As students we sometimes think we live in a plane of existence completely independent of the surrounding environment. Though many of us work off-campus, pay taxes and contribute to the local economy, we’d like to think we are in Provo but not of Provo. In some ways that’s true.
Most of us live in apartment communities that consist entirely of other college students. But we’re not as autonomous as we’d like to think. Right now, the Provo City Council is exploring the possibility of implementing parking meters and a parking permit program for the residential neighborhoods surrounding campus – especially along 800 North – in 2008. The study is still in early development; the council is still deciding how large an area the parking permits will apply to, and they’ve yet to determine whether parking meters are necessary. But we are certain whatever course of action they choose will have an impact on the BYU community.
We’ve all struggled with the frustration of finding a parking spot near campus at one time or another. We’ve seen the congested streets around the boundaries of campus, and we know a concerted, far-reaching plan is essential to solving the problem. But this is a problem we can’t leave solely in the hands of others to correct. We need to be active participants in the discussion.
A public hearing is scheduled March 6 to discuss an amendment that would change the parking permit districts. It’s only the first of many steps to come in the process, but we encourage students to raise their voices early and let any criticisms or suggestions be heard. Though we’re immersed in the college subculture, we should be eager to give input on issues that will affect us as well as the larger community.
