Parking needs are not met for students
Anthony Cesarini
Issue date: 6/6/08 Section: Ed-Op
So, what can Drexel do? The PPA's web site highlights the fact that they work with communities to regulate street parking. However, instead of Drexel looking to the PPA for ways to make parking easier for students, they instead recently stood by while the Powelton Village Civic Association voted to change parking rules so that it will become even harder for Drexel students to park.
Sure, the PVCA has the right to fight for what it feels benefits local residents. However, the PVCA does not represent all residents of Powelton Village. The opinions and needs of students are largely ignored. Sure, the PVCA has tried to make it appear that they care about students by maintaining a student representative, but the majority of decisions made regarding Drexel have been anti-student. Remember when they blocked the construction of the Race Street dormitory for weeks?
The reality of the situation is that students' right to park is being infringed upon by three entities. Drexel has the space but charges too much, the PVCA wants to keep the parking accessible for non-Drexel residents and the PPA loves to sit back and empty the pockets of Drexel students who have no choice but to park "too close" to a corner.
What can be done? With a little creativity, the nightmare of finding parking can become a bad memory.
Obviously, the easy Drexel fix would be for the University to lower the per-term parking fee and build more parking areas. Sure, this will cut back on the profits of Drexel Parking Services, but it will benefit students immensely.
The other option is for Drexel to work with the PVCA and the PPA to truly improve parking around Drexel's campus for all residents, both Drexel students and permanent residents. One solution would be for the PPA to issue student parking permits to those students living on or near campus and then make all residential streets near campus permit-only streets. This would allow students to park on the street outside their homes, but would require commuters to park in a Drexel lot or in metered spots. This would provide more parking for the permanent residents in the area as well, resulting in a win-win situation for residents.
Sure, the PVCA has the right to fight for what it feels benefits local residents. However, the PVCA does not represent all residents of Powelton Village. The opinions and needs of students are largely ignored. Sure, the PVCA has tried to make it appear that they care about students by maintaining a student representative, but the majority of decisions made regarding Drexel have been anti-student. Remember when they blocked the construction of the Race Street dormitory for weeks?
The reality of the situation is that students' right to park is being infringed upon by three entities. Drexel has the space but charges too much, the PVCA wants to keep the parking accessible for non-Drexel residents and the PPA loves to sit back and empty the pockets of Drexel students who have no choice but to park "too close" to a corner.
What can be done? With a little creativity, the nightmare of finding parking can become a bad memory.
Obviously, the easy Drexel fix would be for the University to lower the per-term parking fee and build more parking areas. Sure, this will cut back on the profits of Drexel Parking Services, but it will benefit students immensely.
The other option is for Drexel to work with the PVCA and the PPA to truly improve parking around Drexel's campus for all residents, both Drexel students and permanent residents. One solution would be for the PPA to issue student parking permits to those students living on or near campus and then make all residential streets near campus permit-only streets. This would allow students to park on the street outside their homes, but would require commuters to park in a Drexel lot or in metered spots. This would provide more parking for the permanent residents in the area as well, resulting in a win-win situation for residents.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
kagedmunky
Andy
posted 6/07/08 @ 2:21 PM EST
I agree with you in that Drexel makes parking unaffordable for college students. I mean we're college students for cryin out loud! We can't afford that!
Drexel claims that they're trying to encourage students to park on campus to give the residents of Powelton Village a place to park but in this case actions speak louder than words. (Continued…)
Melissa
posted 6/09/08 @ 1:03 PM EST
So, I know it is extremely expensive to park in the Drexel garage if you are a Drexel student. And I myself believe that with the ridiculous amount that we pay for tuition, that garage parking should not be as much as it is or at least a discount for students should be given. (Continued…)
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