Limited street parking frustrates neighbors

-- Christina Thury and Jc Drobac

Neighbors of Metropolitan State University are frustrated. Parking in front of their homes has been difficult, if not impossible because Metropolitan State University students and staff have been parking on the street. Recently, a community meeting was held with Metropolitan State University neighbors to discuss the parking situation.

Recently, a community meeting was held with Metropolitan State University neighbors to discuss the parking situation. Dan Kirk, Metropolitan State University’s associate vice president of administrative affairs stated, "Several people had strong opinions. They were cordial and delivered in a constructive way. Two or three residents are upset because students are parking in front of their homes." Kirk also added that residents perceived students dumping trash from their cars in front of their homes.

Thomas Maida, director of safety and security for Metropolitan State University reported, "There has been no retaliation either way—from neighbors to parkers or parkers to neighbors." Maida added he heard of some neighbors saying to those parking, "Don’t park in front of my house or driveway." A few people have been towed, but he thought those were instances where access to the driveway was blocked.

Neighbor Mae Massey said of students parking on the street "I’m angry. It’s like they got no consideration. Why can’t they park in the lot? It doesn’t cost that much."

Steve Lewis, also a neighbor, offered “Parking is very difficult. It is overly congested, Monday through Friday, day and night….This has been a problem for the past two years."

Erica Davis, Metropolitan State University student shared "I park on the street in front of businesses. I usually don’t park in front of houses, because it is more convenient and I’m not one to carry cash. I wouldn’t mind paying for parking if I could do it in one lump sum."

Maida recalls “A few years ago, two- hour parking signs were placed in front of homes as requested by the residents, thinking that would alleviate students [from] parking there; but now residents are actually getting ticketed more than students because of the two-hour parking limit."

Steve Trusten, a neighbor of Metropolitan State University, has been ticketed many times for parking in front of his home. Trusten said "I bet I’ve gotten at least 10 tickets….You gotta pay them. I’ve probably paid 450 bucks for parking tickets for parking in front of my house." For Trusten, who doesn’t have a garage or a driveway, street parking is his only option.

Kirk commented, "The University is being proactive in helping to find solutions the community and university can be satisfied with. We don’t want to be another St. Thomas. We want to have a good relationship with our neighbors."

"We’re networking with other institutions like Bethel, Winona, Concordia.…It’s key to work with the community we are in as well as with staff, students and the administration," Maida shared.

Maida, who is working with security staff so they can respond to neighbor’s concerns, said in the future it might be possible to run license plate numbers and find students that are blocking driveways. He’s also working with contracted agencies in public areas to get a general university phone number set up that residents could call to voice their concerns about university parkers using street parking and parking in front of residences.

Metropolitan State University student, Jason Hoelzel parks in the main lot because "It is close in proximity to the building." He added "But it shouldn’t be a flat fee because people could park all day and still spend $2.50."

Kirk said, "Not having enough parking stalls isn’t the problem. For example, the main problem is that people park in the neighborhood when there are empty stalls available in the parking lot. Some students don’t want to pay $2.50." Adding "We’re working with the Student Senate for a fee per credit for parking. This would be a more equitable arrangement for all."

"I’m sure for what Metro State’s gauging students to go there, you’d think they’d give them free parking," Trusten expressed.

"People park where their financial status allows them to park," Maida commented. When asked if the university would consider reducing the $2.50 fee to entice more people to park in the lot, Maida didn’t see that happening because the university currently isn’t generating enough revenue to maintain the upkeep of the lot and for parking expansion of a future ramp.

Fellow student Melissa Born also parks in the main lot because "It is safer and I’m less likely to get a ticket or get towed."

Parking in the university’s main lot has benefits. There is added safety for parkers and their vehicles: Security escorts are available to get people to their cars; the lot is patrolled regularly; and fewer accidents and door dings occur in the lot.

According to Maida, recently there was an accident on one of the nearby hills after it had snowed. A few Metropolitan State University parkers had their cars damaged in the accident as they chose to park on the street instead of in the main lot.

While the university has made progress working with its surrounding community and neighbors to ease parking woes, more still needs to be done. Neighbors are in favor of a multi-level parking ramp or residential parking permits.

Kirk revealed "The next building that is constructed on the St. Paul Campus will include plans to build a ramp nears Mounds Blvd. and Maria off of E. 6th St." Kirk estimated construction of the next building is five to ten years away.

The Student Senate is hosting a conversation on the parking situation on Jan. 18 from 5–6 p.m. at the Library and Learning Center in the Ecolab Room. A panel made up of university officials and students will facilitate the discussion and ask for feedback from participants. All are welcome. Mark your calendars and plan to attend!