The University of New Mexico Parking and Transportation Services department breaks ground on two new parking structures on Wednesday, May 20. The structures will increase parking on UNM’s core campus by 1,000 spaces and are expected to open in August 2010.
Clovis Acosta, PATS director, said, “There is high demand for proximity parking at UNM.”
The two new structures are planned for “C” and “J” lots. As a result, “C” and “J” permit holders need to relocate to the “T” lot, located at the corner of University and Lomas Boulevard during the construction – which is expected to be completed in August 2010. Permit holders will also have the option of exchanging their permits for “G” or “Q” lot permits. Also starting May 20, a new lot will be designated for holders of “O” lot permits. It will be located on the north side of Las Lomas across from the visitor center.
“We know this is an inconvenience for these permit holders, but we are committed to providing the best service we can in the interim,” Acosta said, adding that he looks for patience on the part of the UNM community during the construction.
Currently more than 900 staff and faculty are waiting to purchase proximity parking permits for spaces on UNM’s core campus. Since UNM is also a popular destination for visitors taking in the many cultural and entertainment events on campus, demand for on-campus visitor parking also highlights the need for additional parking.
“UNM is the single largest destination in New Mexico – serving over 30,000 students, staff, faculty and visitors daily. Proximity parking provides quick, convenient, and flexible parking to match the pace of busy schedules,” Acosta said. “PATS mission is to provide access to the University. Our customers demonstrated a need for more core campus parking and we are responding.”
The two new parking structures will be mixed-use, featuring permitted and hourly parking spaces, while also accommodating bicycle and motorcycle parking. Additionally the structures will feature a Lobo Care Clinic for UNM employees and the ability to harness solar energy to power the structure’s lighting.
“While there is still demand for more parking spaces on campus, we want to continue to promote and support alternative transportation,” Acosta said.
For more information contact: Brian Kilburn, PATS Public Information Representative, 277-5692; bkilburn@parking.unm.edu
Media Contact: Benson Hendrix (505) 277-1816. E-Mail: bhendrix@unm.edu
Posted by scarr at May 7, 2009 02:19 PM