Sen. Laura Harber presented the Harbor Resolution to the SGA on Thursday Nov. 6, and the Senate passed the resolution.

This resolution proposes that parking lot 12 that is located behind the Communications Building that is currently classified as non-commuter parking for residents of Cooper and Clement Hall, be reassigned as commuter parking. The resolution was not specific as to how much of the lot should be reassigned. In her resolution, Harber stated that parking lot 12 which is designated as Cooper and Clement parking is not being used to its maximum capacity, therefore commuters could perhaps find it of more use.

Information provided by the Analysis of Parking Facilities at the University of Tennessee at Martin shows that on average between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. the average of number of cars present are 72 with a maximum capacity of 84 cars for this area of the lot. That leaves an average of 12 spaces available for use. The analysis also shows that between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. that the average number of spaces being used are 82 out of 84.

When questioned on this issue, Dr. Katie High explained that she was not present at this meeting and has yet to be informed of the resolution. However High did say that she “recommends that all of the senators conduct research before submitting resolutions to be voted on.”

When asked about the proposal, Asst. Director of Public Safety Steve Jahr explained that he is aware of the problems expressed by some students about the commuter parking on the east side of the university, but in his opinion since the additions of the commuter parking lot behind the water plant that “commuter parking on the east side is better than it has ever been.” In addition he explained that the Cooper Hall parking lot has been staying full to capacity at this time and if lot 12 was made available to commuters that it would force the Cooper Hall overflow to park in the unrestricted parking behind the water plant that the commuters use. He asked, “What would really have been accomplished then?”

Jahr went on to explain the complexities of parking here at the university and that every two years or so the department of public safety has an analysis of the parking situation conducted on campus. In the past changes have been made. Jahr explained that the parking lot most complained about on campus is the lot across the street from the Administration Building. Students complain that the distance that they have to walk from there is too far. Jahr showed on the aerial map of the university that in fact that lot is closer that some of the others in which he receives no complaint. “It’s a matter of perception because the students have to walk across the street. They believe that it is further away when in fact it is not,” said Jahr.

Chancellor Nick Dunagan said that he has not been formally informed of the resolution He stated that the matter will be look in to and the appropriate action will be taken by the university.