Reconstruction fails to curb complaints

By Laura Nowak

Neptune Hall residents continue to complain about the lack of parking spaces, despite the newly-reconstructed lot west of the residence hall.

The ‘D’ parking lot for Neptune Hall residents was reconstructed this summer at a cost of $150,000, said NIU Parking Division Manager Helen Nodurft.

The lot needed repair because it was in “bad shape,” she said. Poor drainage was one of the main problems with the lot, she said.

About four spaces were added during the reconstruction, Nodurft said. “The spaces are more defined now,” she said.

Nordurft didn’t know how many spaces the lot used to have but said there are now 82 spaces, including six which are designed for specific purposes.

“The lot was constructed by engineers as the best way for access,” Nodurft said. “It was designed to pick up more space with less risk for accidents.”

University Police Sgt. Richard Sheridan said he likes the layout but said it is too early to tell whether the lot will prevent accidents.

Bob Lenzini of Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick Inc. from Elgin, the engineering company that designed the lot, said “It was done the most efficient way possible.”

However, Margaret Phillips, area coordinator of Neptune and Gilbert Halls, said some students have complained about the new layout.

Still, the number of complaints is about the same as any other year, she said.

Many Neptune Hall residents offer their own ideas for improved parking.

Senior Charles Mammoser, a geography major, said he has to park his car in the gravel lot west of Annie Glidden Road even though he has a ‘D’ lot parking sticker. Mammoser said it seems like four spaces were lost in the reconstruction.

“There is too much dead space in the lot,” Mammoser said. “They should open up an exit, so they could put more spaces in.”

Senior Kristy Healey, a communicative disorders major, said the new parking lot is “horrible.”

ealey said the parking situation in lot ‘D’ has not improved.

Kimberly Brouchous, a senior marketing major, said parking spaces in lot ‘D’ should be sold or given to a limited number of people, rather than giving it to any Neptune resident who has an orange student parking sticker.