Chris Gregory
Guest Columnist
O
EVENING PARKING CHARGE! NO EVENING PARKING CHARGE! I hope that catches
your attention and at the same time makes you happy. The WVU parking office
has unveiled a new plan that is also up for comment until the end of the
semester. This plan is strikingly different from the old plan in several
ways.
First, the lots that are currently free all over campus will remain free. This was an issue that we in the Student Government Association fought very hard for, but we did not fight alone. I want to thank all of the other student organization presidents for organizing their groups to make the students’ voices heard on this issue. Also, several students made their opinions known on their own. Nearly 200 responses were sent to the parking office in just seven days. This really shows the power of the students when we take an issue on as a group. Also, several faculty, staff, and administrators joined with us to say that evening parking must remain free. I especially want to thank The Daily Athenaeum for all of their efforts to make the students aware of the plan.
Second, the long-term rates for students, faculty, and staff will rise at a rate that is half of the rate proposed earlier. While the rate will rise, it is still well below the costs to park off-campus.
With that said, there is also one part of the plan that I don’t like. The short-term lots will charge until 8:30 p.m., starting on March 1. They currently only charge until 7:00 p.m. While I don’t like the charge, I think that it is more equitable than charging for evening parking across campus. All of the other lots remain free, so if you don’t mind walking a few more feet, you won’t have to pay. For students that usually park in the Mountainlair but don’t want to pay, I encourage you to use the lots around the ’Lair.
Keep in mind, most of the money that is raised under this plan is paying for much needed renovations in the Mountainlair garage, and developing more short-term parking in the new Sunnyside lot. This lot is meant to provide more parking for students.
I feel that this plan is a step in the right direction and I hope that the student body will agree with me. This is still a plan that is out for comment. The plan should be made available on the MIX soon and I hope that everyone will take a look at it and send their comments to Parking@mail.wvu.edu.
Again, thank you for all of your support on the opposition of the last plan. We all worked together and made a positive change for the student body.
SGA President Chris Gregory can be reached at:
DAPerspectives@mail.wvu.edu.
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