Campus Center Garage - Update

2/17/2023

Dear Members, 

We write to update you on the Campus Center garage closure. 

The campus community was informed of the fire protection system issue and subsequent closure in a February 5th email from Kathleen Kirleis.

On February 13th the FSU replied to her seeking an update on when the garage will re-open. We also sought, if the closing is to be extended, assistance for those who have HP placards and even those who arrive before sunrise. 

The reply stated that, ‘Much work has been completed. The remaining parts needed to complete the rest of the repairs are being found and purchased for installation. As soon as there is an exact date for the reopening, it will be conveyed to the campus community.’ 

Faculty with HP Placards or HP License Plates 

The inability to easily access the campus core is being felt by our colleagues with HP placards. 

We did ask for short term parking adjacent to the Campus Center where the user registers their placard with Parking and Transportation and provides a date and time of when they need parking.  We did not receive a response.  

The West Garage HP designated spaces are primarily on the first floor with some on the second and third floors near the elevators.  Parking and Transportation has indicated that when they do a check on parking space usage and find that there are ADA (aka HP) spaces available at midday.   

There is a direct shuttle service from the West Garage to the Campus Center beginning at 7AM.  

Early bird arrivals 

We know many 8AM faculty arrive before the sun rises and park in the Campus Center. We raised safety concerns on walking from Lot D and the West Garage in the dark and a very deserted campus. (resident hall students tell me of coyotes, too.) 

The response was to have anyone feeling uncomfortable to contact the 24/7 escort service provided by Public Safety. You may call 617-287-7780 to schedule an escort. https://www.umb.edu/police/department_services/safety_escorts 

If you have issues or concerns, please reach out to Transportation Services at transdm@umb.edu or 617-287-5041 to discuss further.

Sincerely,  

Caroline Coscia                                 Jeff Melnick  

FSU President                                   FSU Vice President  

Senior Lecturer II                              Professor  

Political Science Department         American Studies Department