Parking Lots Near Charles Are Possible

The construction of parking lots on both banks of the Charles River may be a solution to the University's parking problems, an official of the Metropolitan District Commission which owns the property, asserted yesterday.

Edward Z. Barry, executive assistant to the commission, admitted that M.D.C. "might" allow parking lots to be built there, if the suggestion were presented in writing to the Commissioner. The idea has never been suggested, Barry remarked, and he felt that the Commission would "appreciate" a preliminary survey made of the Charles banks.

The possible sites include the grassy area along the river in front of Houses and the Business School.

In regard to the parking problem itself, Charles W. Greenough, commissioner of the M.D.C., said that the commission could not make a detailed study unless it were asked to do so by the University. He remarked that the M.D.C. would be glad to discuss the question with the Administration if it were asked to.

Greenough doubted that the public would look with favor on the suggestion to build parking lots on the riverbank, since the land was used extensively for recreational purposes and was given to the M.D.C. for that use. The commissioner felt that he was unable to "say yes or no" to the proposition, but felt that the commission itself would not favor the removal of that recreational property.

This feeling was echoed by Barry, who foresaw "unfavorable" public reaction if the plan should be adopted. Benjamin Fink, chief park engineer, thought that students themselves would complain if the riverbank were to be made into a parking lot, and considered the idea neither possible nor feasible.