Mud on the Tires

In a recent conversation with ODU's Director of Parking & Transportation Mr. James Long the issue regarding lots 52/47 was discussed. Just a little background on the issue, lot 52 (and former lot 47) towards Elkhorn Ave, is a broken up concrete and muddy area that used to be lot 47, but since the widening of the 43rd street, the lot has turned into a "mud pit" of sorts, and students have decided to park there. I was informed by Mr. Long that the muddy that was formerly known as lot 47, is now owned by the City of Norfolk, in partnership with letting ODU students park there. Now regarding the muddy lot, Mr. Long has asked the city to either do as they intended (which was to lay down sod) or if possible make the "mud pit" a gravel lot, so that students can continue to park there without getting stuck, which has happened in some cases. Mr. Long also informed me that their was/and possibly still are plans in the works for the removal of lots 52, 47, 48, 54, and that the lots will be turned into affordable housing for city employees that basically make under a six figure salary. The developer that City of Norfolk was working with in this potential housing development fell through on the deal, due to a lack of financing for the project, but it is still a possibility Mr. Long informed me, if the developer gets financing through other outlets, this deal could still go through as planned. Hopefully the city, until a deal is set for a potential housing development, will lay down some gravel so that students can continue to park there in the future. Over the course of this semester I will continue to stay in contact with Mr. Long about this issue, and other issues that may arise in the future regarding commuters/parking on campus. For now, students can turn up their country music, and get a little "Mud on the Tires!"


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