Poor timing for arts construction

Since UCF has trouble getting funding for construction projects, the last thing that should be going up are new buildings.

Construction taking place in the VAB lot and surrounding areas is hard to miss. During the spring and fall semesters, the student lots can be seen packed with cars. Now, the only things visible are construction vehicles and blue tarps with "Do Not Enter" signs.

What's all this for? The new Performing Arts Complex II, of course. And it's only in Phase 1 of the two construction phases.

With the opening scheduled for August 2010, the construction seems more like a burden than a needed addition to the UCF community.

The overcrowded parking lot gave students close proximity to Communications, VAB, Colburn Hall and the Burnett Honors College buildings. With the spaces gone, more students and faculty will be crowding into the already full garage spaces, especially Garage H.

Parking lot H4, a lot that holds primarily student vehicles, closed in May and will only partially reopen in June. The parking lot won't reopen fully until August 2010.

Although the closed areas consist of one student parking lot, the Performing Arts Complex II's construction is not the only one taking place.

The new Physical Sciences building has also altered parking areas. Some of the parking designations affected are those dedicated for people visiting Health Services. 

If parking lots are being blocked simultaneously, students will have to search even harder to find new areas to stalk their peers exiting parking spaces.

After it's completed, it has the potential to create cultural theater performances and classes, according to UCF News & Information.

Right now the inconvenience that comes with construction isn't necessary to expand one of the largest universities in the country.