After an ongoing discussion with the City of Hastings and its neighbors, Hastings College is pleased the Hastings City Council voted 7-0 to close one block of 9th Street between Elm Avenue and Ash Avenue, effective June 1, 2015. Following the closure, the College will transform the space into a pedestrian walkway and green space that Hastings College President Don Jackson ’70 hopes will become a gathering place for students and the community.
“An attractive center of campus is critically important to our success in attracting students and their families,” said Jackson. “Our future success and the College’s economic impact on the City of Hastings have been our main arguments for the street closure. The council’s unanimous vote is a vote of confidence for Hastings College and its vision, and we appreciate the support.”
According to Jackson, most students have to cross 9th Street several times a day since Hazelrigg Student Union, three classroom buildings and most of the music and athletic facilities are north of 9th Street.
“The creation of a pedestrian walkway unites a split campus,” he said.
Hastings College has addressed concerns about the 77 parking spaces lost through the closure. The current plans include creating 91 parking spaces, a net gain of 14 parking spaces. Modifications to implement the plans will begin soon.
