Parham Construction Company began renovations to Clark Hall five weeks ago to expand the Environmental Sciences Library. That's great news for Clark Hall, but some faculty members say it has been disastrous for the already-tight parking situation, particularly in front of Kerchof Hall.
Before construction began, the C1 lot stretching from McCormick Road to Dawson's Row behind Clark Hall accommodated 175 pass-holding faculty members as well as several handicap, service, ROTC and departmental spaces. Parking and Transportation Services expected to lose 62 spaces, but that number fluctuates daily by another 20 to 30 spaces, depending on the increasing area of the construction zone. This unexpected additional loss of spaces has made parking available on a first-come, first-served basis and has forced some faculty to temporarily relocate.
About one-third of permit holders agreed to move to overflow lots behind Cabell Hall and Ruffner Hall, said Rebecca White of Parking and Transportation.
"I didn't want to find myself desperately looking for a parking space before class," said Roberto Triggiani, a math professor who volunteered to use an overflow lot.
White anticipates more faculty members choosing to use overflow lots as construction continues. "We had a few more people relocate [after construction began] because they could see the disruption caused by the process," she said.
Faculty will have to find alternatives at least until the end of September when additional spaces will start freeing up. But the construction process is expected to last three years, so for many, relocation will be a more permanent hassle.
Triggiani said students add to the parking problem by trying to park in C1 on weeknights.
He also said he is concerned about increasing accident risks. Although the University normally blocks construction areas, officials required that the parking lots between the buildings remain open as construction takes place. "This is the only road to access Cabell Hall and the rest of the buildings back here, and so it has to remain open for fire access as well," said Jay Taggart, vice president of new construction for Parham.
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