Citrus expands again

From parking in the grass to playing bumper cars for a parking spot, Citrus campus students were limited with spots for their cars. Parking was at capacity, leaving some students stalking other students while they followed them to their cars.

The second week of January, CFCC students welcomed the latest addition to the Citrus campus. A new parking lot was built. It has 180 parking spots and is located next to the Citrus Learning and Conference Center.

CFCC’s Citrus campus reached a record enrollment thi

s spring of a total of 1,877 students, forcing the expansion of the parking lot.
“With the rapid enrollment growth on the Citrus Campus, the new lot was essential,” said Citrus Campus Provost and Vice President, Vernon Lawter.

According to a press release from CFCC, the partial reason for this rapid growth at Citrus is due to the new Learning and Conference Center. The relocation of the bookstore, financial aid, some classrooms and business offices adds to the need for more parking spaces.

CFCC made a commitment to sustainability, resulting in adding 12 reserved spots for Hybrid cars only. These spots are not for just any car. Security ensures that only Hybrid cars are parking in these spots.

“This seems to be the only issue that we have had since the new parking lot has opened,” said Security Officer, Theresa Bonello.

The new parking lot is not only for students.

“The lot was added to provide spaces for college guests attending events in the new conference center,” Lawter said. “As well as for the students who attend classes in the Citrus Learning and Conference Center.”

Citrus campus has also expanded the reserved handicap spaces and staff parking. CFCC realizes the need for more parking is a campus-wide need.

At this time, Citrus campus is not planning any further expansions on campus. However, Lawter did report that the new lot was part of plan for campus growth.

Even though 180 parking spots were added to the Citrus campus, not all students are finding spots to call home for the cars they drive.

“There was one ticket reported being written the first week the lot was open,” Bonello said. “One student still decided to park on the grass even though many parking spots were still available.”