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DPS to tow vehicles in Williams' Bakery lot
Starting Monday, the lot will close temporarily for a remodel
by Trevor Davis | News Reporter
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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.
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