Meeting a variety of parking types a major factor

NLC is in the early stage of design for parking expansion under the bond program. A team has been formed with participants from the NLC Police, Student Services, a student representative, and Facilities Services.

This group is incorporating pedestrian and vehicle traffic needs, as well as future parking management programs, into the design concepts.

A number of issues have been identified for design criteria. Preservation of green space and capturing storm water for recycling as irrigation are included.

Wayfinding concepts are being considered to help people locate their destinations in a building and find their return path to the car.

Architects and engineers are currently developing site options using this criteria.

Meeting a variety of parking types in various locations is a major factor. ADA compliance, shortterm visitors, special guests, and reserved parking areas for particular members of the campus community are all examples of these varying needs.

We are also exploring incentives for alternative transportation modes, such as bicycles, carpooling and hybrid vehicles.

The ‘G’ building footprint will be in the faculty staff parking lot with additional space being consumed by construction staging.

The necessity of temporary parking to ensure sufficient parking availability is planned for the first phase of development.

A parking and traffic study conducted recently concluded that a surplus of parking does currently exist, and that funding for this project will meet the needs of the college beyond 2012, when DART light rail expansion will be complete.

— John Watson is the director of facilities for North Lake College.