Did you know that parking is going to be more challenging in the next few years?
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LIVEGREEN |
by Melanie Stewart |
The construction of the new ambulatory care building, as well as the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, will mean more new employees, patients, and visitors on campus starting in 2017.
Where are we going to put all of those cars? If you haven’t noticed, this campus is landlocked, with few places left to construct new parking lots or garages. Even with the space, did you know that a parking lot costs almost $17,000 per stall for construction? Or that construction of a garage stall costs over $22,000? And that doesn’t include operating costs! Don’t you wish there was a better way?
I’m happy to report that there is.
Campus leaders have heard your concerns and looked ahead to the upcoming demand. Some lots are being reconfigured so that additional spaces can be added, and a parking garage on the east side of campus will get an extension.
How does sustainability factor into this? Most of us drive to work by ourselves. Not sustainable to the environment or our own pocket books, but it does sustain the parking problem. Here comes the better way: we can get to work in another fashion. Sounds radical doesn’t it? But it doesn’t have to be; people all across this country do what we could be doing every day. We could ride the bus, carpool, bike, walk, or maybe even (gasp!) work from home every now and then.
Before you start filling out the comment section below, know that these are options, not requirements. The Transportation & Parking Committee knows that there are barriers that may prevent you from doing some of these, but they are willing to help. Maybe they’ll buy you a bus pass. Maybe they’ll help you find a carpool partner and guarantee you a free ride home if you can’t go home with the person you came with. Maybe they’ll give you a place to shower and store items after you bike here.
Regardless of the potential plans, they are willing to listen.
Participate in an upcoming survey on parking
Next Monday everybody on campus will receive an email with a confidential survey about transportation and parking. Fill it out and let us know what you think. Your opinions will dictate the plans, so fill it out and be heard.
Oh, parking. The bane of every administration everywhere! Just check any/all issues of the UNO paper, for example. Good luck with your quest, Melanie. You'll have as many opinions as replies – and all of them right.
Carol Kolar
I have been carpooling with a co worker for over 3 years now. It would be nice if workers who carpool get an incentive, such as, special parking privileges or a discount on parking fees.
I would love to work from home a few days a week but am under the impression that the college doesn't allow this.
a free shuttle for employee and students would be great
Karin's suggestion is great!!