The State College Parking Authority, in its latest attempt to relieve parking shortages, has authorized further study of developing the lot on McAllister Street into a multi-level structure.

This decision appears to thwart efforts toward expanding the Garner Street parking lot which was deemed the most feasible downtown parking area for expansion in an earlier study.

Merle Simpson, a representative of Walker Parking Consultants hired by the authority, presented the board Wednesday with two possible schemes for adding more spaces to the McAllister Street location.

The first scenario consists of adding a second level to the lot, which would operate independently from the first floor and will not connect. This will necessitate two separate McAllister Street entrances, Simpson said. An autonomous third level could also be added in the future, he added.

"It's a good economical solution, but you still have the same problems as all other garages," he said, explaining that security and maintenance are needed for such a facility.

In effect, this proposal would double the amount of parking spaces in the lot, said Borough Parking Manager Ed Holmes. If a third level is also built, a total of 270 parking spaces would be available. With building estimates of $6,500 per space, the project could cost the borough $1.2 million, Holmes said.

Another alternative would be to build a higher structure on the property that consists of three or more floors connected by ramps, Simpson said. This option would be more efficient since only one entrance and exit would be needed and drivers could easily circulate to find spaces, he said. However, the building would be less roomy and more cashier lanes would be necessary to accommodate two-way traffic, he said.

Holmes explained the second option would be about $500 more expensive per space, however the structure could continue to provide a larger number of new spaces because the borough could continually add more levels, each providing for 94 more vehicles.

Although his firm could not recommend which option the borough should undertake, Simpson suggested building as high as possible and then expanding horizontally.

Borough Manager Peter Marshall also found merits in the second plan. For about an 8 percent difference in cost, he said, drivers will get the convenience of looking on all levels for a space. The number of new spots offered in this scheme is in line with need projections, he said.

Authority Chairman James Rayback said the choice of which McAllister plan to enact depends on how many cars the borough wants to park there now, and if it ever wants to expand the facility in the future.

The adoption of either proposal endangers the borough's possible plans for the Garner Street lot. The authority has delayed further decision on a Garner Street expansion until it receives a viability and cost appraisal of the project.

Marshall recommended Walker conduct a further study on the McAllister Street proposal, and said, "I don't think the (Garner) appraisal is going to make a difference . . . (or) help us make a decision."

He explained that under current budgeted financing plans, the borough cannot afford to expand both the Garner and McAllister street lots.

Holmes said additional factors complicate development of the Garner Street lot. Since the land is privately owned, he said, the borough will have to consider either purchasing the area or discussing air-rights -- ownership of levels above the ground. Simpson said he would return with a more detailed report of the McAllister Street projects in a few weeks.