November 3, 2015
By Rich Bodee
Whether you’re a commuter or a resident, finding a parking spot can be extremely difficult and time consuming.
Students that can’t find a spot in the garage or anywhere else on campus are forced to park on the street. Once there, they must avoid the dreaded “No Parking” and “Resident Only” signs. However, even if you are lucky enough to find a spot on the street, meaning you are either parking on Park Avenue or Division Street, there is a time constraint to worry about.
Park Ave only boasts a two-hour maximum parking limit, which is not enough time for the typical student. If you have more than one class, you will eventually find yourself going through the entire process of finding a spot all over again.
Another option driving down to the Priory campus. After the thirty-plus minute search for a parking spot on Dominican’s immediate campus, there is barely enough time to down to Priory, park and get to class without being late. There certainly isn’t enough time to sit and wait for the shuttle. It is also worth noting that parking at the Priory is done within the confines of the gates, not as soon as you turn off Division St. That parking area belongs to the city of River Forest.
In multiple instances, Dominican has had to close the parking garage due to overcapacity. Students have been turned away without being told where to park. This usually happens between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Sometimes the garage is full and students are not notified. They drive all the way to the top of the parking garage only to have to turn around and attempt to find parking elsewhere.
“I frequently hear students around campus complaining about not being able to find parking,” said Director of Student Involvement, Mark Carbonara.
The complaining seems justifiable since we, as students, have to pay for a parking pass.
Dominican has tried to combat this issue. In a memo issued to students on Tuesday, October 20, Dominican took its first steps in the right direction. The article mentioned that the Greenfield and Parmer lots were striped to prevent the blocking of spots as well as that Dominican has formed a DU Parking Solutions Committee. Students who have parking concerns now have an outlet. They are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to help create a better parking situation for the future students of Dominican.
“Your voice is most important,” said Dean of Students Trudi Goggin.
boderich@my.dom.edu