As Saint Louis University students continue fall registration, parking complaints are beginning to receive more attention.
In its April 4 meeting, a bill on parking grievances and possible solutions was brought to the attention of the Student Government Association. The bill expressed the student body’s concerns for the quality and availability of general parking.
“The bill brings us closer to equal treatment of both residents and commuters,” said co-sponsor Rich Bergin, undergraduate commuter senator. “It will make the parking situation a little bit easier.”
Proposed ideas include re-designating all exclusively residential parking to general parking. A modification in price would be a compromised cost between commuter and resident general parking, in addition to other proposals.
The University owns vacant property, which could also be used to help eliminate parking complaints.
“I had problems parking close to my classes as a commuter last year,” said junior resident Carla Jokerst. “As a resident, there is still a shortage of parking close to my dorm.”
“It’s really difficult to find a spot behind Marchetti Towers, especially at night,” said Marchetti resident Tamara Nassar. “I hope any changes won’t make it even more difficult for residents.”
In addition to SLU’s general parking in the Olive Compton Garage, employees of A.G. Edwards are also using the facility until their new garage is finished.
“We will be allowing them to continue to park there until their garage is completed,” said Chris Regan, director of service operations. “Their garage should be completed this spring.”
The bill passed unanimously. A request was made to the University Parking and Card Advisory Board for immediate action with the proposed suggestions. A preliminary report was requested to the Senate by April 25.
“I believe the contents of the resolution will need to be under review,” Regan said. “We will make every attempt to have a response by the time indicated.
“A number of suggestions for recommendation have been submitted and are currently under review by the parking planning advisory committee,” Regan continued. “A decision on parking should be made soon; it could be this spring or summer.”
