WEBBTIDE 2001-2002 @ SHORELINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Volume 37 No.14 Apr. 26 - May 09, 2002 [ ARCHIVE ] [ FEEDBACK ] [ HELP ]
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The Darwinian Theory of Parking

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      Crikey! Look at this beauty. A rare, 1991 Nissan Sentra barring entrance to the West Gate student parking lot. This type of territorial behavior is characteristic of the Shoreline parking vulture. The parking vulture is a highly common specimen on campus. These vicious beasts exercise the patients of Job as they skulk in the center of the most trafficked lanes awaiting the perfect parking space to open. When their lulled senses get scent of their hapless prey, the parking vulture swoops in for the kill.
      My assistant will cautiously approach as I keep a safe distance from these cunning but dangerous creatures. Pure Darwinian theory and simple economics have determined the evolution of these fascinating abhorations of nature. The scarcity of readily available parking has caused some students to forego other parking options in pursuit of those few spaces closest to their classes.
      There is no denying that a parking problem exists. The West Gate and Greenwood lots reach capacity early, often by 8 a.m.; students are hesitant to use the North Track (commonly referred to as "The Pit") and Sears lots. The Sears lot, located at North 160th Street, serves as a parking solution where students can leave their cars and take a shuttle van to campus, avoiding the hassle of finding a parking space in the College's over-crowed lots. Complaints of the lack of visible results and about administrations' responses are numerous. The fact is, solutions are under development but the process is an arduous one and will require patience and participation from students. In the meantime, the best means available to the frustrated student motorist are alternative lots, carpooling and alternate or mass transportation.
      Address the parking issue with Carwin Spearman, Manager of the Department of Safety and Security (DSS) here at Shoreline Community College and he braces himself for an emotional onslaught. "The single student driver does have the most immediate impact on the problem." Spearman explains, "We have a limited number of parking spaces to be allocated to a variable number of students."
      Picture the average commercial mall parking lot. Commercial parking spaces average 125 square feet per vehicle. The spaces on campus average 95 square feet per full time equivalent (FTE). Consider the FTE underestimated since a large population attends part time and the result is the situation we have now. Bussing, carpools and the Sears Shuttle have all made a significant impact on parking congestion, which will increase as those programs gain recognition. On average, the Sears lot sees 100 students daily.
      Spearman says, "The parking deployment is under revision and will be more successful in the future. We have already seen an increase in carpoolers this quarter." Spearman would like to see an increase in the utility of the Sears lot as well as faculty and student carpooling. DSS is also working toward a decrease in vulture parking. "We will be enforcing policies concerning that behavior," Spearman said. Other measures that re in place include: amending the duration of enforcement of the carpool spaces from 1 p.m. to 11 a.m., changes to staff parking after 4 p.m. Both increase access. Spearman also notes the closure of the North Track and Greenwood lots after 6 p.m. "We want people closer to campus at night for their safety." Still non-compliance continues. Students view the alternative lots as inconvenient and prefer to take their chances by vulture parking.
      "The greatest obstacle to parking alternatives is getting the message out." Says Spearman. Marco and Rudolpho, two would be parkers, illustrate his point. The two said they were unaware the Greenwood and North Track lots were available to students. DSS is trying to operate on a limited budget within state regulations. According to Spearman, Washington State views parking facilities on campus as an enterprise independent of the school itself.
      Therefore, no state money goes toward the lighting and care of parking facilities. Student fees fund those endeavors. Spearman feels it would be difficult for the College to gain access to state funds for the development of additional parking when Washington State is looking for means to discourage commuting. Spearman indicates the College and DSS are entertaining solutions, one of which is the possibility of a parking garage. However, without funding a garage seems far on the horizon.
      Also, continued negotiations with the City of Shoreline regarding the lots it owns is a tentative process. Since, SCC does not own the land, the college is not responsible for their care. The City of Shoreline prefers to use paving and road dollars for other uses. The result is the parking lot affectionately known as "The Pit". However, much more is at stake than filling potholes and painting lines. Spearman's primary goal is to win the hearts and minds of Shoreline students.
      DSS issues approximately 30 parking tickets per day. Spearman could issue more if staffing permitted. The current staffing levels and the breadth of space to cover spread DSS's resources rather thin. Parking ticket revenue once circulated into the College's General Fund are available to DSS only through a "needs proposal" which undergoes an administrative approval process.
      Although inconvenient, one parking ticket from DSS is a simple matter to resolve. Multiple fees become more complex. "We will boot your car. We don't like to do it but, we will," said Spearman. Unpaid parking tickets will go to collection. Another negative consequence would be the College placing a hold on academic transcripts and credits. "The horn will blow for them." Spearman warns. Students wishing to avoid the $25 permit fee by parking in neighborhoods surrounding the College may find the City of Shoreline less accommodating. Spearman explains, "So far our neighbors have been very tolerant. But, I've attended these community meetings, and residents have vented their frustration at having their driveways and mailboxes blocked by student's cars. I have heard of students being towed."
      Construction vehicles on campus further hamper parking congestion. Spearman assures that construction vehicles are using staff and faculty parking areas and the staff and faculty members affected have been using alternative lots and transportation. Spearman says, "The Shoreline staff and faculty are actively participating in the parking solution" The construction will end, eventually, and the construction vehicles will go away. However, the problem remains: Too many cars in a confined area. This condition breeds innovation and adaptation, elements key to evolution.
      Parking vultures are not always aware they are breaking a rule. Sil and Jean, two people students waiting for parking on a chilly morning, were unaware SCC had a policy against waiting in the lane for a parking space. Both were aware of alternative lots but chose to wait until a space opened closer to their classes. Sil mentioned the 20-minute wait gave her an opportunity to review before her class. Jean pointed out the North Track lot is not paved and he knew a space would open eventually.
      Other students take the opposing view. Alyssa, decided to park in North Track because she had been late quite a few times. She found the nine-minute walk was worth it. After waiting for up to 35 minutes a brisk walk seems paltry.
      Quick fixes are not readily available. The College lacks the funds to implement construction on additional parking. DSS believes, fully utilized alternatives could positively affect parking congestion. Currently, the most accessible alternatives are: the North Track and Greenwood lots, the Sears Shuttle lot, carpooling and busing. Although, not as attractive as a shiny new parking structure, these are the means at students immediate disposal. Use them wisely. Use them in peace. Unless circling overhead is an option.

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by Ty Garfield

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The Darwinian Theory of Parking
.	Crikey! Look at this beauty. A rare, 1991 Nissan Sentra barring entrance to the West Gate student parking lot. This type of territorial behavior is characteristic of the Shoreline parking vulture. The parking vulture is a highly common specimen on campus. These vicious beasts exercise the patients of Job as they skulk in the center of the most trafficked lanes awaiting the perfect parking space to open. When their lulled senses get scent of their hapless prey, the parking vulture swoops in for the kill. My assistant will cautiously approach as I keep a safe distance from these cunning but dangerous creatures. Pure Darwinian theory and simple economics have determined the evolution of these fascinating abhorations of nature. The scarcity of readily available parking has caused some students to forego other parking options in pursuit of those few spaces closest to their classes. There is no denying that a parking problem exists. The West Gate and Greenwood lots reach capacity early, often by 8 a.m.; students are hesitant to use the North Track (commonly referred to as "The Pit") and Sears lots. The Sears lot, located at North 160th Street, serves as a parking solution where students can leave their cars and take a shuttle van to campus, avoiding the hassle of finding a parking space in the College's over-crowed lots. Complaints of the lack of visible results and about administrations' responses are numerous. The fact is, solutions are under development but the process is an arduous one and will require patience and participation from students. In the meantime, the best means available to the frustrated student motorist are alternative lots, carpooling and alternate or mass transportation. Address the parking issue with Carwin Spearman, Manager of the Department of Safety and Security (DSS) here at Shoreline Community College and he braces himself for an emotional onslaught. "The single student driver does have the most immediate impact on the problem." Spearman explains, "We have a limited number of parking spaces to be allocated to a variable number of students." Picture the average commercial mall parking lot. Commercial parking spaces average 125 square feet per vehicle. The spaces on campus average 95 square feet per full time equivalent (FTE). Consider the FTE underestimated since a large population attends part time and the result is the situation we have now. Bussing, carpools and the Sears Shuttle have all made a significant impact on parking congestion, which will increase as those programs gain recognition. On average, the Sears lot sees 100 students daily. Spearman says, "The parking deployment is under revision and will be more successful in the future. We have already seen an increase in carpoolers this quarter." Spearman would like to see an increase in the utility of the Sears lot as well as faculty and student carpooling. DSS is also working toward a decrease in vulture parking. "We will be enforcing policies concerning that behavior," Spearman said. Other measures that re in place include: amending the duration of enforcement of the carpool spaces from 1 p.m. to 11 a.m., changes to staff parking after 4 p.m. Both increase access. Spearman also notes the closure of the North Track and Greenwood lots after 6 p.m. "We want people closer to campus at night for their safety." Still non-compliance continues. Students view the alternative lots as inconvenient and prefer to take their chances by vulture parking. "The greatest obstacle to parking alternatives is getting the message out." Says Spearman. Marco and Rudolpho, two would be parkers, illustrate his point. The two said they were unaware the Greenwood and North Track lots were available to students. DSS is trying to operate on a limited budget within state regulations. According to Spearman, Washington State views parking facilities on campus as an enterprise independent of the school itself. Therefore, no state money goes toward the lighting and care of parking facilities. Student fees fund those endeavors. Spearman feels it would be difficult for the College to gain access to state funds for the development of additional parking when Washington State is looking for means to discourage commuting. Spearman indicates the College and DSS are entertaining solutions, one of which is the possibility of a parking garage. However, without funding a garage seems far on the horizon. Also, continued negotiations with the City of Shoreline regarding the lots it owns is a tentative process. Since, SCC does not own the land, the college is not responsible for their care. The City of Shoreline prefers to use paving and road dollars for other uses. The result is the parking lot affectionately known as "The Pit". However, much more is at stake than filling potholes and painting lines. Spearman's primary goal is to win the hearts and minds of Shoreline students. DSS issues approximately 30 parking tickets per day. Spearman could issue more if staffing permitted. The current staffing levels and the breadth of space to cover spread DSS's resources rather thin. Parking ticket revenue once circulated into the College's General Fund are available to DSS only through a "needs proposal" which undergoes an administrative approval process. Although inconvenient, one parking ticket from DSS is a simple matter to resolve. Multiple fees become more complex. "We will boot your car. We don't like to do it but, we will," said Spearman. Unpaid parking tickets will go to collection. Another negative consequence would be the College placing a hold on academic transcripts and credits. "The horn will blow for them." Spearman warns. Students wishing to avoid the $25 permit fee by parking in neighborhoods surrounding the College may find the City of Shoreline less accommodating. Spearman explains, "So far our neighbors have been very tolerant. But, I've attended these community meetings, and residents have vented their frustration at having their driveways and mailboxes blocked by student's cars. I have heard of students being towed." Construction vehicles on campus further hamper parking congestion. Spearman assures that construction vehicles are using staff and faculty parking areas and the staff and faculty members affected have been using alternative lots and transportation. Spearman says, "The Shoreline staff and faculty are actively participating in the parking solution" The construction will end, eventually, and the construction vehicles will go away. However, the problem remains: Too many cars in a confined area. This condition breeds innovation and adaptation, elements key to evolution. Parking vultures are not always aware they are breaking a rule. Sil and Jean, two people students waiting for parking on a chilly morning, were unaware SCC had a policy against waiting in the lane for a parking space. Both were aware of alternative lots but chose to wait until a space opened closer to their classes. Sil mentioned the 20-minute wait gave her an opportunity to review before her class. Jean pointed out the North Track lot is not paved and he knew a space would open eventually. Other students take the opposing view. Alyssa, decided to park in North Track because she had been late quite a few times. She found the nine-minute walk was worth it. After waiting for up to 35 minutes a brisk walk seems paltry. Quick fixes are not readily available. The College lacks the funds to implement construction on additional parking. DSS believes, fully utilized alternatives could positively affect parking congestion. Currently, the most accessible alternatives are: the North Track and Greenwood lots, the Sears Shuttle lot, carpooling and busing. Although, not as attractive as a shiny new parking structure, these are the means at students immediate disposal. Use them wisely. Use them in peace. Unless circling overhead is an option.	.
by Ty Garfield