Co-edited by Marina Cooper
Parking at WCU will remain a problem this semester with the constructions of new buildings and parking garage.
WCU’s parking services announced on Jan. 26 that the Baptist 4-tier commuter lot will be closed for the remainder of the spring 2021 semester due to construction. Located next to Hunter Library, this is the second-largest lot that has been deemed unavailable to commuters during the 2020-21 school year, and it is not the first lot on campus to close due to construction either.
“Additional construction projects will start in this area. Last semester the construction in the area only consisted of the STEM building,” said Property Security Supervisor, Chelsea Reavis, in an email.
The new project will consist of the demolition of the current natural science building (NSB) and construction of the new multi-storied science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) building, Apodaca Building.
“This semester, construction of the Steam Plant will also be a contributing factor to the area,” said Reavis.
The COVID-19 pandemic has depleted the number of bodies on campus. However, with hybrid classes starting on Monday, along with residential students moving back into their dorms, lack of viable parking spaces could become an issue. Various students have expressed concerns about student safety, the distance between the parking lots and classes, and the cost of parking on campus.
Before the pandemic hit, parking on campus was already an issue for many students due to the yearly increase in undergraduate applicant acceptances. As an attempt to combat this issue the university has begun construction for a new parking garage.
“Construction on the parking garage is still underway but so far things seem to be on schedule. The parking garage is scheduled to be completed and ready for use for the Fall 2021 semester,
Said Reavis in an email.
In an open answer survey posted on a WCU residential Facebook group, Gabriella Williams, a third-year resident at WCU, contributed her two cents on the matter.
“I think the new parking garage will be beneficial, but I think it should be designated for commuters and freshmen, as their parking is way more limited than residential spots,” said Williams in a Facebook comment.
Having previously lived in several different dormitories, Williams did not have any issues finding a parking space. Now living in the Reynolds dormitory, she notices that she must park “farther away” from the building, and often-times must walk alone in the dark to get to her dorm. Walking alone in the dark as a young female is not only a concern for Williams, but for other students as well, commuters and residents alike. Like Williams, Brenna Barnes is a WCU student with the same safety concerns, but unlike Williams, she is a commuter.
“As a female who must walk through campus in the dark, I am not a happy camper knowing that the closest commuter lot has been closed. I do not feel safe walking across campus at night. It’s a waste of money for commuters to not be able to park in the closest lot to work or class,” said Barnes in a Facebook message.
Students are asked to pay a yearly fee that ranges from $350-$400 to park on campus. The only other options are to walk or pay $1 for every 30 minutes in a timed lot. Barnes does not think the price is worth the location of the available spots, or the concern for her safety.
Unlike the students, Property Security Supervisor, Chelsea Reavis, feels as though this will not be an issue for students.
“Commuter students still have ample amount of space available in other commuter parking lots. These lots can be found on our website. Cat-Tran shuttles will be available for use to the outlying commuter lots as well. Information regarding Cat-Tran routes can be found on their website,” said Reavis in an email.
Not only are students affected by these changes to parking, but faculty and staff as well. Business Officer, Karen Woody, reflected on her personal experiences with parking on campus in an email.
“Parking fees are on a sliding scale for staff so I don’t think it’s necessarily overpriced, just frustrating that you pay to park but can’t always find a parking space,” said Woody.
Woody also mentioned that she gets to work 15-30 minutes early to ensure that there’s a parking space available, and she doesn’t leave during the day.
“If you have a meeting across campus, you have to walk, parking is just not available,” said Woody.
Too learn more about the upcoming projects go to “Western Carolina’s New Projects”
For more information about available lots for the spring 2021 semester go to “Western Carolina Map”
See related coverage from The Western Carolina Journalist.
