Last semester, the Le Moyne community — particularly the large commuter population — were relieved to hear of plans to build a new parking lot at Mitchell Hall. A proposed 60 spots were to be constructed to move faculty out of commuter-designated lots, leaving more spaces for students.

Unfortunately, after a debate with the City of Syracuse, that plan is no more.

According to campus architect Fouad Dietz, the Mitchell Hall lot would have been constructed on a residentially zoned plot of land.

“Any work there for the college other than residential must be submitted to the zoning board of appeals for approval,” Dietz stated.

In the draft of minutes from their April 25th meeting, The City of Syracuse Board of Zoning appeals questioned if the parking lot would “alter the essential character of the neighborhood.” While Dietz explained that a tree line would be planted to separate the lot from the surrounding neighborhood, board member Michael Cheslik cited concerns from local residents who were promised a tree line with other parking construction before Dietz’s time at Le Moyne, only for it not to be granted.

In the meeting minutes, it was stated that, “No members of the public spoke in favor of the area variance application. 4 members of the public spoke in opposition to the application.”

While Dietz attempted to assuage the public’s concerns by offering a traffic study and other solutions to potential disturbances, the board ultimately denied the appeal.

In the face of the decision, Le Moyne is looking at other options for additional parking, including adding a couple rows to Lot C. While it would not encompass 60 spaces as the Mitchell Lot would have, Dietz is looking for additional solutions that would help.

“My hope is that we find a way for commuters to have more parking spaces in C lot,” Dietz said. “It’s too bad the original plan didn’t work, but we can try to solve for it in a different way, we have to keep our eyes on the goal. There may be different ways of getting there.”