 New
parking garage debate concerns students
By Daryl Starr
Staff
Writer
The residents near 6th and Russell streets are
wondering if a new parking garage will be built in their neighborhood.
According to vice president of physical facilities,
Wayne Kjonaas, the University is now discussing the construction of
a multi-story parking facility.
"The north end of campus has parking spaces for
approximately 350 vehicles," said Kjonaas.
The proposed garage will allow for a minimum of
600 vehicles. The garage will be restricted to pass owners, specifically,
those holding A, B, and C passes.
"What is the purpose of the garage anyway?" asked
Shannon Bruce of Phi Beta Chi Sorority. "It only holds A and B parking
anyway."
Phi Beta Chi, 408 Russell St., is one of 10 Greek
houses in the proposed construction area.
Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI's) executive member, Andy
Freeman said, "The structure will destroy our neighborhood and be very
detrimental to the quality of life for the sororities and fraternities
in the immediate vicinity." Although the University has not reached
a decision, the block between Russell and Waldron Streets is their top
priority.
"The residents are concerned about traffic, lighting
and security," said Kjonaas. "Sororities have expressed concern for
people looking in their windows."
Freeman said, "We understand that Purdue University
can do whatever it wants when it comes to constructing new buildings."
He said though, that the objections his house has
are not being responded to. "We have no impact," said Freeman.
Kjonaas said, "The location must meet certain criteria.
First, the site must be within 1,000 feet from the need."
The need, according to Kjonaas, is currently being
determined.
The consultant firm Pflum, Klausmeier, and Gehrum
is conducting a traffic study. Company representatives held a meeting
in early March with community leaders including the West Lafayette mayor
and the State Highway Department to discuss the proposed site. Kjonaas
said the Indianapolis consultant would continue to work with the community
leaders.
Freeman said, "As a state university, Purdue does
not have to comply with public zoning regulations. Therefore, the possibility
of this structure being placed in the middle of a residential area is
very real."
Kjonaas said there is a possibility that residents
could use the parking facility during the day in a "pay for space" situation.
Residents would have to finance the section of
the lot they planned to use, said Kjonaas. This option has not seen
light in the battle between Greek students and the University.
As residents armor themselves with assistance from
alumni and petitions, the issue escalates. With regard to the University's
construction, Bruce said, "I guess it depends on what they are tearing
down."
The residents between Russell and Waldron streets
are trying to prevent the University from "destroying their neighborhood."
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