Garage West Project

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope this document will answer the majority of questions you have regarding the closing of the “old” Upstate garage and the resulting parking reassignments.  We know how inconvenient this will be over the next 18 months and we regret it.  However, the old garage is no longer viable.  Portions of it, in fact, present safety issues.  While unsafe areas have been cordoned off, it is only a matter of time before the safety of the entire structure is compromised. And that means your safety as well.  Unfortunately, we are experiencing first hand how age and salt can undermine the integrity of a parking garage.

It is important that you understand that the timing of this project actually minimizes its inconvenience.  By starting demolition this May, we will be able to complete the project in November 08.  In other words, only one winter will be involved.  A later start will result in a second winter, which none of us wants.

Following are questions and answers that we hope will cover most situations.  Since this project affects many people uniquely, we anticipate many more questions will need answers.  Therefore, this should be considered a work in progress, with revisions being made periodically.  We will also provide updates on the parking website (www.upstate.edu/parking).  You may also call the parking office at 464-4801.  As soon as we have determined assignments, shuttle schedules and maps, we will post them throughout campus and on the website, and will send to those directly affected.

Again, we regret this disruption to your workday but hope you understand the urgency of the situation.  We are making every effort to keep the inconvenience to a minimum, and welcome your suggestions for making the situation more tolerable.

The following questions and answers reflect known concerns.  We will address others as they come up.

TIMING

1. When will the Garage West project start?
   The current schedule calls for demolition to start in the third week of May with some pre-demolition electrical work conducted in April. 
2. How long will the demolition and construction take?
   Demolition of the “old” garage and construction of Garage West is anticipated to take about 18 months.

CURRENT PARKING SITUATION

1. How many parking spaces are in the current garage and how much is it used?
   The “old” garage was built to hold 1,800 cars.  However, due to its current condition many spaces are now closed.  Approximately 2,000 employees – including doctors, nurses, researchers, direct patient care providers, and support staff as well as students and volunteers from all departments and shifts use the garage each day.

PARKING OPTIONS

Alternatives will be offered to help employees get to work.  They include discounted Centro Bus express service from designated Park ‘n Ride locations as well as discounted Centro monthly passes for travel throughout Centro’s service area or free parking and free expanded shuttle service from Alliance Stadium (located north of campus adjacent to the Regional Transportation Center and the Regional Market).  Additional assigned parking in the R, J, and I lots, and the new lot located on Syracuse Housing Authority (SHA) property at Burt and State Streets will also be available.

1. Where will the 12-hour shift employees park?
   Their assignments will be based on the relationship of their specific hours of work to the hours of operation of the particular lots.
2. Is there enough room in R lot to accommodate everyone assigned?
   Most will be reassigned in order to accommodate the use of that lot as an evening shift lot.
3. What happens if my shift is unexpectedly changed?
   Please contact your supervisor.  He or she will work with the Parking Office in order to make arrangements for you.
4. When will I receive another parking assignment and need to move out of the “old” garage?
   The Parking Office will begin contacting employees about other parking and transportation options by early April.  The garage will not be closed until a week or two before demolition begins in May.
5. Where will I park if I currently park in the “old” garage?
   Arrangements will be made for first- and second-shift employees to park off campus. Third-shift employees will park in Garage East. 
6. I live in Clark Tower and park in Garage East.  Will I be reassigned?
   Individuals who live in Clark Tower and currently park in Garage East will continue to park there.
7. Are you giving special consideration to certain employees or is everyone being treated equally?
   There are a number of factors that are being considered in the assignment of employees to the lots available.  These factors include work hours or shifts, employment responsibilities, and date of hire. 

SHUTTLE INFO

1. How often will the Alliance Stadium shuttle run?
   The Alliance Stadium shuttle will run approximately every five to seven minutes between 5:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.  There will be van service every half hour from 6 to 8 p.m. which will also serve UHCC.  Shuttle service will be available about every 30 minutes between the Alliance Stadium lot and SUNY Upstate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Estimated travel time from Alliance Stadium is 10 to 15 minutes; however, this may be longer during rush hour.  In most cases, employees should anticipate a longer commute during the 18-month duration of the Garage West project.
2. How often will the shuttle serve the R, J, I and SHA lots?
            It is anticipated that service will run during rush times every 5-7 minutes and midday and evening every 10-15 minutes.  More detail will be forthcoming.
3. If I choose to use the Centro express service from designated Park ‘n Ride locations, do I have to use that every day?
   No.  You may choose to use the Alliance Stadium parking one day and the Park ‘n Ride option on another.  Park ‘n Ride information will be distributed to employees and students in April and is always available at the Upstate Parking Office.
4. What about situations where I need to leave work during the middle of the day?
   Shuttle service will run about every 30 minutes between the Alliance Stadium lot and the SUNY Upstate campus from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
5. What happens if I miss the last shuttle to Alliance Stadium or any other outlying parking lot because I need to stay at work?
   Rides to outlying parking lots will be offered after 6 p.m. by University Police.  You may contact them at 464-4000.
6. If I use one of the options like Park ‘n Ride, does this mean that when the Garage West project is over I will be required to continue to use Centro?  I would like to resume parking on the SUNY Upstate campus when Garage West is completed.
   Choosing to use Centro bus services or any other short-term alternative for parking during the project period does not preclude you from parking on the SUNY Upstate campus in the future.
7. When will we know more specifics about the Alliance Stadium parking plans, shuttle schedules, and Centro Park ‘n Ride express and regular services?
   The overall plan is still in development and contingent upon finalization of a number of contracts.  Plans will continue to be developed as we approach the scheduled construction dates. Information sessions will be held (including several by Centro representatives) and materials on the parking and transportation options will be available on the Web.  Ongoing announcements will be made through SUNY Upstate Announcements and in the Upstate Update.

CHILD CARE

1. If I use the Child Care Center programs on campus, will I be able to drop my child off there, or do I bring my child on the shuttle bus with me?
   Deciding the best way to get your child to and from the Child Care Center will be a personal decision, but you are welcome to bring your child on the shuttle service.

SECURITY

1. Will there be security personnel at the outlying lots?
   Security will be in place at all parking lots.

COST

1. How much will this alternative parking arrangement cost me?
   The Alliance Stadium parking and shuttle service are free.  Centro Bus Monthly passes for the Park ‘n Ride express service as well as the standard service will be available to SUNY Upstate employees, students, and volunteers at a reduced rates that are still being negotiated.  Parking fees at R, J, and I, and SHA lots will be based on existing rates.  Please note that parking rates for Garage East will increase to $14 per day.
2. So I won’t be charged anything for parking at Alliance Stadium and taking the shuttle to SUNY Upstate?
   That is correct.   There is no charge for parking at Alliance Stadium and for use of the shuttle service. 

OTHER PARKING OPTIONS

1. Are there any other parking options nearby or downtown?
   There are a number of parking lots and garages throughout the downtown area but they don’t tend to have many open spots.  You can explore other options on your own, including carpooling with other employees.
2. Are there any more spaces available at Garage East, for example, now that winter is over, is there parking available on the roof?
   There are a few more spaces available; however, these will be used to accommodate the parking needs outlined above and, of course, to serve patients and visitors.

FUTURE GARAGE PARKING

1. How many spaces will be in the new garage?
   The new garage will hold between 1,400 and 1,500 cars.  That number is limited due to city and county code regulations and outside agency approvals.  We are not able to build a bigger garage on that location.
2. Can I get on the Garage East waiting list?
   There are already over 400 names on the Garage East waiting list; therefore, the Parking Office is no longer accepting new names.
3. When Garage West is completed will there be enough parking spaces for everyone?
   We hope to provide parking for most of the current parking space holders, but it’s not likely we can accommodate everyone.  For a campus that is constrained by space limitations, parking will continue to be a challenge.  We are working to come up with as many viable parking solutions as possible for all SUNY Upstate personnel.

CONTACT INFO/QUESTIONS           

The Parking Office is available to answer your questions.  You can call the office at 464-4801 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. or send your question via email to parking@upstate.edu .