Support, benefits and source of revenue for structure discussed
I have received a recommendation from the Campus Fee Advisory Committee that the student parking fee be increased, effective no earlier than fall 2012, to support construction of a new, approximately 1,300-space, parking structure.
After review, I am approving the recommended $68-per-semester fee increase. It will be effective upon completion of a parking structure, which is expected in fall 2012 or fall 2013.
The student parking fee will increase to $136 per semester and will generate approximately $1.85 million, which would cover the debt service and possibly some annual maintenance cost for the structure.
As always, we carefully consider any proposed increase in fees. I know, however, that campus parking is typically cited by students as their top concern. Parking lots or structures must be funded out of parking fee revenues.
The recommendation from the fee committee came after a proposal from Vice President for Administration Cynthia Teniente-Matson. She noted that the Master Plan for the university requires building of at least one parking structure within the next five years to accommodate anticipated enrollment growth. There is little opportunity for building additional surface lots so a structure is our most efficient and effective option.
Ms. Teniente-Matson and Analyst Thomas Gaffery reported to the committee the consultation process that they used to gather student opinions on the proposed fee increase. They conducted an online survey (2,496 students participated), met with 10 student groups and convened three focus groups of commuters, students who bike to campus and students who walk to campus.
In his memo to me on this proposal, Dr. Paul Oliaro, vice president for student affairs and chair of the committee, said, “The Campus Fee Advisory Committee members fully understand the importance of their action and its implications. However, there was a consensus that the campus will need a parking structure and to delay action on construction of one or to construct one with smaller dimensions than the one proposed will only delay the problem and could end up with greater cost over the long run.â€Â
ASI President Graham Wahlberg agrees with this fee increase. “It is apparent that our campus is in need of a centrally located parking structure that can accommodate the anticipated growth. This increase will bring us in line with other CSU campuses and will ensure plenty of parking for us. A majority of consulted students agree that this is needed.â€Â
The new structure may be cited on the current footprint of Lots K and L (south of Barstow Avenue on the east and west sides of Campus Drive). Currently 330 spaces are available within these two lots, so approximately 900-plus spaces will be added. Most of the parking in the new structure will be designated as student parking. The cost of the structure would be $20 million to $25 million.
It is expected that consultation and planning on the new structure will begin immediately, but the new fee will not become effective until it is open for use.
This increase does not affect faculty-staff parking fees, which are subject to collective bargaining. However Vice President Teniente-Matson will engage the joint labor council in dialogue regarding the proposed parking plan and its impact to employees parking in that area of campus. Also, the parking fee for members of Bargaining Unit 11 (Teaching Associates) will not be increased to support this facility.
By John D. Welty