SEMO board of regents could OK parking plan today

Southeast Missouri State University is considering a plan to increase the number of parking spaces on campus to ease demands on the south end of the university.

The $1.4 million project goes in front of the board of regents for approval during their meeting today.

The two-phase plan would add 265 spaces along Broadway and Pacific Street and includes the demolition of eight buildings owned by the University Foundation. Southeast president Ken Dobbins said the first phase will begin within the next two months and be completed by the end of summer.

With the construction of a 300-person residence hall at Broadway and Henderson Avenue, he said, there is more need for parking on the south end of campus.

The project will be funded primarily through the 2008 bond issue to finance $10 million in capital improvements. It includes additional parking near two main campus entrances.

Across from the university's primary entrance on Henderson Avenue, three buildings will be demolished to create room for a parking lot, adding 134 new spaces.

"Right now we have zero," he said.

Dobbins said the Henderson Avenue parking lot will be used primarily for residents of the new dormitory.

He said the university is also working with the city to create a crossing area across four lanes of traffic on Broadway.

At the university's secondary entrance on Pacific Street, five buildings will be demolished including the former Howard's Athletic Goods, a gas station and a beauty school. The parking area will be gravel.

Dobbins said the second phase will begin in two to three years, when funding is available. It will include paving and landscaping near the secondary entrance, he said.

The board of regents will meet at 2 p.m. today in the University Center Ballroom.

abusch@semissourian.com

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