Garage parking needs to be re-examined

Editor:

I have been moved to address the issue of parking, its affordability and access before, but was shocked to return after my fall sabbatical to find fully one third of the Park Avenue Garage had been blocked off from use by the faculty, staff and students w ho have paid the fee of $260, one which represents a 75 percent increase over two years.

I implore you to revisit your decision. You have only to visit the garage during prime school hours and you will witness that fully two thirds of the spaces you have earmarked for public use are empty. It is a source of tremendous frustration to see hundr eds of empty places while we who try and work here at the university must hunt and have no chance of covered parking if one arrives after 8 a.m.

I am sure that your argument will be that of the bottom line - making more money. We've been told these places are being reserved for the occasional seminar, but these sporadic events could easily be taken care of without denying the daily parking privil eges. Let me suggest that a more efficient use of the space would be to open the lot to permit carriers and public alike and let the needs of the market be the determinant. The added income will come at a high price € further erosion of faculty and staff loyalty and good will. There are many examples of the fleecing of the workers and I think you would be well-advised to re-examine this policy. Parking should be a right of the workers - we are willing to pay for it, but the university should not try to se ll it twice.

Elizabeth Mosher
professor, School of Music

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