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Volume CXXXII, Number 20 |
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Parking our laziness
It comes as no surprise that Bowdoin Security recognizes the current parking problems on campus and is now forced to address them. What is surprising, however, is the reason cited for the parking problem-Ladd House.
When one thinks of a parking problem, one thinks of an absolute shortage of parking spaces on campus-that is, on any given day there are more cars coming from off campus than there are available parking spaces. Reports from Security officials indicate that this is not the case. A significant portion of the problem lies in students making the short commute from Brunswick Apartments and other relatively distant housing to the center of campus, avoiding what must be a very burdensome walk. Likewise, students wishing to visit friends out at those same distant apartments choose to drive there rather than walk. While there is nothing inherently illegal with this, as drivers from Brunswick Apartments share the magenta label of their Ladd House classmates, it is inconsiderate and irresponsible to create an overflow parking problem for the mere sake of petty convenience.
The plan that Security has developed to counter these developments makes sense given the circumstances. No longer will a simple permit scheme allow fluid movement between lots of the same color. Students will need to make decisions about which location they would like more-close to residence or close to campus. It is likely that Security will make an even more concerted effort to enforce parking regulations. In addition, a potentially complicated lottery to determine who gets to park in what lot will have to be devised.
While this plan is understandable, it is unfortunate that it came about because what amounts to student abuse of Bowdoin's small campus size. Parking is a privilege, not a right. With continued space issues and the possible sale of the Stanwood Street lot to the Brunswick Fire Department, it is conceivable that first-year parking may vanish. With that, important off-campus opportunities accessible only by car will vanish for many, too.
Given the consequences of the proposed plan and possible further measures, it is a shame that some students apparently lack the sufficient leg power to get them from bed to the classroom on a daily basis, causing them to revert to driving their cars a mere three blocks.
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