The proposal to construct a new campus parking garage has found new life in the planned destruction of the Mines Building near Greek Row next month.
Since 1927, the antiquated building has been home to the military science department and the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. Deemed too expensive to renovate, Campus Design and Construction has slated the building to be demolished. A parking structure or a classroom building are the two most likely replacements.
In March, state lawmakers passed a bill that would allow the U to borrow $21 million to construct a parking garage using state bonds. The money would be paid back by increasing student fees and parking permit prices or through donations. However, the chances of a “Hunstman Memorial Parking Garage” aren’t very high, because not very many donors are aching to slap their name on a parking structure. Students would likely foot most of the $21 million bill.
In addition, the U doesn’t have the best track record of raising building funds in a timely manner. For example, the bond for the proposed Student Life Center was approved in 2007 on the condition that the U raise a portion of the price. The sluggish progress of the project doesn’t invoke much confidence.
Instead of starting another costly project at students’ expense, the U should choose to build more classrooms.
Besides being a more pressing need, a building is more likely to attract donors than a parking garage. Less of the money will come out of the students’ pockets, and the U could focus on building rooms appropriate for mid-sized classes, which we are currently lacking.
Not only would a parking structure be costly, it would send the wrong message to students who are developing environmentally-friendly habits. Instead of promoting driving to school, the U should continue to encourage clean travel options despite dropping gas prices.
An argument that is sometimes employed by proponents of a parking structure is that parking for Kingsbury Hall and Presidents’ Circle is inadequate. But patrons can take shuttles from nearby parking lots or just walk. Both are fine solutions for all but the most lazy patrons. It isn’t necessary to have parking stalls outside every building on campus.
The cons of a parking garage outweigh the benefits. Instead of putting the university in debt, the U should get to work finding donors to help construct a building dedicated to classrooms.