The Des Moines City Council unanimously approved on June 22 a permit that allows Highline Community College to take the next step in rebuilding the Marine Science and Technology Center (MaST).

But council members also expressed concerns about parking at Redondo that could arise with the new center.

Councilwoman Susan White was absent.

The college wants to tear down the existing MaST center and build a new facility complete with an aquarium, new equipment and a classroom.

HCC's request for a Shoreline Conditional Substantial Development Permit for the center originally came before the city council last November. Citing a need for more information about parking at the center, lawmakers delayed their approval.

After Mayor Bob Sheckler made the motion to approve the permit last week, some members of the council voiced their continued concerns over parking.

"It's a new construction project that needs to meet code," said Mayor Pro Tem Scott Thomason. "Even if it's a tear down and rebuild."

With the attraction of a new facility at Redondo Beach, council members are concerned that will bring more people there, which would cause parking problems.

"We're giving special consideration because we felt it's a special amenity to the city," said Councilmember Dan Sherman. "I'm not happy about it."

But passage of this permit doesn't mean the parking concerns will go away. College officials still need to address the issue of parking when HCC applies for a building permit.

"It has taken longer than we hoped to get this initial resolution passed," said Ivan Gorne, vice president of Student Services at Highline Community College.

Now the city will put together a report on the MaST Center and send it to the state Department of Ecology. After a hearing, a Shoreline Management Permit may be issued.

Once that permit is issued, college officials will work with the city on a building permit.