Late last year, UC entered into discussions with the Clifton Heights Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation (CHCURC) to build a $100 million multi-use complex just off-campus on a lot between Calhoun Street and West McMillan, across the street from St. George’s church. The development will include housing, office spaces, and dining for students and faculty. While University officials have excitedly promoted the project for its promising impact on important campus issues, new information has recently come to light that casts doubt on the new venture.

The lot, located in a prime location for both commercial and residential use due to its proximity to UC, has sat vacant behind a chain link fence since 2005, sources said. It has long been unclear why such a promising piece of real estate has failed to sell for so many years. Recently, however, multiple residents of the neighborhood have come forward with a shocking story. According to those interviewed, the lot– which was formerly home to a McDonald’s restaurant– is haunted by a figure resembling the chain’s famous clown, Ronald McDonald. 

“About 6 years ago I wandered over there with some of my friends, and as soon as we snuck through the fence there was this guy dressed up as Ronald McDonald who started running at us with a knife,” one person recalled. Others were certain the figure was not merely a person in costume, but an apparition cursed to guard the site from intruders. One thing all of the witnesses agreed upon, however, is that Ronald could only be seen from inside the fence.

When asked why no one came forward sooner, one Clifton resident said, “we were all pressured by CHCURC not to go public with it because they needed someone to buy the land. It felt wrong keeping it a secret for so many years, and now that the college decided to buy it we have to warn people. Stay out of there. Stay as far away as you can.” TNC reached out to both CHCURC and the University for comment but neither responded prior to publishing.

This past weekend, UC’s “Cryptocurrency Club” hosted a hackathon (traditionally a 24 hour event where students complete a creative project start to finish for awards and accolades) with far less shine and fanfare than expected.

This came as a surprise to the few attendees of the hackathon, all of whom were promised “tons of food,” “free swag,” and $2,500 in prizes in the event’s advertising, which included an assortment of moon and rocket emojis. However, photos posted to the group’s instagram page exposed large, half-vacant rooms of hungry students not working on any projects, and no fun items in sight. Sources that attended the event confirmed that no more than 40 students showed up throughout the 24 hours, and no prizes were publicly awarded to any students involved. 

The primary sponsor of the event, Graphite, was reportedly not pleased with the low turnout. Inside sources state that the club entered a contract with the company, agreeing to bring in 300 students for Graphite to advertise to through “workshops.” However, once the event came to a close Graphite threatened to file suit against the club if funds were not repaid. As registered student organizations cannot legally enter contracts with outside companies or take on debts, the University revoked the Crypto Club’s official status and has reportedly settled with Graphite out of court.

As of publishing, the organization’s “GetInvolvedUC” page has been removed, all executive board members have removed mentions of the club and event from their LinkedIn and social media pages, and the faculty advisor for the club no longer publicly states any affiliation.

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• Don’t write fake obituaries using your real name online!

• There's free construction equipment outside CRC!