Fewer Parking Spots

Photo by: Ada Castro Madrid

Approximately a month ago, the newly opened Starbucks on campus took three parking spots from students in front of the dinning center. It is not a surprise that students are complaining about the parking spot decisions Ottawa University is making lately.  

During winter times, when it is cold and rainy, is when people need good parking spots the most. Starbucks took the three closest parking spots near the Hetrick Dining Center and students do not seem to be happy about it.  

The main complaint among OU students is that we are paying for a parking pass that lasts a year or otherwise OU security will give you a ticket. From my point of view it is not ok, but here is what faculty, staff and students have to say about the situation.  

Junior Hunter Collins is very opinionated about this issue. “I understand what they are doing from a business aspect to try and get people form the community to come in, but I think it is unfair that they take these parking spots,” Collins said. He is not pleased with this decision because students already paid for these spots.  

Collins thinks that the reason Starbucks is here is because students paid for it. “We already had a parking problem, it is unfair that they are using the facilities that we paid for,” he said.  

Junior Jacob Martin also gave us his opinion. “Honestly, I don’t think it is a big deal. It helps the community to be involved in Ottawa University,” Martin said. “Three parking spots are not a big deal… people can walk, this is not a big campus.”  

Senior Justin Leitner also had something to say about the parking issue. “Students are already parking on the streets… plus no one comes to the Starbucks and parks there, so why taking three of the most used parking spots on campus?” Leitner said.  

It appears that our OU students have very strong opinions. Please tell us what you think via Twitter using the hashtag #OUStarbucksParking and let your voice be heard!