underwhelmed when I see her getting photographed at a flower planting. Show me where the university is involved with community programs or schools. Show me the degree of time that local groups use the facilities of the university.

No matter how you slice it, the building of dorms does not comply with the original agreement. That is unless you are a follower of the ancient tribe of Ya Buts. I know the rules, Ya but they don't apply to me. Thirty years ago university officials promised a non-residential campus. Ya but conditions have changed.

You bet they have! Thirty years ago, BC, BU and Northeastern were primarily commuter colleges. Brighton-Allston was mainly a residential neighborhood. Today these three schools plus Harvard and others have taken over entire neighborhoods for student housing. They have their own police forces. The concern that Savin Hill Ave. will become another Comm Ave. is a real one.

Some say the plan is a done deal. The money is committed. Maybe not! Years ago under Prop 2 1/2 money that was in the budget for repairs to Ventura Park was simply frozen. It was still there but could not be used for several years. I'm sure the Governor and the Legislature would appreciate suggestions for saving millions of dollars. Write or call them voicing your concerns about this project suggesting these funds be frozen.

Finally, I think the university should replace any ethics courses with ones teaching Machiavellism. I am a simple kid from Dorchester, but I know what it means to keep your word. If one can justify failing to keep a promise it seems hypocritical to teach ethics. People who fail to keep their word often justify their actions as being for the greater good. Obviously, Chancellor Gora and the trustees believe they know what is best for the community. Benedict Arnold felt ill used by the Colonial Army and the cause doomed. Judas sold his friend for thirty pieces of silver.

Sincerely,

Raymond Donohoe