The Department of Public Safety will tow all vehicles parked at the former Williams’ Bakery site near the University’s 13th Avenue and Franklin Boulevard entrance starting Monday morning around midnight, DPS announced Thursday.
DPS wants to close the gravel lot temporarily to enhance the lot and enforce parking rules.
“This place is a zoo,” said Ken Boegli, DPS parking and transportation manager, pointing to vehicles lined along a fence at the site Thursday afternoon. Some vehicles were parked behind others, and vehicles in some rows weren’t even with each other. Cars were parked in potholes.
“This lot isn’t up to our standards right now,” Boegli said. “In order to fix the lot, we have to get all these cars out.”
DPS wants to add striping, signs, landscaping and lighting.
“We’re not going to pave it at this point,” Boegli said. “It doesn’t mean we won’t consider it in the future. We’re not sure what the future of that site will be.”
The University purchased the seven-acre site in February 2005 for about $22.2 million as part of the University’s plan to develop property along Franklin Boulevard. The site may be used for a new basketball arena to replace aging McArthur Court. Williams’ Bakery moved from the 13th Avenue site near Bean and Hamilton residence halls to a new Springfield building last May.
Boegli said he fears students aren’t safe when parking in the Williams’ Bakery lot overnight. Lights in the parking lot don’t work, and it is next to an abandoned building.
“Parking in a dark, deserted lot is not safe,” Boegli said. “That’s our primary concern right now.”
Boegli estimated the lot could hold about 80 vehicles after remodel. A DPS officer counted 118 cars in the lot one day this week.
After the parking lot remodel, cars with valid permits will be allowed to park from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for staff, students, faculty and visitors.
In one row of eight vehicles Thursday, seven didn’t have a University parking permit sticker.
“I understand there’s an incredible strain for parking at the University,” Boegli said. “We do want to provide some relief.”
University freshman Mike Marley, who parked in the lot overnight, said he isn’t too worried about the closure because not many people use it, but said the closure could make it harder to find a parking spot.
“When I went to get a parking permit, I had to wait two-and-a-half months on a waiting list,” Marley said. “There definitely needs to be to be more free parking here.”
DPS doesn’t know when the parking lot remodel will be complete, but Boegli said he’d like to have the lot ready within a month. He added DPS will be working with Facilities Services and the Planning Department.
Costs are unknown, but money from parking permits will pay for the parking lot remodel, Boegli said.
“Those who use alternative modes of transportation will not be paying for this,” Boegli said. “This is self-sustainable. Those who pay for the service, get the service.”
Environmental Health and Safety has evaluated the lot, including three gas pumps at the rear, said Director Kay Coots.
She said she doesn’t have any concerns with the parking lot.
“We’ll continue to ensure environmental compliance,” Coots said.
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