Uncertainty about the addition of new visitor parking spots in Cokesbury Court Apartments is causing concern among students and others who use the parking places.
The parking spots in front of and behind the Cokesbury Clubhouse may be turned into visitor parking spots in the future.
This would add to the already existing visitor parking, located along the side gate next to Draper Hall.
The increase in visitor parking also would mean a decrease in permit parking for Cokesbury residents, especially for those who live in the buildings next to the clubhouse.
“By having all the parking reserved up front, people who live in those front buildings are going to be forced to park in the very back, taking the back people’s parking spots,” said Jen Philbrook, dance management junior. “It could turn into a clustered mess.”
The decision is not being made lightly.
Jeri Jones, administrative assistant for University Housing, said that they need more spots around the clubhouse for business.
Postal delivery workers have to park in handicapped spots, and people making deliveries for Campus Living Village, which maintains the property, are having trouble parking near the clubhouse, according to officials.
While notices already have gone out to some students, the decision still is being contemplated.
“I haven’t had to do it yet,
Jones said. “I am still thinking. It is a tough decision to make.”
Residents of Cokesbury are already concerned about the pending decision.
“It’s a problem when you can’t park by your own building,” said Emily Laughridge, theater performance junior.
Visitor parking spots are not for students who have a permit to park somewhere else on campus.
These spots are reserved for parents, other relatives, or people who are not students on campus to park.
Jones also said there are enough parking spots in Cokesbury for every resident to have a car, even without the spots in front of the clubhouse.
“No one will go without a parking spot,” Jones said.
I think this is a great idea. When ever my parents come to visit they have to park on the opposite side of the complex from my building or risk a ticket. On top of that half the time the visitor parking is full.