The debate is finally over: first-year students no longer will be permitted to bring their cars to Grounds during the spring semester, in accordance with an Oct. 4 announcement from Leonard W. Sandridge, the University's executive vice president and chief operating officer.
"The Transportation and Parking Committee recommended revoking the allowance of cars to first years, beginning in 2003-04," Sandridge said.
"After careful deliberation of the impact on students and the University community, and several discussions with key student leaders and professional staff on Grounds, I made the decision that I believed to be in the best interest of the University and our community," he said.
The new policy will begin during the 2003-2004 school year. Current first-year students will not be affected by the new guidelines.
"While we regret rescinding parking for first years, we will work with the University to ensure transportation alternatives for first years and other students," Student Council President Micah Schwartz said.
The University faces a loss of 475 parking spaces in the spring semester of 2004 because of the construction of the basketball arena that will replace University Hall. Traditionally, first-year students acquire about 550 parking permits in their second semester.
"In part, [the decision is] due to the increasing demand for parking at the University, and over the next few years, the number [of spots] will actually go down due to construction," University spokeswoman Louise Dudley said.
Other improvement projects, such as the expansion of the Aquatic & Fitness Center, also have resulted in a deficit of parking spaces. More projects will begin over the next few years. In addition, fewer off-Grounds spaces will be available due to new Charlottesville parking permit zones.
"This is in no way intended to inhibit or limit first-year students," said Shamim Sisson, senior associate dean of students and chairwoman of the parking and transportation advisory committee.
Sandridge's decision follows recommendations made last year by aparking and transportation subcommittee that included several students and two teaching faculty members.
The subcommittee proposed a five-part recommendation that later was submitted to Sandridge.
The plan suggested the adoption of an occasional parker program and carpool incentives. The plan also suggests the University acknowledge that parking on central Grounds will continue to decrease in the coming years because of ongoing construction.
Additionally, the subcommittee proposed the development of a major public information and education program on parking alternatives. Finally, they called for the elimination of first-year parking.
Council passed a Sept. 24 resolution urging Sandridge to eliminate the second-semester parking privilege. The resolution further advised Sandridge to come up with transportation alternatives, which he has pledged to do.
Sandridge "is definitely looking out for the best interests of students, especially first years, by ensuring they will have additional transportation options," said Will Sowers, Council parking and transportation committee chairman.
The Council parking and transportation committee now is aiding in the research and implementation of alternatives such as a Route 29 shopping shuttle, a more effective escort service and more frequent shuttles to local airports around breaks.
First-year students should not expect their parking privileges to return as soon as the new basketball arena is complete due to fewer and fewer parking opportunities.
"This is an ongoing decision, not a temporary one," Sandridge said.
Students with special needs still will be able to receive parking permits as first-year students.
Few students seem to be gravely upset by the decision.
"It bothers me a bit because if I was a first year next year I would want to bring a car, but if it's necessary, it's not that big of a deal," first-year College student Amr Kouchouk said. "You really don't need a car"
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