Next summer, MSU will see updates to the Jenison Fieldhouse parking lot, or Lot 67, and Lot 37 will be removed once construction for the Shaw Hall dining facility is completed. After construction is completed, Rice said the area will be turned into a “green space” rather than a site of renovation.

“If we were to rebuild on that site, we would need (to use the) existing footprint,” Rice said. “(There are also) safety problems with the (area).”

The construction for Lot 67 will include barrier-free parking, a new stormwater system and a new entrance, according to MSU Construction’s website. The construction project received an authorization to plan from the MSU Board of Trustees in June, and the construction is expected to start next summer, Rice said.

University engineer Bob Nestle said the Bessey ramp could be demolished in the next three to five years when the structure becomes unsafe to use.

“The structure continues to deteriorate with age and is evaluated on an annual basis to assure it is still safe,” Nestle said. “We expect that continued repair of the ramp will no longer be cost effective.”

Rice said the location also will be turned into a “green space” since the area is on a flood plane and won’t be rebuilt upon.

The final project discussed was the expansion and reconstruction of the Life Sciences parking lot, and Rice said that could begin in summer 2014.

Rice said all projects will be self-funded by the parking system, which became self-supporting in 1983, with no financial help from the university. The funds come from parking meters, special-event parking fees and parking permit fees.

Psychology sophomore Becky Barron said she feels it is a great idea to turn the spaces into “green spaces” rather than construct other buildings at the locations.

“It’s pro-environment,” Barron said. “(People) should support the environment.”
However, psychology sophomore Catie Bargerstock disagreed.

Although she is glad they are putting it to “good use,” she said it will hurt students and faculty who want to park on campus.

“Parking on campus (already) sucks,” Bargerstock said.

“If you have a car, what are you supposed to do?”

With two parking facilities soon to be absent, Rice said students, faculty and staff will have to deal with it.

“If there’s not parking in one place, they’re going to have to find other places to park,” Rice said. “Folks will find alternatives.”