Story by Elizabeth Lopez
Need a space? Many NMSU students are frustrated when they pay for one, but can't locate it.(Photo by Elizabeth Lopez)
Many students and staff have been wondering for years what could alleviate the ever-present parking problem at New Mexico State University.
Building a parking structure seems like a reasonable solution to the NMSU parking dilemma. According to the NMSU Parking Department, the plan to build a garage is in the works, but is still approximately 20 years out. The main issue is funding.
NMSU fiscal specialist Mario Navarrate said that the Parking Department does not make decisions regarding the addition of more lots and that a parking structure is not the quick fix.
Navarrate said that people must realize that structures on other campuses in the region are mainly used for VIPs and special events. Most students and faculty do not get to enjoy the structures regularly.
How much does it cost to park at NMSU?
|
Permit Type |
Annual Cost |
Spring |
Summer Only |
| Commuter Student |
$44.00 |
$26.00 |
$14.00 |
| Campus Resident |
$44.00 |
$26.00 |
$14.00 |
| Motorcycle (student or faculty/staff) |
$20.00 |
|
|
| Outer-lot Employee |
$44.00 |
$26.00 |
$14.00 |
| Faculty/Staff |
$82.50 |
$44.25 |
$23.75 |
| Special Permit |
$155.00 |
$81.00 |
$41.50 |
| Visitor Permit – All Access |
$132.00 |
$70.00 |
$36.00 |
| Outer-Lot Visitor |
$44 |
$26 |
$14 |
|
|
|
-Parking Information provided by http://nmsuparking.com/permits.html |
Metered parking by Corbett Student Union costs 60 cents an hour and is free after 4:30 pm and weekends, excluding special events. A citation costs $35 and after 90 days outstanding on the second citation, a boot may be placed on the vehicle which costs $30 to remove. If the vehicle is towed, separate charges apply.
(Photo by Rhona Holden)
“We don’t like to cite,” Navarette said. “What we like people to do is purchase a permit that will help us take care of funding so we can take care of people’s requests.”
When asked how they felt about the parking situation, students had mixed responses.
“It’s horrible there’s not enough student and faculty parking. Some days you have to park illegally and hope you don’t get a ticket,” senior Kelsey Wymore said.
The parking department reported it received more than $1 million last year in revenue from parking permits and citations. NMSU students are left wondering where the revenue from the parking permits go if it is not being used to build a structure or more lots.
According to the parking department, revenue from the parking permits goes into repaving, maintaining lots and making parking safe and efficient for everyone. Some students are not so convinced.
Student concerns
“Why should I pay for a parking pass when I can’t park here? Just fires me up, makes me very angry,” junior Rhona Holden said.
Other students have a more optimistic view.
“I enjoy walking so it really doesn’t bother me. It’s like hanging out at the airport and watching people; it’s fun,” sophomore Will Schettmann said. “If I really need to park, I will by the Pan Am and walk.”
Navarrete says the most important thing students and faculty can do is to give themselves time to get to campus and to class. He acknowledges that many people wait until the last minute to find parking and are in turn frustrated when no spots are available.
What are the alternatives to parking on campus?
“The alternatives to parking on campus are maybe viewed by the transit system,” Navarrete said referring to the Aggie Transit. Students may also park in the free lots by the Pan American Center on Williams and Wells and also the lot located by the fire department on Payne and Stewart.
Students can present their questions or concerns at parking@nmsu.edu.
