Penn State’s plan for a new parking deck will be on the university board of trustees’ agenda this week.
The nearly $61 million dollar project is the first phase in plans for the west campus at University Park. Penn State says the new parking deck will consolidate parking and support new buildings.
The parking deck will go on an existing lot. It’s slated to have 1,653 parking spaces on six levels. Traffic will exit the parking deck onto White Course Drive and then Atherton Street.
The project has met resistance from some in State College concerned about its impact on traffic in nearby neighborhoods. Initially, the plan included a second exit onto West College Avenue. But, that was scrapped in response to concerns.
University planner Neil Sullivan said in an email that, based on feedback, the current design includes new pedestrian safety measures and new and expanded turning lanes.
"The new parking deck is the first phase of this larger facilities plan to consolidate parking and create new development sites which paves the way for new buildings on west campus and ultimately leads to the demolition of the Hammond Building on College Avenue," Sullivan said.
The plan also includes two bus stops, extending White Course Drive and sitework. If the university board of trustees approves the project, it still needs final approval from PennDOT and the State College borough.
