Parking Disasters on and off-campus

Parking has always been an issue at Plymouth State University. This week, The Clock ran an article about the plight of commuter parking. The parking issue is far greater than that of commuter parking. The PSU campus is not "parking friendly." 

Take for example off campus parking. Some landlords restrict parking spaces, i.e. four tenants live in an apartment, but only two parking permits are allocated for the entire apartment. Practically speaking, in most cases, this deprives many students of ample parking.  This raises quite the issue: We are young adults, why are we unable to find adequate parking?

Yes, we know that this particular question is one that should be taken up with specific landlords. But we are students too.This is where PSU's parking ordinances become problematic. Off campus students spend tuition dollars to attend this institution, shouldn't we receive at least some of the benefit? Our parking lots are maintained by physical plant and patrolled by the University Police. We pay for both of these programs as students at this University.  

Have you seen the on campus parking lots? Open parking spots are not sparse. In fact, on a recent Mon. night, spots in lot 704 were positively bountiful. We understand that sales of Residential North permits were restricted until Oct. 4. This means that lot 704 will most likely be pretty full in two weeks.  Consequently, once Res. North parking permits sales reopen, the parking lots across the river will thin out. 

We know parking at PSU has always been an issue. Three years ago, lot 603 was a dirt pit, complete with gaping holes. The lot was ill maintained in the winter. It was every car owner's nightmare. Still, there was shuttle service too and from campus. But for all of it's shortcomings, the lot provided ample parking. 

Now lot 603 is in better shape. It's paved, it has adequate lighting and it is in much better shape. But it still remains a restricted lot. PSU has admitted a lot more students in the past few years, but why are these students getting better parking benefits than older students. Juniors and Seniors are the ones who paid the initial construction costs, but many are not able to reap on of the best benefits of the ALLWELL Center: safe and convenient parking. 

Juniors and seniors are not required to live off campus, but many chose to do so. Off campus students need not purchase a meal plan, or have room and board costs associated with the institution, but our parking lots are not paid for with these funds. We understand that there may not necessarily be room on campus at this time to accommodate students who live off campus, but more should be done to help them out. These student's tuition dollars pay for the upkeep of these parking lots. They should be able to reap some benefits. It isn't right that the higher echelon of PSU students are snubbed in their senior years. 

So in the mean time, commuter students will continue to circle the parking lots and off campus students will park illegally. Maybe some day they will be considered regarding parking issues. 

-The Clock Staff