Proposal to establish parking hierarchy

GCSU students may return to a drastically different parking situation this fall if a new Parking and Transportation Proposal is approved by President Leland.

The proposal details plans to address chronic parking and transportation issues around campus. After taking into consideration recommendations made by Walker Parking Consultants, the Parking and Transportation Review Committee developed a strategy that includes developing a new permit structure for on-campus parking, improving on- campus transportation, and integrating on street parking into the university’s parking strategy, Committee Chair Kyle Cullars said in a forum held last Wednesday.

Parking on campus is a controversial issue and an ongoing problem for students like sophomore psychology major Helen Nichols, who is often forced to circle the downtown and campus area numerous times before finding a place to park.

“There are never enough spaces- I don’t like the parking situation,” Nichols said. “Next year I’m moving to within walking distance.”

The committee took the needs of students like Nichols into consideration when forming the proposal, allowing SGA representative Janessa Hartmann to serve as the student voice on the committee.

“At first, of course, the (student’s) reactions are negative- I don’t think anyone sees the idea of parking with a positive image.” Hartmann, a sophomore environmental science major, said. “After the explanation of the recommendations and everything like that, it seems like students definitely see an issue, they see a problem and they’re happy that we’re trying to fix it. So it’s more like they are glad that they have input. They’re glad that they can voice their concerns.”

According to the proposal, a new permit structure will be implemented to make better use of GCSU’s 4,048 parking spaces.

Four permit types: E, R, C and P will replace the current designation of A, B and C permits.

The new system gives priority to employees of the university. The”E” parking spaces are for employees only and are located closest to academic and office buildings. Employees will also have the option of a reserved parking space for $250 per year.

The “R” designation is for resident non-freshmen students and the permits are offered as a $40 upgrade from perimeter parking, which is included in the cost of tuition. R spaces are intended for students living in residence halls and will be protected by card- accessed gates to prevent non- residents from using residence hall parking.

A designation of “C” will be offered to commuter students (commuter students are defined as those who live off campus). Like R permits, C permits are a voluntary $40 upgrade from perimeter parking.

“P” parking permits designate perimeter parking. This is the only parking option for freshmen, and it is also available for anyone else who wishes to park for a lower cost.

In addition to the above permit types, an evening and night permit will be required for those parking on campus after regular business hours who do not have a daytime permit.

Also included in the proposal are plans to improve on-campus transportation. The proposal calls for reducing the maximum wait time for campus shuttles to 6-8 minutes. This involves acquiring additional shuttles and implementing a two-way radio system on a frequency dedicated to shuttle drivers. The proposal also includes a consideration for privatizing shuttle service should that prove to be most beneficial for the university.

One of the more controversial facets of the proposal involves the integration of on-street parking into the university’s parking plan. Parking spaces on streets and highways adjacent to the university campus will be incorporated into the new parking plan as E (employee) spaces and will not be available for use by students. Spaces on the opposite side of the street from university property will be unaffected by the plan.

The proposal also calls for the establishment of a Parking and Transportation Office that is separate from Public Safety. The new office will be a unit of Auxiliary Services. Also included in the proposal are provisions for loading and unloading zones, motorcycle parking, visitor parking and enforcement details.

Cullars, who is also the executive director of Auxiliary Services, said students should be prepared for significant changes when they return after summer break.

“I think the biggest difference (students) can expect (Fall Semester) is that lots that are not currently utilized will be utilized. Right now Irwin Street typically has about 10 spaces (used) in it. That’s not going to be the case next semester,” Cullars said. “I think something else they can expect better parking facilities that are more clearly marked as to what patrons are allowed to park there.”

For more information on the parking and transportation proposal, please visit http://info.gcsu.edu/parking.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Mar 31 2006. 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