October 6, 2015
By Christopher Sich
It’s clear that parking availability, specifically the lack of it, is the issue of the year. Dominican spent an estimated $100,000 and added roughly 20 parking spots last year but it isn’t enough to combat the large freshman class as well an increase in commuter students.
“On Mondays and Wednesday the parking garage is filled by 10:45 a.m.,” said John Tsouchlos, manager of public safety. “We have had to close the garage between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.”
The lack of parking frustrates both resident and commuter students.
Senior Kristen Pisano said, “They need more parking spots. It is annoying that I can’t find parking considering I purchased a permit. They should look into assigned parking areas for morning commuters.”
“I struggle to find parking before and after work which causes me to be late,” said junior Catherine Soto. “I believe they should have a quota for parking permits. It should be ‘first come first serve’.”
The parking committee, which consists of John Tsouchlos, Carol Seley, Trudi Goggin and several other members is meeting frequently and working diligently to find long-term solutions.
“We are thinking outside of the box,” said Dan Bulow, director of buildings and ground.
Administration has brainstormed and discussed several ideas such as the possibility of not allowing freshman students to have a car on campus, or making the freshman park at the Priory campus to increase the use of the shuttle. They are also looking into the possibility of adding more parking spots on the south side of Murray Hall and the west side of Parmer.
The administration is aware of the issue and is taking it very seriously. If you have any questions, concerns or ideas, feel free to email Dan Bulow at dbulow@dom.edu, or John Tsouchlos at jtsouchlos@dom.edu.
sichchri@my.dom.edu