By Liam Scanlon | Observer Contributor
Reconstruction of the Gardner campus parking lot will begin during the 2017 spring semester. This includes renovation of the roadway connecting the parking lot to Matthews St.
The design will not be finalized until later in the month. John Wyman, Associate Vice President of Facilities Management, has released some information concerning the project.
Due to the need for parking spaces in the spring semester, preliminary construction will be on a small scale. Full scale construction will start during the summer and the lot is scheduled to be finished before the fall semester.
Aside from re-paving, one of the most significant improvements to the lot will be the new, deep sump catch basins. This will improve drainage and pollution prevention, which was a particular concern for Wyman as the Mount is located in a critical watershed for Silver Lake Reservoir.
The plans include installation of new streetlights. The plan includes a new layout for parking spaces so as to fit more spaces in the lot. There will be an electric line ran out to the Matthews St. entrance. This will likely be used for a new electric entrance sign. It is likely that new emergency phones will be installed. These phones will be able to display alert messages.
Students are relieved to hear that the project is being renovated. The parking lot has been notorious for its poor condition. “It says something,” commented Celina Guitare. Guitare is in her first semester at the Mount as a part time student and had already been baffled by the condition of the lot. “There should be updates…it can really reflect on the school.” Jamie Parker recalls how her car’s alignment had been “messed with” during her commute to school. She said “I think it’s great” that the lot will be renovated.
Giovani Soto Padilla, MWCC alumnus, recalls that he drove slower in the lot because of the bumps and potholes.
The reconstruction of the lot promises to be an all-around benefit, provided that the poor condition of the lot has not been the only reason for students’ slow driving. Connor Scanlon, Quinsigamond Community College Alumnus, recalls many student complaints about driver accidents in the QCC lot. He recalls his own rear bumper being dented by another student. One student would consistently be parked in the back corner of the lot, presumably to remain far away from student traffic. Campus police were strict enough on the speed limit to pull Scanlon over for going 17 mph when the limit was 15 mph. He did not get ticketed.
Information on the traffic and parking rules and regulations can be found on the Mount website or by contacting the college’s Department of Campus Police and Public Safety.
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