LETTER: Parking is not really all that bad
To the editor:
This morning at 10 a.m. as I parked in a virtually empty blue parking lot in the southeast corner of campus, I couldn’t help not think about Paul Christiansen’s March 27 article “Parking worsens but officials shrug concerns.” Since Paul Christiansen was given almost half a page to complain, I’d like to respond.
This author states, “When school started in August, I allotted myself a 30-minute time frame to secure a parking spot before a class was scheduled to begin. As fall semester moved forward, I found I had to set aside more and more time. By December I had to arrive to campus at least 75 minutes before my classes were to begin.” He also desires notification of events.
The author failed to present all the facts like what time of day, alternatives researched located outside the geographic center of campus and bus/shuttle services available. Nowhere did he recommend solutions other than asking for notifications of events, which are posted on the USU calendar. Furthermore, his claim that he must arrive 75 minutes early is a ridiculous. Even walking at a slow pace from the yellow parking lot furthest north on campus to building on the south of campus, it doesn’t take 75 minutes to walk that distance.
It looks to me like this is whining because the parking lots closest to where he studies and/or works are full and he doesn’t want to look for other parking or use alternatives. Additionally, he knows people will listen because so many think they should be able to park next to where they study or work vs. walk – or, heaven forbid, ride the Aggie Shuttle.
Although not my parking lot of choice, I use this blue lot regularly when others are full. I have only seen this lot full once the entire school year. That one time, I was able to park after about five minutes of waiting. The walk to class is about 15 minutes, but heck, exercise is good.
Compared to where I did my undergrad and places I’ve worked, USU’s parking officials have done wonders to ensure there is ample parking or alternatives to ensure that students can get to class on time. I appreciate their efforts.
Mr. Christiansen, you are majoring in print journalism. When you graduate and start working outside USU, please present the facts, present solutions, don’t exaggerate and don’t whine.
– Mike Steele