F.G. Clark parking project faces delays

 
Officials said the Southern University F.G. Clark Activity Center parking lot project has been set back due to Hurricane Isaac among other delays.
Post Isaac, F.G. Clark is being utilized as a Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program site and construction companies will complete the project after DSNAP vacates the area.
Todd Herbert, project superintendent for D. Honore Construction LLC said the original completion dates were September 17 and 21 and the current completion date is being re-evaluated.
“September 17^th was the scheduled completion date for the project,” Herbert said.
Eli Guillory III, Executive director of facility service discussed the delay.
“If it is behind schedule, it is because of the inclement weather,” Guillory said.
Matt Tucker, project manager for D. Honore Construction LLC said the project was postponed at least seven days.
“The delay was caused because of Hurricane Isaac, which put us seven days behind,” Tucker said. 
He said the current disaster food stamp sites are continuing the delays.
Even though the DSNAP sites are currently causing a current small delay, Tucker mentioned an inspection.
“A diagraming meeting is supposed to go on today,” Tucker said, Thursday. 
He said the new anticipated completion date is Friday.
Tucker said the diagramming process is the last step in the method to complete the parking lot.
“We still need the architect to come out,” Tucker said.
He said the RV layout for paint and stripping is next to be completed.
Guillory described the original process of picking the company to begin the entire process.
“It went out for bids, and the contract was awarded to the lowest bonafide bidder,” Guillory said.
The bid was acquired by D. Honore Construction LLC.
Tucker said the project would exceed 700 thousand dollars from start to finish.
“The project cost is around $790,000 in entirety,” Tucker said.
Trolan Goffney, a junior, English education major said F.G. Clark’s parking lot renovation was needed.
“The new pavement is much needed,” Goffney said.
Goffney viewed the parking lot as a valuable project but shared concerns about problems on campus.
“The curb by the new recreational center needs new pavement as well,” Goffney said.
She said that the area is known to damage cars.
Alysia Delone, senior English major from Baton Rouge spoke highly of the effort to repave the parking lot.
“I am very excited to have somewhere to park without busting a tire,” Delone said. She said past student issues with parking were related to F.G. Clark’s parking lot and the mini-dome area.
Delone said other upgrades need to be done to better commuter parking areas.
“The gravel on the side of commuter parking needs re-pavement as well,” Delone said.
If work continues and the completion is on schedule, students can expect to park in renovated area during midterm week.