Rise in Thefts Forces Closing Of Parking Lot

The old undergraduate parking lot on the corner of Western Avenue and Storrow Drive closed permanently yesterday because of growing vandalism and theft.

Robert J. Burns, manager of Facilities in the Office for Information Technology, said Monday that vandalism in the lot had increased recently, with reported car thefts averaging about four a week. "It's been getting worse day by day." Burns added.

Increased security in the lot had little effect in reducing vandalism, Burns said. "There's no way we could control it," he said, adding that the lot should have been closed after the Soldiers Field parking lot was built four years ago.

Joe B. Wyatt, vice president for administration, said yesterday that the University has no current plans to develop the lot in the future. He added that the administration considered building an addition to Soldiers Field Park, but present high interest rates make additional housing impossible.

The lot, which previously accommodated about 150 cars, shut down at 8 a.m. yesterday. Forty-two spaces in the lot will remain open for visitor parking for guests of Soldiers Field Park.