Midwestern University’s plans to expand its on-campus parking deck and build a second parking deck were reviewed by Downers Grove village officials June 1. The village council is expected to revisit a request for a variation to allow the construction this week.

The proposed expansion would add 996 parking spaces. Currently, the three-level deck on the Downers Grove campus at 555 31st Street can accommodate 993 vehicles. The plan, which includes adding two levels to the existing deck and building a new, five-level deck, would roughly double parking capacity, said Tom Dabareiner, the village’s community development director.

Midwestern University President Kathleen Goeppinger told the council that with the recent addition of a new science building and the introduction of a new dental school on campus, parking needs are increasing.

“The university it going to continue to grow,” she said. Currently, she said, the campus serves 2,100 to 2,200 students who spend at least part of each academic year on campus.

She added that parking is needed not only for students and faculty, but for frequent visitors.

The village’s Plan Commission voted to recommend that the council approve the plans.

Commissioner Marilyn Schnell said she is concerned about the scope of the project.

“We really need to have a better understanding of what your growth plans are, particularly over the next 5 or 10 years,” Schnell said. “In all the years I’ve served on the council, I’ve never seen a 28 percent variation involved or approved. A 28 percent variation is huge.”

Schnell’s suggestion that the university file a planned unit development showing long-range plans was echoed by Commissioner Bruce Beckman and Commissoner William Waldack.

Mayor Ron Sandack said he backs the university’s plan.

“There aren’t a lot of options on that space,” said Mayor Ron Sandack. “I think this, from start to finish, has been a good use. I think you’ve done a lot with little.”