The Hutchinson Collegian

Hutchinson Community College will be home to a new 46-stall parking lot when the fall 2002 school year begins, thanks in part to the Hutchinson City Council.

Although HCC had demolished the housing on the Plum Street lot between 14th and 15th last semester, they had to obtain a special-use permit to build the lot. This proved to be more difficult than anticipated when nearby residents opposed to the idea.

Suzanne Meeks objected to the lot citing worries about the “heat,” “glare” and “noise” that she felt would come from the lot. She also posed concerns about the cosmetic issues of the privacy fence that would be 6 feet high tapering to 3 feet on either end.

Meeks wasn’t the only neighbor to pose her concerns; Lisa and Matt Gamber had expressed their opposition earlier. Their primary concern was the possibility of increased traffic congestion.

Taking these objections into mind, the Hutchinson city council also listened to SGA President Cole Taylor. Taylor presented the Council with a pro-parking-lot petition with 525 student, faculty and staff signatures.

Four out of five council members voted “yes” for the lot, overriding the planning commissions three to three tie vote, which qualified as a no go.

One issue still under consideration is whether or not the parking stalls in the new lot should be diagonal. If they were, that would eliminate at least two stalls.

With 500 spots currently available on the Plum Street HCC campus, the 46 new spots will help, but not get rid of all the parking problems.

With 1800 students on the Plum Street campus everyday plus 300 employees, everyone is still encouraged to take advantage of the Sports Arena lot.

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