While the goal of a May 2012 completion date is long passed and the hope of opening in time for fall classes is a distant glimmer, community college officials are hopeful they can occupy the creative arts building by early November.

Bill Dechant, the Haywood Community College director of campus development, told the county commissioners Monday the construction completion date has moved to Oct. 5. It should take another month to get the final inspections and paperwork so the building can be cleared for occupancy.

At that point, continuing education class can be scheduled to meet in the new $8.3 million facility. Professional crafts classes won't start until after the holidays, simply because it would be too disruptive to move when classes are in session, he said.

Dechant was at yet another ...