Much to the chagrin of students, the University will not provide free parking between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. at the Central Grounds Parking Garage as previously was anticipated.
Student Council thought free parking at the garage would come with the 24-hour Clemons Library program, which officially began last fall. But because University Parking and Transportation required funding to compensate for the revenue loss that would arise through the program, the initiative proved unfeasible.
"The deal was contingent on us getting funding," explained Sarah Jobe, a College representative and member of the Parking and Transportation committee.
Funding was denied, however, from organizations such as the Parents Program and the University Security and General Safety Committee because such groups did not view the issue as a relevant safety concern.
Also, the program would have needed permanent funding, and many officials believe the program does not affect enough students to warrant continual funding, said William Sowers, Council parking and transportation committee chairman.
Ronnie Mayhew, a student member of the University Security and General Safety Committee, presented the proposal to his committee on behalf of Council last semester.
The committee is comprised primarily of faculty members and a few student representatives whom Council appoints.
"Their determination was that it wasn't a valid enough safety concern to receive funding from our committee," Mayhew said.
Council's Parking and Transportation Committee now is evaluating alternative ideas for improving late night student parking options.
"With budget cuts and the current bad economy, I don't see free parking at the Newcomb garage in the foreseeable future," Sowers said.
Council will publicize alternative options for students. One possibility is allowing students to park in lots on Grounds that are restricted to authorized vehicles at all times.
"We will be using publicity options to let students know where they can park for free at night," Jobe said. Such options include leaving maps at Clemons Library and advertisements around Grounds.
Committee members also stressed that students may receive a 25 percent discount on parking if they pay with a Cavalier Advantage card.
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