As we roll into the academic year, some of us might not be parking where we had anticipated. Parking passes seem to be an elusive creature this year; if they were an actual animal they would be endangered, dare I say.
The price for passes is terrible as well. Keene State College is charging $350 a year for resident lots and the Winchester Lot, while a campus security officer had told me personally when I inquired about getting a permit there was a “long waiting list” for all lots.
This year has also been more difficult for students like myself as far as paying for them. Last year the permit store had SFA (student financial aid) as a payment option, allowing those who may not have the upfront cash but the available aid funds to get a permit in a timely fashion.
How does a permitting issue get to be so bad, especially at a public institution such as Keene State? The college has saved all this money with some staff taking a retirement buyout and putting up all this money for building renovations yet they cannot supply enough parking passes.
The Holloway Commuter lot was half empty at 3 p.m. when I was leaving after classes on August 27, yet there is a supposed waiting list. I was then suggested to look at other private parking lots near the campus.
The college did not have parking issues in previous years and now there is a run on permits. Students who are paying thousands of dollars in tuition can’t park their vehicles and students who live in Keene and the surrounding areas have to fear that taking their classes will cost $50 in parking tickets every time they park.
College has become more expensive in general with rising tuition and cost of living increases. I would think, in the spirit of inclusion and equity, that the college would be proactive if they think there is going to be an issue and not let money talk. However, in a recent email to the student body, Keene State informed us the recently cleared land for Antioch University is going to become a temporary parking lot to remedy the situation.
Unfortunately, I find it frustrating the college has really fumbled a basic necessity of attendance, creating a level of uncertainty and discomfort for lower-income students that would be frowned upon if it affected any other political minority. This disadvantage to the student populace is egregious at best and imperils people’s ability to properly participate in their education. I hope there is a serious solution to this problem, both short and long-term.
As Keene State spends money on renovations, which are both nice and at times necessary, making sure people can show up to their education is paramount. After all, if we students cannot show up to class, the college’s bank account is going to look a little sparse.
Timothy Fitzpatrick can be contacted at
tfitzpatrick@kscequinox.com
