Last week David Collins sent out a memo to faculty and staff explaining that the state’s economic situation has caused changes to the proposed parking plan.
The plan that was proposed for the year 2009-2010 was intended to cost at the most $300 for core campus parking, $200 for outlying parking and $80 for exterior parking. However, due to the economy, the governor has asked everyone to put off all capital projects for at least a year.
The anticipated fine arts building will be put off for an indefinite amount of time which means that the idea of a parking garage will be delayed also.
Therefore a new proposal has been made.
The new proposed parking fee is $80 for faculty/staff and $50 for students ($25 per semester).
The increased profit will go to making improvements to the shuttle system and a new parking office.
“The increase from $35 to $50 dollars is needed,” said Meagan England. “The increase will cover surfacing of parking lots that are desperately needed. The increase will also help to pay for a future parking garage.”
“I’m still not happy that it’s going up and students didn’t have a say in it,” said commuter student Valerie Hendrix, “but it’s a lot better than paying $300.”
Buc Ridge resident Scott Judson said, “I think the $50 parking pass is a better alternative to the $300 we were going to have to pay. Now even if you live in Buc Ridge you can drive to campus to go to meetings at night or the CPA to work out.”
“I’m glad that they are changing the fee to just $50,” said Caitlin Hill, freshman. “That is way more affordable and reasonable. I don’t like the idea of parking fee, but everyone has to realize that we are lucky this is just getting instated. UTK has had a ridiculous parking fee for years and no one thinks twice about paying it there. As long as it stays at a reasonable price I’m willing to pay for it.”
“I still think it’s ETSU trying to continue to steal money from us students,” said Gregg Searles, senior. “I’m barely making it by with tuition and other payments like dorm living and meal plans, and taking on another useless fee is just pointless.”
“Clearly something has to be done about current parking situation,” said Melissa Evans, senior. “I’m a resident of Davis Apartments and I was very upset that over half of our parking lot was lost to construction. I am glad that the university is assessing the situation. I was livid when I became aware of the $300 parking pass. I for one do not have parents paying for my education; the only way I can pay for my education is by borrowing money from the government. I am happy that the university has decided to lower the cost of parking. $50 is much more reasonable than $300, that’s for sure.”
“While we are certainly disappointed in the apparent delay of our proposed Fine Arts building,” said Collins, “we will use this time to develop a professional parking office and continue to improve parking services to our students, faculty and staff through improved management of our resources and using methods such as an improved shuttle system and stronger enforcement to reduce the parking issues that were identified in the consultant’s report.

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