An increased need for parking space on upper campus and a decrease in spots available have led the head of parking and transportation services to draw up a proposal for a new parking lot on upper campus.

“Over the course of the last several years things have evolved so we need additional parking,” Gary Bartlett said.

Chippewa Valley Technical College’s enrollment has increased over the years, and UW-Eau Claire may lose 168 spots it leases from the technical college because of that. CVTC is also constructing an additional building that will reduce the number of spaces it has available.

In addition to the decrease in spaces available, more students living on upper campus are requesting permits, Bartlett said.

Chancellor’s Hall has increased the number of students who live on campus, and the move of University Police’s base from lower campus to upper campus two years ago also caused a need for more spaces.

Bartlett also said there are not enough spots for off-campus students to park on upper campus when they go to Crest Wellness Center or Higherground.

About a month ago, Bartlett put together a proposal for a new lot that would be across from Governor’s Hall on what is now an open field. The lot would have a maximum of 68 spots, two-thirds for residents and one-third for faculty and staff. On Oct. 28, the United Hall Council voted in support of Bartlett’s proposal.

Lindsey Nelson, president of United Hall Council, said she supports the proposal because there is a need for additional parking. She said about 950 students apply for close to 550 spaces.

Oak Ridge Hall was the only hall in UHC that showed opposition to the lot.

Freshman Kacey White, who is on UHC and lives in Oak Ridge, said residents feel that having the green space available for recreation is more important than having adequate parking.

“I feel like it is a negative aspect that we are losing that green area,” Nelson said. “It attracts people and makes our campus attractive.

“But I think because of the sheer increase of students on campus and the need-base, (the parking lot) is a necessity.”

Vice Chancellor Andy Soll said the administration acknowledges the need for more spaces, but is also looking at reconstructing the road around the proposed parking lot.

Although some project construction will begin next summer, Soll said it will depend on what kind of decisions can be made and what kind of funding is available.