By: Cory Cooper Photo by: Lindsey Campbell
As Milligan College improves and expands with the construction of five new dorms, many wonder if on-campus parking will improve as well.
Over the years on-campus parking has been a constant complaint by both commuters and those living on campus. However, Milligan made several changes in hopes to improve on-campus parking and make it more enjoyable for all.
Next fall the students can enjoy the brand new Milligan Village.
“The first phase of the Milligan Village project will be completed fall 2013.” Said Brent Nipper, director of property and risk management.
This phase consists of five buildings, which will house 90 to 110 students. The number of parking spaces will be increased.
“Around 120 new parking spots will be added as part of the Milligan Village project,” said Nipper.
According to the numbers, there should be plenty on-campus parking at Milligan for the next couple of years. Especially considering parking situations at other universities in the area.
However, when the additional buildings are complete, they will be capable of housing 264 students. Yet there will only be enough parking for half of the students living in the Milligan Village.
Milligan made minor changes this year to improve on-campus parking. In the past, parking at Milligan was assigned to each individual based on grade and gender.
Freshman living in Webb Hall were to park behind Webb while upperclassman could park in either of the front two lots. All freshman women were assigned parking behind Hart Hall. However, this is where upperclassman for both Sutton Hall and MSA parking as well.
Many freshman women complained that parking was a hassle because spots were never available.
“It was closer for upperclassman to park behind Hart than it was for them to park in front,” said Shannon Jewett, now a sophomore living in Hart Hall. “They would always take the spots designated for freshman only and we were forced to park in the canyon”
Many of the freshman girls spoke with Mark Fox, vice president of student development, explaining the parking problem.
“We changed the parking regulation because it was hard to project how many upperclassman would park in the freshman parking,” said Fox. “Now all men are assigned to the parking in front and behind Webb and the women are assigned in front and behind Hart. Its up to each individual to find a good spot.”
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