Parking is city’s priority

The University’s recent Master Plan has come under much scrutiny, deservedly so. It is a plan that will rely heavily on essential resources and should not be taken lightly.

But critics of the plan should realize that the idea of a new five to six story parking structure is not an example of the University going astray, but the city prioritizing parking over the University’s academic plans — a move that is shortsighted and counterproductive.

Granted, a new parking structure has its supporters. Many commuters see the move as a gift from above, and if one has ever tried to find parking on-campus after 9 a.m., this point of view is completely understandable and agreeable.

On the other hand, other students and faculty have expressed great resentment and discontent with the parking structure plan, citing everything from poor aesthetics to the more urgent need for a new academic building instead of a colossal place to park.

Ultimately, the conflict is moot.

The parking structure — albeit unwieldy, unappealing and perhaps even unnecessary — was a verdict handed down from the city, not University administration.

It almost feels like the city strong-armed the University into putting plans in motion for the parking structure, refusing to approve any other University construction for new buildings until parking plans were put into motion.

La Verne residents are apparently fed up with college kids parking in front of their homes, despite many properties having plenty of space in their driveways.

The fact that they willingly moved into said homes with the prior knowledge of their close proximity to a commuter university is neither here nor there.

As has been the common theme in La Verne: Dollars are not king here, but parking spots. Perhaps college is preparing us for the real world more than we had assumed. Prior to the city’s intervention, the University planned to include the academic building with offices wayward adjuncts so desperately need. But because of the city’s priorities, a parking structure is the reality — the cold, hard, solar-powered reality.

Other Stories

Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the Campus Times Editorial Board.

Latest Stories

Related articles

New fire chief is seasoned veteran

The La Verne Fire Department has a new chief. Brandon Coatney, a seasoned fire fighter of 30 years, took the helm on Jan. 8.

Letters to the Editor

The student-run grassroots organization Lordsburg Liberation urges the University to reform its inadequate ICE policy in response to escalating aggression of immigration enforcement in the surrounding areas.

Children bring sidewalks to life in chalk drawing contest

The city of La Verne's annual sidewalk drawing contest brought out the creativity of kids of all ages.

La Verne Egg Hunt celebrates spring

The La Verne Parks and Recreation Department threw their annual Egg-cellent Adventure event for the spring season at Heritage Park on March 28.