Survey suggests parking shortages improbable

November 20, 2006 —

The University recently completed a biannual parking survey that indicates there is sufficient parking on campus for both commuters and residents.

University officials compiled the data by counting the number of available spaces in each lot at five different times of day over a two week, Monday through Thursday period. The results showed that, while parking is scarce in premium areas, there is ample parking in outlying lots.

"We wish there could be a parking place for each and every person right outside the building they wanted to enter at the moment they wanted to be there," said University President Eric R. Gilbertson. "However, we just can't [do that], nor can any other university."

Gilbertson also added that he believes there is a reasonable availability of parking spots on campus, a belief that seems to be supported by the data.

The survey shows there is ample parking for commuter students - particularly in lots E, J-1, and J-2, with hundreds of open spaces at most times of the day. Spaces in those lots, however, are further away than premium spaces in lots such as D and K, which are next to impossible to find spots in, according to the statistics.

The numbers also show that available resident parking can be more difficult to come by. While there are quite a few spaces available during the day, University Police Chief Ron Trepkowski admits that parking becomes much more of a challenge during the late evening hours as students return from class and work. He did add, however, that there are often a few open spaces in the Village West parking lot.

Trepkowski also said that if students cannot find a spot in any of the traditional resident lots, they may park in G-3, which is the visitor and overfill lot. If that is the case, he said students can contact the University Police if they do not feel comfortable making the longer walk at night.

Trepkowski also said the University is looking into changes for next year when seven additional Village units will make residential parking an even greater challenge. He said one of the ideas being discussed is partitioning off a portion of J-2 for residential parking, though he did add that could cause problems with limiting spots and create problems with snow plowing.

One solution rumored to have been discussed is that the University will begin ticketing residents who park in commuter lots during the day. Trepkowski said such a move has never been considered and that it would not be practical to patrol lots looking for cars with residential permits.

Trepkowski also added that he hopes one thing the survey will show is that the University takes parking very seriously.

"We do the best we can, but we're always open to suggestions," Trepkowski said. "As the campus continues to grow, there are more challenges for us.”