Karla Rendon
News Editor
The University changed 10 visitor parking spaces into residential spots in response to a petition from the Associated Students of the University of La Verne.
In a letter sent to Vice President of Facilities and Technology Clive Houston-Brown, ASULV proposed a compromise, asking for three to four parking spaces for residents and leaving six to seven spaces for visitors and prospective students.
“When they presented their case, we took a look at their needs and decided to support their request for parking,” Houston-Brown said. “We would love to have spaces available for admissions personnel and visitors but we just felt that at this time we have other places we can allow visitors to go until the parking structure is up.”
After noticing the reserved spots were hardly in use, ASULV asked Houston-Brown if the space can be used for food trucks or for use of other clubs.
Despite Houston-Brown approving the space to be used recreationally, the College Panhellenic Association was advised to speak with the office of admissions to reserve a space for its Letters in the Park event.
Upset that those wanting to use the parking spaces had to get permission from the office of admissions, ASULV voiced its concerns.
ASULV monitored the use of the parking spaces over a course of two months and presented its data after the University’s Town Hall meeting Oct. 16.
“The most we ever saw being used was five spaces, but other than that, it was zero to three mostly throughout the day,” said ASULV President Lauren Crumbaker.
Although the initial proposal suggested leaving six to seven spaces for visitors, Homa Shabahang, vice president of strategic enrollment management and communications, suggested changing all 10 spaces to residential parking.
“I wanted to make sure we have as many spots for residents as possible,” Shabahang said. “This year, being a special year of construction for parking, I thought we could ask our prospective students and parents to be patient with us and park in the shuttle lot.”
ASULV has been praised by resident students for slightly relieving their parking situation and taking a stand to voice their concerns for the student body.
“We’re really glad that we can be helping with the resident parking,” Crumbaker said. “Even though we didn’t ask for all the parking spots to be taken, we’re just really glad that it’s really helping with the resident parking situation. We’re glad we can be helping that part of the student body.”
Karla Rendon can be reached at karla.rendon@laverne.edu.
