The topic of first-year parking at the University has sparked constant debate this fall, and last night, Student Council officially weighed in on the issue.
Council unanimously passed a resolution urging "the University to grant only students in their second year or beyond, special needs students, faculty and staff University parking permits, beginning in the 2003-2004 academic year," as stated in FR02-1, a Resolution Urging the University to Take Action on the Parking Shortfall.
This proposed abolition of first-year parking permits will not affect current first-year students.
Council does not have the power to implement the changes, but the administration often looks to Council to gauge the pulse of the student population.
"After we pass the resolution, it will be sent to Leonard Sandridge's [executive vice president and chief operating officer's] office, and his office will make the official decision soon," said Will Sowers, Parking and Transportation Committee Chairman.
In the resolution, Council further "urges the University to research and provide more efficient and effective transportation services throughout the University community."
An amendment to research ways to provide more parking near central Grounds failed after considerable debate.
Kevin Hanlon and Brandon Possin, Council representatives and parking and transportation committee members, sponsored the resolution.
"Looking at the parking shortage and new zoning permits, it was obvious something needed to be done," Hanlon said.
The committee has worked on this situation since last semester.
"We have been working on this particular resolution since late August," Sowers said.
In the spring semester of 2004, the University will face a shortage of 475 parking spots because of construction of the new basketball arena to replace University Hall.
On average, first-year students obtain a total of 550 University parking spaces in their second semester at the University.
"First years are the only group of students that are guaranteed to be on Grounds year after year," Hanlon said.
First-Year Council President Noah Sullivan, a non-voting member who sits on Council with verbal privileges, raised concerns such as "passing the buck" to students who do not yet attend the University.
"Many problems were brought up last night at the First-Year Council meeting," Sullivan said. "I think if the transportation system in this community is so good, then why would second, third and fourth years need parking permits?"
Council President Micah Schwartz took issue with Sullivan's statements.
"This was researched far more than you are giving it credit for," Schwartz said. "Don't speak against this simply for the sake of defending a class that is not here yet."
"The University is looking at who needs parking the least and that is first- year students," Schwartz added.
Many Council representatives expressed their support for Schwartz's statements.
"The numbers just fit," College Rep. Clayton Powers said.
Students not on Council agreed.
"There is already enough of a parking shortage in Charlottesville without the first years driving as well," second-year College student Catherine Berry said.
The resolution also suggests that having fewer cars in the University community will encourage the use of public transportation and alleviate overcrowded traffic.
Additionally, the University soon will have to deal with fewer spaces for faculty, staff and students who live off Grounds because of new Charlottesville parking permit zones.
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