Buffalo State considers new parking options

Parking is a perennial complaint here at Buffalo State, and a new report by the campus makes some suggestions in an attempt to offer relief. These recommendations are a mix of the good, the bad and the weird.

Part of the report is based on the suggestions of parking consultant Jason Schrieber. Schrieber says more should be done to encourage those who do not drive to campus, including those who take the bus, walk or bike.

I'll often take my bike to campus, weather permitting, and I've never felt that it was somehow discouraged. There's always plenty of places to park, and somehow I don't think creating designated bike paths will convince enough people to stop driving to make any real difference on the parking situation. It will just be a huge waste of money.

Also, I think Mr. Schrieber needs to realize that this is Buffalo, and rain, sleet and blinding snow are a regular part of of our lives. Biking or walking to campus is great for the few brief months that the weather remains sunny, but it would take a brave bicyclist indeed to brave the elements that batter Buffalo from October to March.

Other parts of the report seem more promising. One of the suggestions calls for a separate, cheaper parking permit to be created. This permit would only be valid in Lot M, to encourage more students to park across the street while those willing to fork over a little more cash could try to get spots a little closer.

This is a great idea. I'm the kind of guy who likes to show up just before class starts, so I'm usually banished to Lot M anyway. I don't mind the walk, and I would enjoy it a lot more if I knew I was saving a few bucks.

This is assuming that they lower prices for those who park in M, and don't just raise rates for everybody else. The report doesn't explicitly mention a parking hike, but it does mention that Buff State's rates are "well below" market value. I don't like what this is hinting at.

Another suggestion calls for the creation of some kind of radio-frequency-identification parking tags to allow only authorized students and staff into the appropriate lots. All well and good, until you get to this section.

"Although likely more expensive, costs... (of the tags) could be charged back to the users."

Will this really free up enough spaces to make it worth extra costs to us?

There's a few more basic ideas, like creating heated shelters to encourage students to wait for escort vans. These are fine, but probably won't make much difference one way or another.

Other suggestions are more puzzling. Some seem almost bizarre.

"Consider instituting valet parking."

What?

That's all it says, no explanation is given. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to pull right up to the Union and have somebody in a spiffy uniform park my car for me, but I really can't see how this is possible on a campus of thousands.

I'm sure that this isn't what was meant, but without further explanation I cannot fathom how valet parking is going to help the parking situation.

Overall, some of these ideas will help, but none of them are game-changers. While you're waiting for improvements, feel free to join me in Lot M so we can whine about parking together.

The college is looking for feedback on the report, which can be found here: http://wwwd.buffalostate.edu/dailybulletin/feedback-parking-and-transportation-committee-report-and-recommendations-requested. You can send your thoughts to vpfm@buffalostate.edu, or write us at The Record to let us know what you think.

Jacob Tierney can be reached by email at tierney.record@live.com.