Parking: the perennial problem.
As an urban university, Saint Louis University continually faces parking issues-cost, space, convenience-all of which have been concerns within that last two years.
In the spring of 1999, a new parking rate plan was implemented, raising costs over $100 per year. In addition, the plan created different classes of parking based on price.
That year, the Student Government Association declared “No Confidence” in the administration based on the parking increase and lack of shared governance. Protests resulted in more shared governance, but no change in parking rates.
In the fall of 1999, SGA discussed, on numerous occasions, the lack of available parking spaces. A result of this discussion was the creation of the Loyola lot on the corner of Laclede Ave. and Vandeventer Ave.-adding 120 spots to the west end of campus.
This year, the issue has become convenience-though the cost continues to rankle most drivers. Residents, especially at night, are having to park across campus in the Olive-Compton Garage.
“We have received some complaints on the availability of convenient spaces,” said Chris Regan, director of service operations.
“We continually watch the availability of space at peak times throughout the day and week and have always found a surplus of spaces this year,” Regan added.
According to figures provided by the Department of Parking and Card Services, a surplus of over 600 spaces is available at SLU-both the Health Sciences Center and the Frost Campus.
Regarding Frost Campus residential parking-no matter what, some residents will have to park in the Olive-Compton Garage. A total of 1,187 residential permits were issued; the combined resident (622) and general surface (523) lot spaces totals 1,145.
Not to mention that faculty, staff and commuter students can also park in the general surface lot spaces, increasing the probability that some residents will have to park in Olive-Compton Garage.
“The option we can give is the option we have-Olive-Compton Garage,” Regan explained.
Ann Benson, manager of Parking and Card Services, added, “This [time of year] is a real critical point. After this, a lot of the problems ease up.”
While it may be more convenient to build more lots closer to residence halls and apartments, the available property is limited.
Both Regan and Benson can make suggestions and recommendations for additional parking, but until space is available and approved by upper administration, nothing can be done.
“We’ve brought it to their attention that the situation needs to be looked at,” Benson said.
They were also optimistic that, over time, the population will shift on campus and that people will begin to realize Olive-Compton is not as far as they thought.
“There are patterns in all of this.. It takes a while for people to adjust to new spaces,” Regan said.
She pointed out that the lots on the east side of Vandeventer Avenue went several months before being utilized but are now full on a daily basis.
Regan encourages students who do not use their cars on regular basis to park in the Olive-Compton Garage, where it will be safe and protected from the elements.
Both are also quick to point out that many other universities refuse parking to freshmen, give parking on a lottery basis, or, the schools are much larger with parking much farther away.
