Bennies need better parking options

There’s nothing like the feeling of walking to your car after class, a meeting or work and feeling your heart drop as you see the dreaded piece of paper on your windshield. This dreaded piece of paper is nothing other than a parking ticket, which I’m assuming many both CSB and SJU students have received during their time here.

The restriction for student parking and especially CSB student parking at St. John’s seems to be an annoyance for Bennies trying to park there. If a St. Ben’s student wants to park at St. Johns, they have only one option— Flynntown. CSB students are required to purchase a parking permit, which for the full year costs $150. On the other hand, a guest or car with no permit has many options, including lots close to Sexton and the Quad, but Bennies only have one option.

Flynntown is the farthest parking lot from the main upper St. John’s campus and can seem extremely secluded from the rest of St. John’s. Not only is this a far walk from campus, but is also not the most pleasant or enjoyable walk for Bennies to take, especially after dark. Walking alone for many young women, especially once it is dark, is not the most desirable option. I remember a few instances where I have had to walk to my car parked in Flynntown after an event and it was dark out with little to no one around. It was not a pleasant experience in which I constantly felt like I had to watch my back. I’m assuming many Bennies have had this same experience.

Especially with the recent safety concerns and security alerts, many students are already on high alert and want to avoid any situations which may make them feel on edge or unsafe. While one solution may be for Bennies to take the bus between campuses, this may not always be an option. Classes, work or meetings may make it hard for Bennies to take the bus and instead they may have to drive to be on time or for their schedule to work. When taking the bus is not an option, Bennies should not have to feel unsafe walking back to their own vehicle and should have an option to park somewhere closer to the main campus that feels less secluded and has more lights when dark.

My perspective is strictly that of a St. Ben’s student who has had issues in the past with parking around the campuses, and I understand that Johnnies parking at CSB also do not have an ideal parking spot. I would think there has to be some solution to allow for more parking options closer for both Bennies and Johnnies when parking on their opposite campus.