University’s lot: problems plague new parking lots

TheconstructionofthenewparkinglotnearDolanCommonsduringthesummerwasmeanttoalleviateproblemsoncampus,notcreatenewones.

However, after complaints by residents who live across the street from Fairfield University, the administration has been forced to restrict faculty and student usage of the lot.

“The problems did not arise until the plans went through the process of zoning and other regulations in the town,” said Martha Milcarek, vice president of public relations at Fairfield. “Residents feared the lot would create added noise and headlights shining in their windows.”

The school was forced to put restrictions on the lot, which contains about 130 parking spaces, by limiting when people could park there.

“Right now, only faculty and staff who work in Dolan can park in the lot during the day,” said Frank Ficko, assistant director of Security.

Students who wish to park in the lot can only do so during designated hours.

“Any students who wish to park in the lot can do so during nights and weekends, which are defined as from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. and from 9 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Monday,” Ficko said. “However between those times the gates will be locked and they will not be able to enter or exit the lot.”

Student reaction has been positive, but guarded.

“I think it’s a good idea that they added all those parking spaces, but I would be afraid to park there if my car was getting locked up all night or during the weekend in case I needed it,” said Andrew Murphy ’05.

Milcarek also sees the restrictions as a problem when the school plays host to events which draw large crowds to campus.

“The restrictions really put a big damper on any big events we have such as commencement because we are not able to easily accommodate as many people as we thought we could,” she said.

Milcarek did not return a request for a price estimate on the parking lot as of the time of publication.

For Ficko, the restrictions may be a hassle, but he still sees the construction as an improvement.

“Even with these limitations, the university, and I personally, feel that we can still benefit from the additional spaces,” he said. “Whenever the school builds another parking lot, it can benefit the people on campus.”