The Parking Spots Problem

As spring rolled around, an increasing number of drivers were fighting for spaces in the lower lot as sophomores started to get their licenses.  Thus, the availability of parking spots has become quite a serious issue. So, on April 28th at 7:30 am, as students turned into the lower lot, metal barricades and yellow caution tape blocked off the typically immediately available parking spots. Awaiting the students is the Gilman security, located on both sides of the parking lot, quickly moving into action and checking for parking passes.

While the number of students driving is certainly part of the issue, the primary issue is the inconsistent possession of parking passes by students. The Gilman administration has repeatedly reminded students to claim a parking pass, but no punishments were given to drivers without parking permits. Now, faced with the issue of scarce parking spots–both for students and faculty—security blocked off spots and stopped cars in the morning to ensure that they each have a pass. The reasoning is that even with spaces blocked off, if only faculty and students with a pass park, there will still be enough spots. Thus, students who are without a pass will need to find a solution that does not violate the rules. 

Available parking spaces always decrease throughout the year, but when asked about why this year was especially bad, Mr. Aaron Goldman responded, “I don’t know why it’s worse. We’re getting more and more drivers.” Furthermore, Mr. Goldman emphasized, “We want to make sure students are registered, are parking them in designated spots, and the lower lots are safe.” As the issue either improves or worsens, the administration is forced to take action and mollify the situation. 

On the contrary, students feel as though the action taken has been unnecessarily excessive. James McLaughlin ‘26 joked that it’s like “burning food during the Great Depression.” In his eyes, the administration has taken action that doesn’t effectively resolve the situation, and blocking off parking spots when there is a shortage will only exacerbate the issue. Warren Hernandez ‘26 remarked, “When I saw they blocked off all the spots, I was upset because I thought that I would have to park elsewhere if I was late. I got my pass right when I got the license–and the backlot is made for students.” He feels like students are being unnecessarily punished for being even a little bit late, and it has only worsened with the removal of spaces. 

The faculty has opinions on the matter, too. On top of the lower lot being continually full, people’s parking skills are worsening the issue. Ms. Finnerty argues, “People aren’t parking, not judiciously, but not parking well on Roland. People need to parallel park better because we can always fit more cars in. [And] the signage about where you can and can’t park near the bus stops needs to be better.” Ms. Finnerty also posited, “parking privileges should be taken if you reach a certain amount of disciplinary action, tardies in particular.” Mr. Baum supports the idea, but he said, “I don’t know what the solution is. People need to carpool, get here early.” 

Since Monday, April 28th, security has eased the thorough parking regulations. Furthermore, seniors left campus for Encounter, which opened up more parking spots. Still, the question remains. How should the administration deal with the uptick in student drivers every Spring as more and more sophomores become road-legal?