2008 Woodie Awards
::Editorial::
Better known as Nields Street Garage
Issue date: 4/16/07 Section: Op-Ed
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In a small, packed classroom on the second floor of the new School of Music and Performing Arts Center (SOMPAC) there was a thorough presentation of the proposed municipal garage planned for the corner of West Nields and New Street. There is more garage on the West Nields Street side than the New street side but the current plan shows the entrance and exit on the New street side. Hence, it is referred to as the New Street Garage.
Five years ago, the Borough of West Chester modified the zoning for the current parking area served by West Chester University. The area has always served as a parking lot as an exceptional use allowed under zoning. West Chester University has maintained the property in good condition with proper markings to indicate areas for parking, adequate lighting, maintenance and routine security surveillance with an emergency contact immediat adjacent. Within nine months to a year, there will be a parking garage.
During the meeting, this fact was not disputed, though several people asked not to have one at all. There were residents who welcomed the new construction. During the construction, the Borough of West Chester will own the garage and receive the proceeds as long as there is debt on the building. From the current 180 spaces, there will be 497 spaces for parking with the garage. Approximately 320 additional parking spaces will be open to students and the general public. After very detailed descriptions and plans, there appeared to be more consoled souls regarding the plan.
The University is developing an attractive building in concert to the surrounding residential community. There will be a sidewalk along the street to aid pedestrian safety. No parking will be allowed on the street next to the garage. Residents made some very complimentary remarks on how the considerations made by the university will improve the area. It is far better there is a conscientious landlord who shares a positive vision for the community rather than an absentee landlord. "We are fortunate the area is becoming a world class community. This will improve the value of the properties. The region is not in decay.
Five years ago, the Borough of West Chester modified the zoning for the current parking area served by West Chester University. The area has always served as a parking lot as an exceptional use allowed under zoning. West Chester University has maintained the property in good condition with proper markings to indicate areas for parking, adequate lighting, maintenance and routine security surveillance with an emergency contact immediat adjacent. Within nine months to a year, there will be a parking garage.
During the meeting, this fact was not disputed, though several people asked not to have one at all. There were residents who welcomed the new construction. During the construction, the Borough of West Chester will own the garage and receive the proceeds as long as there is debt on the building. From the current 180 spaces, there will be 497 spaces for parking with the garage. Approximately 320 additional parking spaces will be open to students and the general public. After very detailed descriptions and plans, there appeared to be more consoled souls regarding the plan.
The University is developing an attractive building in concert to the surrounding residential community. There will be a sidewalk along the street to aid pedestrian safety. No parking will be allowed on the street next to the garage. Residents made some very complimentary remarks on how the considerations made by the university will improve the area. It is far better there is a conscientious landlord who shares a positive vision for the community rather than an absentee landlord. "We are fortunate the area is becoming a world class community. This will improve the value of the properties. The region is not in decay.
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David
posted 4/20/07 @ 2:21 PM EST
The comment on the quality of the maintenance of the grounds is misleading. There are several instances where the concrete parking berms have been malaligned. (Continued…)
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