UW Parking Under Discussion as Construction Ends
The Board of Trustees of the University of Wyoming met Jan. 25 to discuss the recently passed ASUW resolution 3076. This resolution would dictate that the lot in front of the Union and the new dorms would be used for parking.
“ASUW is arguing that parking under the current model is not sufficient, and that ASUW is willing to work with university partners to create a parking space that includes landscaping to fulfill the requirements of House Bill 0293,” ASUW president Medina wrote in an email to the student body.
Parking is a frequent complaint on campus. Arguments for keeping this lot designated for parking include that it would be cheaper to keep it designated than to convert it to a green space.
“Preserving this spot provides greater flexibility for parking services and transit, including more bus route options, benefitting both staff, faculty, and students,” ASUW senator and author of the resolution, Saber Smith, said
Additionally, supporters believe the parking spaces would help student success, increase accessibility throughout campus, and ease the parking difficulties many students who drive to campus face.
“The easier it is for students to get to class, campus services, and university resources, the more likely they are to engage in campus life and persist through challenges,” Smith said.
ASUW staff also said they received support from students, parents, and staff, with ASUW director of External Public Affairs, Dylan Fernholz-Hartman, reciting testimony he said he received from students and parents.
The critics of this plan argue that designating the Union lot for parking would be a poor use of the space.
At the meeting, law student Streeter Boatright spoke against using the space entirely for parking. He said that the ASUW resolutions’ claims were not adequately supported and that the space would be better used as a green space in addition to some handicap parking, a bus stop, and possibly a pickup and drop-off location.
The resolution is yet to be decided on by the Board of Trustees.
