Minimal parking creates trouble on campus

Is it just me or is the University Police Department handing out parking tickets like escort cards on the Vegas strips? It’s completely ridiculous.

I have gotten three parking tickets this semester. Yes, it is my fault for not paying for a permit, but I only live two blocks away so I usually walk. The only time I drive is when I have to haul video equipment for my video production classes.

During a recent instance, I drove to the Al Neuharth Media Center to drop off a camera, tripod, light kit and a dolly to the equipment room. The guest parking lot was blocked off, so I went to the large parking lot just behind Neuharth Center.

After searching every portion of that lot I was forced to park at the far southern end of the lot and had to then haul all that equipment.

After returning the gear I went back to my vehicle to take it home and  walk to class. By the time I got there the officer was already walking away from  my vehicle. It was too late.

Another reason I do not get a parking permit is the lack of parking. I know this has been said so many times, but we need more parking space — specifically the parking lot behind Al Neuharth.

The university should take all the money they’ve been making off the parking tickets this semester — which wouldn’t surprise me if they really did make millions this year — and use it to build a parking complex/garage.

We wouldn’t destroy the green the campus has done well to preserve, which I do appreciate, and more people would be able to park within the campus and walk to their destinations.

With even spaces the University could even charge for reserves spots in the complex. Higher amounts for ground level spots.