Parking & Transportation Problems Continue

During the opening session of Speak to the Senate, where students are given the opportunity to voice their opinions to Student Government (SG), three students who live at Park Point (including third year Advertising Photography student Heather Martin, see “Students Rally at Park Point) spoke about parking issues. The following discussion continued and expanded upon the issues brought up last week. Director of Global Risk Management Services Business Operations Jon Maurer and Associate Director of Parking and Transportation Services Paula Benway were there to address the Senate regarding an issue which has become known as “the parking challenge.”

“The Comprehensive Parking and Transportation Strategy,” which is composed of three governing groups, was introduced in 2008,” said Maurer. “In late July, we made the decision to change parking on campus... Bear in mind that we only had the summer to take this into effect.” The parking challenge on campus is that there are three parts of “structured parking” which must be considered. It must be “convenient, inexpensive, and have enough spaces. As of right now we will have the benefit of only two of these factors, that being inexpensive and convenient, but not enough,” added Maurer.

Maurer continued, “We expected that we would have hundreds of extra parking spaces available. [However], we’ve seen over 1,000 additional parking permits on campus this year. If we had a major special event on campus now, we simply will not be able to accommodate everyone with parking. There isn’t enough parking to support RIT’s rapid growth. We’re going to be providing more bike paths, carpooling, and increased bus and shuttle routes. We also need a strong student voice about this issue. It will get better but it’s going to take time.”

Paula Benway added, “We will have additional buses for the time being...We will react and make the right decision.”

Acting President Matt Danna concluded saying, “I think that things weren’t communicated very well on campus. People from Park Point came here to get answers. SG will make every effort to respond to this.”

Housing Challenge Update

Student Government’s “Housing Challenge” was again discussed and revised. It is reported that RIT administrators are “very excited to participate.” The amount of time required for their stay was discussed. Instead of one week, the time span will most likely be two to three days, likely on a weekend. “I don’t think we should cut into their leisure time... Still, they should stay for enough time to eat at Gracie’s, staying for a few days to get the whole experience, said Acting Vice President Emily Hughes.

SAU Renovations to Start Soon

“The Student Alumni Union will begin its first phase of construction on the next few weeks,” said SG Adviser Dr. Heath. “The unofficial word is that things are progressing very quickly.”