There are about 15,000 parking spaces on Grounds, but students think there still are not enough.
Students discussed parking problems and other concerns with administrators and community leaders at yesterday's Parking and Transportation Forum.
Several panelists told students it is difficult to raise money to build more parking areas because the state does not provide funds to do so. Most of Parking and Transportation's revenue comes from parking permit sales, so permit fees would have to increase in order to fund large projects, said Richard A. Kovatch, assistant vice president for business operations.
Students also voiced concerns about pedestrian safety on main roads such as Jefferson Park Avenue.
Charlottesville Mayor Virginia Daughterty, who served as a panelist, said the city and the University are working together to install stoplights, improve lighting and widen sidewalks around Grounds.
Parking and Transportation Director Albert Whalley said many pedestrian and biking problems around the University will be solved with the Grounds Walk project, a proposed path that will allow students to travel from Alderman Road to Rugby Road and North Grounds without crossing a major road.
Leonard Sandridge, executive vice president and chief operating officer, said Grounds Walk "will make it easier to move around Grounds on foot or on bicycle."
The first phase of the project will begin in a year, Sandridge said.
Student Council's Housing, Parking and Transportation Committee sponsored the forum. Committee chairman Justin Pfeiffer said the forum facilitated important dialogue between students and community leaders.
Other panelists included Colette Sheehy, vice president for management and budget, Rebecca White, Parking and Transportation assistant director, and University Architect Samuel "Pete" Anderson III.
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