How Much Parking Does Eastern Really Have?

Mathew Biadun | News-Editor

Aside from perpetual complaints over Hurley Hall, no issue on campus has been more consistently controversial than parking. Concerns over both the availability of parking spots, and their location, have been persistent. The issue has only become more exaggerated since first-year students were allowed parking this year. The decision was made to facilitate further enrollment and to aide first-years: however, with a growing amount of drivers, and a limited amount of parking, its only caused frustrations to heighten.

To learn more information, the Campus Lantern reached out to the Public Safety department to gather parking data. Below are the number of parking spots available for commuters and residents at each location:

Knight House: 17

Shakespeare: 719

Cervantes: 699

South (Parents Park): 67

Shafer: 92

Laurel: 24

Library: 55

Noble: 91

Occum: 45

Winthrop: 17

Total: 1826

In terms of the number of students registered to park, there have been 303 commuter permits and 1119 resident permits issued, for a total of 1422.

The Campus Lantern expresses thanks to the Public Safety Department for the swiftly-provided information.

The parking figures are such that the positions of both students and the university administration are somewhat supported. For students, the fact that the parking garages - considered the most reliable form of parking on campus - have 1418 spots supports the common student sentiment that the garages are simply at capacity, especially during snowy weather when the roofs are closed. Though first-year parking was intended as a draw-in for new students, parking garages are unable to accommodate many more, meaning students will have to move to less reliable or convenient outer lots.

For the administration, the data supports what has always been begrudgingly known: that Eastern does have a sufficient capacity, but one which is not always convenient or easily accessible. Eastern does have enough parking for students, but some students will be required to go further from the campus' center, such as to the baseball fields.

It is important to note, however, that during severe weather events, when snow shuts down surface lots, inconveniences can turn into shortages. For example, slippery roads shutting down shuttle service can keep students from accessing the baseball parking, save for walking down the very roads designated too dangerous to drive on.

The Campus Lantern put out a survey on Fizz to gauge student opinion on parking. As of the writing of this article, 2205 students responded. The survey asked students to rank parking on a scale of one-to-five, with one being the worst and five being the best. The results are represented on the graphic below, with an additional 158 votes (7%) choosing 'No Thoughts/Results'.

What happens to parking remains to be seen. The Student Government Administration is expected to meet with members of the university's administration later this month to discuss the matter.

Transparency Note: The author Mathew Biadun does also serve as the Treasurer of the SGA.