For commuters, and on-campus students alike, parking passes can be a necessity, but this year the demand has far outpaced the supply, with some left wondering what their options are.
Simply having a permit does not necessarily mean that someone will be able to find an open spot depending on when they come to campus. It also costs money to purchase a parking pass, which can deter some from pursuing one. Student commuters, for example, have to pay two hundred dollars a year to keep their pass, an increase of $50 from recent years.
Nathalie Houder, the vice president for finance and administration, explained that the college is always reevaluating the parking situation while keeping in mind that Keene is purposefully designed to be a walkable campus.
“We sell out of the spots we have based on our campus. We have commuter passes, we have resident passes, that is purely from supply and demand,” Houder said regarding the issue. “We have not reduced parking spots, I just want to make that clear. The demand is higher.”
Houder also spoke about recent changes to parking and permit policies, bringing up the recently created “perimeter” around the Keene area that requires students who live within a half-mile to walk or bike home rather than buy a parking pass to commute.
“We’ve changed things and adapted over the last few years for what we hear students asking for,” Houder said. “So we’re always looking at that. And that’s facilities working with campus safety and student engagement.”
Chris Buckley, the director of Campus Safety and Compliance, provided some additional information, confirming that there has been a steady increase in demand for parking in the past few years.
“We do listen to the feedback of students,” he said. “I can appreciate the frustration.”
According to Buckley, there are 197 commuter spots available, but the demand is around 400 people. He did confirm, however, that when they know how many spots will be added in the newly announced lot adjacent to Blake House, students will be informed.
An Aug. 28 email to all students, faculty and staff sent by Houder announced the plans to make use of the vacant property adjacent to Blake House, which was left after two former dorms were demolished last year to make way for a new Antioch University building.
“We face increased demands for parking, including from students on a waitlist or in a pending status. In advance of any construction, a hardpack surface will be laid so that the space can be used in the near term to address the parking need,” Houder stated in the email.
While the prospect of an increased amount of parking spots in the future looks to address the issue, some students are not feeling hopeful about their chances of securing a permit. Teej Keyes was one of the many who did not get a parking pass at the start of the academic year.
Keyes, a first-year, said, “I’m used to being really reliant on having my car. A lot of things are within walking distance but there’s a lack of freedom regarding not having a car.”
“If I need to get somewhere, I need someone else’s car. I am on the waiting list, but I’m not holding out hope.”
Chloe Erno can be contacted at
cerno@kscequinox.com
