Recently, the SGA passed a resolution to try to have Lot 12 changed from Cooper-Clement parking to commuter parking. Being a commuter last year, this idea seems to make sense. However, now that I am a Cooper resident, this idea makes no sense at all.

For those of you who don’t know, Lot 12 is the long lot behind the Sociology and Communications Buildings, directly across from Cooper. It is within a short walking distance of Business Administration, making it ideal for a place to relieve an overcrowded BA commuter lot. Between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., the BA commuter lot that already exists is usually full, and commuters are forced to park farther away from BA and Gooch than they would like.

However, Cooper residents also have a full lot. In the evenings from about 6 p.m. until 11 a.m. the next day, the lot directly beside Cooper is almost always full as well. People who work and have to come in late have to park in Lot 12 to avoid having to park extremely far away from their dorm.

If the Cooper portion of the lot is rezoned commuter only, it leaves Cooper residents little choice. Either we can park in staff parking and get a ticket the next morning, or park in commuter parking and get a ticket that night. I don’t really want to have to pay $10 every day because there is no parking anywhere close to my dorm.

I’m not sure whether this issue was brought before SGA at the last senate meeting, but it seems clear to me, as I’m sure it is to several other Cooper residents, that what little parking we have now needs to be available to us in some form.

Otherwise, what is the point of trying to stay in a dorm that you have to drive around all night looking for a parking spot?

Anthony Jones is a sophomore Management Information Systems major from Union City.