To:                  University Community

From:              Vice President Melvin C. Terrell

Date:               April 5, 2004

Re:                  Update on Campus Parking

I am writing to let you know the current status of parking on campus; specifically the status of the new parking facility, the upcoming construction schedule, and new parking options and rates.

New Parking Facility

Adequate parking has been a problem for a number of years at Northeastern, often resulting in frustration for anyone looking for available parking.  This month, the University will begin construction of a parking  facility that will include approximately 1,050 spaces and office space for Public Safety and the Parking Office.  The facility will be located west of the Library on what is currently Lot G.  This facility will add about 30 percent to our campus parking spaces and address our parking needs for many years.  Most of the spaces in the five‑level facility will provide protection from the sun in the summer and the snow in the winter.

Construction Schedule

Construction begins on April 12^th and will result in a reduction of available spaces during the final few weeks of the spring semester.  The University is currently working with the contractor to determine how many spaces will actually be reduced in the spring, but we believe, based on current parking counts, that our remaining lots will accommodate parking needs for the balance of the spring semester.  Starting May 16^th, the access road and all lots from the construction site (Lot G) to the north will be closed.  Therefore, access to the main parking lots will be only through the Foster Street entrance.  Lots A and C will not be affected.  At the start of the fall semester, the Bryn Mawr entrance and the access road will reopen.  The construction schedule requires approximately 500 spaces to be open in the new facility by September 25^th.  For the first several weeks of the fall semester, we will provide alternate parking options. More information about the alternative parking will be forthcoming in June.

New Parking Options and Rates

In addition to the availability of covered parking spaces in the new facility, in both Level 1 and Level 2 areas, the new facility will provide a limited number of reserved spaces, or Premium Parking.  These spaces will be available to students, faculty and staff and will be reserved for the individual.  The rates for Premium Parking, Level 1 and Level 2 are summarized on the back of this memo.  For the typical Level 2 parker, the increase, after taxes, will be about $3 per pay period.  For Level 1, the typical increase will be less than $6 per pay period.

We ask for your patience while this facility is being constructed knowing that there will be short-term inconveniences.  We, however, hope you agree that this facility will address one of the most critical needs on campus and will serve and strengthen the University well into the future.

Please contact me if you have any questions or comments.