Public Safety to propose new parking permit options

Public Safety Director Ken Vance is offering new ideas for student parking at Georgia College & State University.

Vance’s plan, proposed to the Student Government Association last Thursday, adds a Class D permit option of $66 for parking at Irwin St., West Campus and Intramural Fields. Class A Faculty parking of $120, Class B Premium Commuter and Class C Premium Resident, both $110 may also be offered.

“The fees change a little bit, but the base fee stays the same,” said Vance, “If you opt for a premium lot, it will cost you a little more. For those who don’t want the two premium options, we have a D permit.”

University Sen. Brandon Jackson brought the issue before the Senate, facing concern and skepticism from fellow senators.

University Sen. Sandra Green said that by keeping the base fee the same and simply adding the D permit, Public Safety’s intention avoid asking the Board of Regents for the extra money.

According to newly elected SGA President Sara Johnson, the proposal may be unfair to University residents.

“I personally don’t like the idea of residents living in Parkhurst or Foundation having to park on Irwin St., going out and having to walk back in the dark,” said Johnson. “Even if they put emergency call boxes up, I think that’s really far away for anybody to walk. I think it might increase crime, and it’s really something that should be closely examined.”

Vance said the new plan is not a radical departure from the current system.

“It’s just a little different from years past,” said Vance. “It’s really the same thing for commuters as it’s always been. Residents will be asked to pay more because they’ll be able to park, as they are now, close to their residence.”

Jackson explained to the Senate that, even though commuters use the lots less than residents and they will pay the same price, this will give commuters parking closer to campus.

Vance said the new proposal is necessary for two reasons: increased complaints by Milledgeville residents living near campus and the opportunity to get better use of lots, such as those at Centennial Center and Wilkinson St.

“People who live around the university have no place to park as well because students are parking in front of their houses or in their driveways,” said Vance. “Second, a lot of students are parking down at Centennial Center where we used to have problems getting them to park. Now that we have more parking availability, we are using that.”

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Mar 4 2005. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry