Parking permit increase could follow development of public/private partnership, garage

The cost of parking could rise for fall.

The Buildings, Grounds and Sites Selection Committee is proposing to increase the fees for parking permits at 5:30 p.m. today in Room 101 of Killen Center, 201 W. Sheridan.

The main topic of discussion for the Alamo Colleges board committee is the development of a public/private partnership agreement between this college and the Tobin Hill Historic District.

Trustees approved hiring Jan. 25, 2011, the development firm Balfour Beatty Capital of Newtown Square, Penn., to lead the public/private partnership.

The plan is to build a 1,000-space parking garage; a four-story, 150-unit residential development at the northwest corner of North Main Avenue and East Laurel Street; and 63 residential units in a third building at Evergreen Street and Main.

The firm also suggested a 100,000-square foot academic facility at West Park Avenue and Main for classrooms or offices.

John Strybos, associate vice chancellor
 of facilities operation
 and construction management,said today the meeting was called because trustees needed an update on the private/public partnership.

“We haven’t had any real work, and now we have real work,” he said.

Financing of the parking garage could come from an increase in parking permits, he said.

According to the parking permit review provided in the agenda packet, the potential increase in parking permits includes a recommendation to develop a “garage only” permit for reserved or guaranteed parking in a designated garage.

Strybos said he does not know how such a plan would work.

“We have to work through those details,” he said.

Tim Rockey, dean of continuing education, who oversees parking at this college, said he did not have part in the conversation about an increase in the cost of parking permits.

“It doesn’t surprise me since our rates are so much less than other colleges,” he said.

For more information about the board committee, call board liaison Sandra Mora at 210-485-0030.