By Omar Frazier / The Jambar
Major improvements have made a busy campus entrance more welcoming for Youngstown State University students. Renovations on the M30 Parking Deck and adjoining pedestrian bridge connecting to Bliss Hall will soon be completed.
The deck finished the majority of its construction Aug. 25, with just a few spots on select floors still closed. The bridge is expected to open Sept. 2.
According to Daniel O’Connell, director of Support Services at YSU, the roughly $1.4 million combined cost focused on maintaining the garage and pedestrian bridge. O’Connell said $650,000 was allocated for parking deck renovations, while $760,000 was allotted toward the pedestrian bridge.
Parking Services conducts yearly maintenance to ensure the deck, built in 1978, and the bridge remain safe for the general public. With the deck’s age and other factors such as weather, salt and the number of cars that frequent the garage, O’Connell said the yearly maintenance projects are crucial.
To assist with its general upkeep, Parking Services hired contractors C.H. & D. Enterprises, Inc., based in New Stanton, Pennsylvania, and Buckeye Construction & Restoration, based in Wellston. C.H. & D. The contractors were selected through a bidding process by YSU’s Procurement Services.
The work included new concrete installed at the Wick Avenue entrance, new guardrails, sealing surfaces and other necessary improvements to ensure safety in the deck. O’Connell said the improvements are a part of a larger plan for creating a better campus, and more renovations will be taking place throughout 2025.
O’Connell also said funding comes from the efforts of Parking Services such as parking permits, violations, daily parking and lot rentals.
“Parking also supports the general fund at times. There’s many times at the end of the year that we’re able to put a few dollars from parking into the general fund, and that’s a good thing, obviously, for everybody involved,” O’Connell said.
