Brandi Bunch
Managing Editor
September 23, 2010
This semester, SE is adding three new parking lots to campus, increasing the the number of available parking by almost 375 spaces. According to Jon Clouse, director of campus safety, 374 parking spaces are being added with the addition of the three new parking lots on campus. In addition to the new lots by the Residence Halls and
the Visual and Performing Arts Center, Clouse said they are also currently working on the gravel lot by Bloomer Sullivan Gymnasium. “We’re hoping it will be open soon,” he said. Each of these lots adds a substantial amount of parking. The new lot by the Residence Halls adds 87 regular and five handicap parking spaces, and the new lot by the VPAC provides 169 spaces. The lot located on First and University will bring another 109 regular and five handicap
spaces. According to Clouse, parking is usually a bigger issue in the fall semester. “This first semester is always the toughest,” he said. Clouse says this is partly because enrollment is generally higher in the fall, but also because “it’s a learning experience for students.” Although the department used to allow a two-week grace period at the beginning of the semester, Clouse said they no longer do. “I think you set a bad trend that way,” he explained. Regular parking tickets are $25, while tickets for parking in handicap and fire zones cost $75. In addition to tickets, Clouse said they have had to use the wheel boot this semester. “And we’re getting ready to use
it some more probably,” he added. Clouse said they resort to the boot usually after someone has received five parking tickets. Removal of the boot costs $100, and this fee must be paid before the boot will be taken off. Clouse said they are hoping to get a digital ticketing system to help them track tickets more efficiently. The department received a grant, and this system is one of the approved expenditures, so according to Clouse, they are just waiting for the money to come in. They hope to have the equipment by the spring semester. One nice feature of the new ticketing equipment is that it is water resistant. “Our current ones just seem to soak up the water,” said Clouse.
