2008 Woodie Awards
15-minute parking available outside library
Josh Wendt
Issue date: 2/13/08 Section: News
An issue near and dear to many students was addressed at the Whitewater Common Council meeting Tuesday: parking.
While plans weren't made for an expansive concrete parking haven, a small change was made that may make it easier for students to run errands on and around campus.
In a unanimous vote, an amendment to the parking ordinance for West Main Street was passed allowing for a 300-foot section of the curbside, currently labeled as a loading zone, to be converted into 15 minute parking. The area to be changed is located between the Andersen Library and Hyer Hall at the end of the Wyman Pedestrian Mall, just east of Whiton Street.
People usually use the loading zone respectfully, according to Sgt. Mike Ciardo of the Whitewater Police Department.
"Yes, [parking in the loading zone] has been a problem in the past," Ciardo said. "But usually people know it's a loading zone and are in and out."
The only difference between a 15-minute zone and a loading zone is physical activity must be taking place at the loading zone, even if that is just someone accompanying the parked vehicle.
The 15-minute timeframe was questionable to some including sophomore Bethany Schlittler who voiced concern.
"It will be nice but it'd be better if it were 30 minute parking," she said. "What can you accomplish in 15 minutes?"
The reasoning behind the short time is that of safety for the pedestrians who frequent the intersection of Main and Whiton streets. Ciardo said pedestrians attempting to cross Main Street through parked cars instead of at the crosswalk are not easily visible to passing motorists.
Ciardo also said that due to the safety concerns long-term parking is not the goal.
"Fifteen minutes for somebody just to run in and out should be plenty of time," he said.
The new ordinance will not be in effect until the proper changes are made to the signage along West Main Street, which could happen as soon as next week with weather permitting, according to Whitewater Street Superintendent Chuck Nass.
Librarian Patty Fragola said the small change will work as a convenience for most.
"It certainly can't hurt to make it easier for people to drop things off," she said.
While plans weren't made for an expansive concrete parking haven, a small change was made that may make it easier for students to run errands on and around campus.
In a unanimous vote, an amendment to the parking ordinance for West Main Street was passed allowing for a 300-foot section of the curbside, currently labeled as a loading zone, to be converted into 15 minute parking. The area to be changed is located between the Andersen Library and Hyer Hall at the end of the Wyman Pedestrian Mall, just east of Whiton Street.
People usually use the loading zone respectfully, according to Sgt. Mike Ciardo of the Whitewater Police Department.
"Yes, [parking in the loading zone] has been a problem in the past," Ciardo said. "But usually people know it's a loading zone and are in and out."
The only difference between a 15-minute zone and a loading zone is physical activity must be taking place at the loading zone, even if that is just someone accompanying the parked vehicle.
The 15-minute timeframe was questionable to some including sophomore Bethany Schlittler who voiced concern.
"It will be nice but it'd be better if it were 30 minute parking," she said. "What can you accomplish in 15 minutes?"
The reasoning behind the short time is that of safety for the pedestrians who frequent the intersection of Main and Whiton streets. Ciardo said pedestrians attempting to cross Main Street through parked cars instead of at the crosswalk are not easily visible to passing motorists.
Ciardo also said that due to the safety concerns long-term parking is not the goal.
"Fifteen minutes for somebody just to run in and out should be plenty of time," he said.
The new ordinance will not be in effect until the proper changes are made to the signage along West Main Street, which could happen as soon as next week with weather permitting, according to Whitewater Street Superintendent Chuck Nass.
Librarian Patty Fragola said the small change will work as a convenience for most.
"It certainly can't hurt to make it easier for people to drop things off," she said.
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