The University of New Mexico is hoping to break ground on two needed parking structures soon. Construction on these parking structures, planned for the current “C” and “J” parking lots, was expected to begin in late May.
The university presented the plans for the parking structures to the New Mexico Board of Finance in mid-May. The Board of Finance asked for another month to consider the proposal while the university addressed how these structures were incorporated in UNM’s overall Master Plan for development.
“Long term, UNM strongly supports a sustainable approach that reduces cars coming to campus, thereby reducing the demand for parking spaces. This goal will be achieved when student housing is increased, student employment opportunities are augmented, and a stronger transportation infrastructure in the metro area is in place,” said Mary Kenney, UNM’s Chief Planning Officer.
“Parking garages create that time of transition, where continued growth at UNM and in the community requires access to classes, jobs and services. When surface lots disappear as new academic buildings like the Science and Math Learning Center are constructed, carefully placed parking structures will enhance UNM’s ability to make the best use of its land during this time of evolution.”
Also slowing the project, UNM’s local neighborhood associations have complained that university representatives have not engaged in enough discussions with the groups about their concerns for the new parking structure. As a result of these concerns, the Albuquerque City Council passed a resolution asking the city to not make any infrastructure changes – necessary to adding acceleration and deceleration lanes and new curb cuts for those entering these structures – for the time being.
While construction of the project has been temporarily delayed, design work by Dekker/Parich/Sabatini – the architecture firm selected for the project – is continuing. Utility, water and telecom services have been cancelled for the two buildings to be removed as part of the construction plan. These buildings include the old Arts of the Americas building, and the former Real Estate office.
Media Contact: Benson Hendrix, (505) 277-1816; e-mail: bhendrix@unm.edu
Posted by kwentworth at June 4, 2009 01:43 PM