One of the controversial topics in past school years has been the parking situation on campus.
School officials finalized an assigned parking plan that goes into effect as soon as the signs for the parking lots arrive.
According to Dean of Student Affairs Tom Taldo, the new parking lot near Tauy Jones, as well as the horseshoe lot in front of Fredrickson Chapel will be for staff, faculty and visitors from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. All other parking lots are for student use any time. In addition, parking is available at the First Christian Church on Cedar Street.
Taldo explained that recent concerns over parking resulted in the new policy. Safety was a chief concern with street parking changes near campus. As a result, the city eliminated some street parking, and some “no parking” areas near intersections were expanded.
“We are working with the city and local residents to help address concerns,” Taldo said.
The penalties for violating any of the parking rules have not yet been finalized, but Taldo said it would include tickets and possibly towing. Taldo acknowledged that the student body is growing and said there are tentative plans for more parking lots in the future.
“The parking plan is a work in progress, and as we grow, the university will be looking at adding additional parking lots as needed,” he said.
Taldo explained that figuring out parking is not easy and involves a lot of thought.
“People think that it ought to be a simple process, but there’s been a lot of time spent on trying to figure out what is the best parking policy going forward for Ottawa University,” he said.
Despite time and clarification of the rules, the controversy remains amongst students. Some students think the new parking plan does not benefit them.
“Off-campus students just really don’t have anywhere to park now,” senior Corey Smith said. “The parking lot’s already full at ten o’clock at night and then people arrive early for classes, so there’s nowhere to park.”
Other students, like senior Tyler Gadwood, can see potential benefits to the system.
“Although some people really don’t like parking plan, I think it will alleviate some of the parking congestion,” he said.