University of Memphis summer students might have noticed a new scarcity of parking spaces this week when three lots were closed for a $1,161,000 overhaul in parking renovations. The lots will reopen in September.
Paid for by parking renewal and replacement funds, the now defunct areas include the visitor lot on Patterson Street and Mynders Avenue, a general permit lot on Southern Avenue and Patterson Street and a resident lot east of Richardson Towers, said vice president for Business and Finance David Zettergren in an email.
Assistant manager of Parking Services Tanara Teal-Tate said revamping the three lots will add more spaces, increase safety, increase sustainability of trees and improve the quality of the pavement.
Sophomore history major Ryan Fuess said he supported The University sparing no expense to increase parking spaces.
"It's money well spent," he said. "If I can find a place to park I may actually show up to class every once in awhile."
The renovations, while adding 245 new parking spaces to campus, will also facilitate traffic flow to and from campus,Teal-Tate said.
"All lot layouts were redesigned to provide for more efficient vehicle circulation, more efficient parking, better security lighting and emergency phone and camera installations," she said.
Although parking often proves troublesome for students at The U of M at the beginning of every semester, Teal-Tate said her office anticipates potential delays.
"It's scheduled to be completed in September," she said. "But it's contingent on setbacks or situations beyond the control of the contractor or The University."
Fuess said generating more parking spots could alleviate the hostility he faces while rushing to find a space before class,while eliminating future parking violations.
"Now I won't have to fight to the death for a parking space," he said. "I was getting sick of getting tickets every other day."
Drew Fleming, senior film major at The U of M, said he wished University officials would create a walkway over the railroadtracks next to Southern Avenue, instead of focusing on creating more parking spaces in that lot.
"Basically, I want to know why there isn't a walking bridge over the train tracks," he said. "Missing a quiz because my class is on the south side of campus and I'mclose to the spaces by the (Campus Recreation and Intramural Services) building is insane."
