No parking zones

Students, faculty and staff at VWC are encountering many problems in finding a space on campus to park. The shortage of parking spots is a result of the current construction of new dorms in Village III.

“There are over 100 spaces we can’t use,” says Director of Campus Security Leo Therrien.

According to Therrien, all of the residents in Village III have lost their parking spots. Now those students have to park in “J” lot. The “J” lot was strictly a parking area for faculty and staff only, but now they do not have anywhere to park. They are experiencing the same problem as the student body. According to Therrien, this is why designated lots are necessary.
“It was a domino effect,” says Therrien.

However, although Therrien believes that this is an inconvenience, there are enough spots on campus to accommodate the students.

“People just need to help us get over this one semester,” he said.

Students have their opinions on the parking situation on campus.

“I’m late for class because I have to drive around and search for a non-existent parking space,” said commuter Julie Eppoliti.

Others complained that the spots were too far from their classes. For example, senior Kristen Cabido is an art major and has all of her classes in the fine arts building. She is also a commuter so she has to park in the Batten Center lot.

According to Therrien, this is what causes the problem. “There is this thinking here that everybody has to park right at the door in front of their classroom,” he states. “Why can’t you just walk there?”

Until Sept. 13, only warnings were given to those students that park in the wrong lot. After that time, a $50 fine was left on the cars of those in violation. Even though warnings do not come with a fine, the security office keeps track of how many a person receives.

“People have to stop challenging the parking situation,” Therrien says. “If they get multiple warnings, chances are they’re not going to comply with anything.”

According to Therrien the construction will be over by the end of this semester. “This is a one semester deal,” he says.

Others have their doubts and believe that it will take a lot longer than that.

According to Therrien, when the construction in Village III is finished, there will also be an addition of a larger parking lot to accommodate the students.

But for now, students will have to be flexible with the current parking situation.