Lot K to add 34 new parking spaces soon

A new student parking lot is in the making on the southwest corner of Letchworth and Rees streets. Lot K will add 34 more student parking spots to the existing 3,967 on campus.  

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to create a new parking lot," said Lisa Krieger, assistant vice president of finance and management.

The lot will cost about $54,000 and is partially subsidized by a portion of the new Student Apartment Complex funds, she said.

The area was used as a field office site during construction of the new student apartment buildings. Instead of turning the gravel lot back into a grassy area, the college decided to turn it into a student parking lot, said Brian Wittmer, assistant design and construction coordinator.

Construction on Lot K is expected to be completed before the end of the Spring 2012 semester, Krieger said. Workers will need to level the land, install lighting infrastructure and lay down asphalt. The construction should not be a large disruption to regular traffic.

"It's definitely a good idea," said freshman dietetics major Sean Scott. "I get here at 9 a.m. just about every day and have to wait 30 minutes for a parking spot."

Junior philosophy major Khari Waits said he agrees with the choice to add parking places to campus.

"I know a lot of people have a nightmarish time parking on this campus because they can't find a spot," he said.  

The new parking lot is in addition to many new construction projects that have begun or are slated to begin this year, including roof replacements, renovations to the third floor of the Student Union and renovations to the Tower dorms.

Ariel Peters can be reached by email at peters.record@live.com.