2008 Woodie Awards
Parking problems plague BHC
Tony Giarletta
Issue date: 10/8/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
When an independent survey was conducted at Brookhaven College, 17 out of 20 students and faculty said they felt parking was a problem.
Most respondents said the problem only lasted four to six weeks into a semester. They agreed Fridays had the most available parking.
Jim Dwyer, director of facilities, said, "The problem only lasts for a short period because an estimated 10 percent of students drop classes."
The survey showed that out of the 20 respondents, many have parked in the grass located at the E2 parking lot. Students said they were not concerned with fines since they had no options and others were parking in the same location.
"Some students during the beginning of the semester park in faculty spaces, it causes problems for the police department, the faculty and the students," Dave Reagan, Brookhaven Police Chief, said. "Parking in the grass is another concern. We try to be very fair with the students … we will be looking at other options regarding this."
Dwyer said 2,500 parking spots, with 60 handicapped spaces, are divided into five areas. This number is implemented by ordinances and requirements from the city of Farmers Branch.
"The city has certain ratios for the amount of students and parking that is required," Dwyer said. "I think if students familiarize themselves with the campus and plan ahead they will have minimal problems with parking and finding classes."
Dwyer said parking spaces cost approximately $3,500 in initial construction costs. This does not included maintenance for lighting and emergency booths. Dwyer said he feels the short term parking problem is very minimal.
"Our priority first goes to the education of the students and the costs that involve purchasing technology," he said.
Dwyer said the construction of the science building will add 300 additional parking spaces. The campus resides on 200 acres of property with more than 40,060 sq. ft. of buildings and parking spaces.
Most respondents said the problem only lasted four to six weeks into a semester. They agreed Fridays had the most available parking.
Jim Dwyer, director of facilities, said, "The problem only lasts for a short period because an estimated 10 percent of students drop classes."
The survey showed that out of the 20 respondents, many have parked in the grass located at the E2 parking lot. Students said they were not concerned with fines since they had no options and others were parking in the same location.
"Some students during the beginning of the semester park in faculty spaces, it causes problems for the police department, the faculty and the students," Dave Reagan, Brookhaven Police Chief, said. "Parking in the grass is another concern. We try to be very fair with the students … we will be looking at other options regarding this."
Dwyer said 2,500 parking spots, with 60 handicapped spaces, are divided into five areas. This number is implemented by ordinances and requirements from the city of Farmers Branch.
"The city has certain ratios for the amount of students and parking that is required," Dwyer said. "I think if students familiarize themselves with the campus and plan ahead they will have minimal problems with parking and finding classes."
Dwyer said parking spaces cost approximately $3,500 in initial construction costs. This does not included maintenance for lighting and emergency booths. Dwyer said he feels the short term parking problem is very minimal.
"Our priority first goes to the education of the students and the costs that involve purchasing technology," he said.
Dwyer said the construction of the science building will add 300 additional parking spaces. The campus resides on 200 acres of property with more than 40,060 sq. ft. of buildings and parking spaces.
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