Construction on the Multipurpose Student Center eliminated six disabled parking spots in Parking Lot 1, the lot closest to the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library. However, plans are in place for three disabled parking spots in a new specialized parking area adjacent to the new student center.
John Trecastelli, associate director of USFSP’s Facilities Planning & Construction, confirmed three disabled parking spots located off of Third Street South would be available in July 2012.
“The parking spots will be designated for disabled parking only,” Trescastelli said. The new spaces will also be closer than Lot 2 and there will be ramp access. There will also be an access road where the alley once was.
“We can’t put accessible parking in a construction area,” Trescastelli said about the loss of the six previous disabled parking spots. “It just isn’t safe and here at USFSP, students, staff and visitors’ safety is our top priority.”
Trescastelli said the university must comply with code and can’t put people at risk in an unsafe construction site.
Until construction on the specialized parking area is complete, accessing campus from the east side of Third Street South may still pose a challenge to students and visitors with mobility issues. A construction fence barricades a portion of the east side of the sidewalk and there is no designated ramp accessibility curb route to the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library.
Barry McDowell, assistant director of Volunteer & Disability Services, said he wondered if something might be done in the meantime to help students access that portion of the road.
“What are some solutions we can come up with until July 2012? Perhaps a temporary shuttle service that would operate three to four times a day, similar to Safe Ride, the [previous] Student Government-assisted golf cart shuttle service,” McDowell said.
McDowell said a temporary increase in the number of disabled parking spaces in Lot 2 might also be helpful.
USFSP Parking Services confirmed that students with both a disabled placard and a valid USFSP parking permit may park in any available parking space in Lot 2—the lot adjacent to the Tavern—during construction.
Construction on the Multipurpose Student Center is scheduled for completion by July 2012 and the building will be occupied in the fall.
