The SA Assembly approved a proposal last night that members say could go a long way toward solving UB's longtime parking problem.
The proposal bans incoming on-campus freshmen from parking near the Academic Spine during the day.
First-year residents would be unable to park on North Campus lots closest to the Academic Spine between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., according to the plan. Freshman residents who live on South Campus or commute will still have daytime vehicle access to all student parking lots.
The assembly passed the motion by a margin of 17-2, and will be given to the SA Senate for final approval. If the Senate passes the proposal, and President Anthony Burgio signs it, SA will work with parking officials to make the plan into reality.
Additional parking alternatives were given by John Grela, UB's director of parking, transportation, and public safety. Grela gave a comprehensive proposal and presented a full analysis of the problem and how he thinks it can be solved.
"We believe we're going to alleviate some of the congestion parkers find across the Spine," Grela said.
He used results from a survey performed by Chance Management Advisors, an outside group that created a proposal for Fall 2005 with student polls and open forums, to help his case.
According to Grela's research, there are currently enough parking spaces at UB to accommodate all campus traffic.
"We give too many choices and it leads to circling, or what we call 'sharking,'" Grela said.
Grela said "sharking" is a term for the student drivers who follow people leaving classes, hoping they'll be able to snag a vacant spot.
The consequences of traffic congestion have lead to frustration among drivers and illegal parking across North Campus, with similar problems on South. There were 4,251 parking tickets issued on the Spine in 2003, according to Grela.
"One of the things we're doing with this proposal is changing the culture we have," he said.
The faculty proposal called for a restriction on all freshman transportation. Sanctions would be in place from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., which are considered the peak hours for traffic on campus, according to Grela.
To compensate, bus and shuttle transportation will be increased on both campuses. Incoming freshman will also be educated on the benefits of the public transit systems available, officials said.
"We have juniors and seniors who see the buses but have no clue," Grela said.
Concerns over the cost of more buses were voiced by faculty at the meeting, and Grela said it could require money to pay for more drivers and buses, but that it was well worth it to solve the transportation issue.
"We're trying to work it within our budget," Grela said. "We're not in a static situation."
Burgio added he thinks senior students should park the furthest away.
"If you want to turn a freshman away from getting involved, enact this proposal," Burgio said. "I just think the freshman class is a dangerous place to target."
Burgio also warned the proposal to add more buses and shuttle vans would most likely cost students money.
"It's going to cost students more out of their pockets," Burgio said.
Ultimately, Burgio said he wanted the Assembly to handle the issue in a way that takes into account the needs of the whole student body.
"This is one where I kind of want to see where the Assembly goes with this one," he said.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
