Construction cramps parking at Village

Parking at West Campus has become increasingly more difficult for residents and staff in recent weeks. For those who currently reside in The Village 1 to 4, the former entrance that led to their buildings has been blocked off due to the current construction of the Wellness & Recreation Center. Due to this project being built on the former parking lot that was in front of The Village offices, it has led to some concerns of the students who live there.

“The construction isn’t necessarily causing traffic problems, as much as it is just an inconvenience,” said freshman undeclared major Hilary Byrd. “They’re not only messing up the flow of traffic up for the upperclassman who live in buildings 1 through 4, but for us as well in 5 and 6 because they now have to come through a different entrance.”

Rachel Cauthen | gcsunade.com

This sign can be found near the second entrance to West Campus redirecting traffic solely through the first entrance.

According to Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications Harry Battson, the 350 parking spots loss due to construction have been offset by two temporary lots. One lot is currently for the constructions, the other is near the soccer field. Battson says the plan is to make the new lots permanent.

Added to the list for a few short weeks at West Campus as well is the construction of what appears to be a new entrance.

“New sewer drains are being put in there, and the plan is for it to be reopened in the coming week,” said Assistant Vice President of Facilities Ben Pratt. “They ran into a few complications so it took a little longer than expected.”

This, on top of the construction of the Wellness & Recreation Center, has really put some strain on students to get to class on time and be able to maneuver properly around the construction. Caitlyn Kelly, a Community Advisor in building 5, agrees it’s causing some inconvenience, but believes it’s nothing the students can’t handle.

“True, it is slightly inconvenient for our residents. But I believe that after it is all done, it will be truly worth it,” Kelly said. “We are receiving a great facility and more operational entrances and drains out of it, which means no more walking through huge puddles in the rain.”

The greatest concern the construction has caused however is from a safety aspect. Many are worried that, in the case of an emergency, it would be too difficult for large emergency vehicles to reach buildings one through four. According to Lieutenant Greg Williams, they have changed the way emergency vehicles enter and leave West Campus to accommodate the construction.

Construction of the Wellness & Recreation Center is currently estimated for completion for Fall 2011.

Posted by ConnorJohnson on Oct 8 2010. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.