Traffic
citation numbers remain the same despite
construction
By
Nai Saephan
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
The amount of parking violations issued by Cal State Long Beach Parking Services
remains roughly the same as last semester despite the continued construction
in Lot 11 for a new parking structure.
“
I think over the years we have identified there is a number of citations that
will occur,” said Tom Bass, senior director of
Parking and Transportation Services. “We have not seen an increase in
the number of citations issued this year, including this semester. It is relatively
recent in the spring semester and typically at the beginning of the semester
there is a slow down only because our personnel are engaged in finding parking
places for people.”
Since construction began for the new parking structure, parking has been impacted
for students and there have been numerous complaints. About 800 parking spaces
CSULB students normally filled on a daily basis have been lost to construction.
In an effort to ease parking congestion on campus, parking has been diverted
to Veteran Stadium, where 1,000 parking spaces are available, according to
Bass.
“
All I can say is when we open the new parking structure in the fall, it will
be worth it and if we can open it concurrent with the fall semester, that would
be the best situation,” Bass said.
The No. 1 reason for ticketing is failure to pay the parking fees and the No.
2 reason is for parking at the wrong place. When parking tickets are given,
the funds collected from parking citations are then allocated into a restricted
fund.
“
These funds are a sub-fund of the parking fund,” Bass said. “It
may not be used to build new parking facilities. It is also not available to
cover the cost of general parking fund.”
“
It is restricted to certain purposes among which is the provisioned of alternate
transportations, we use a big portion of that money to fund the shuttle programs
[Campus Connection and Beach Cruiser from Veteran Stadium] and employee alternate
transportation,” Bass said.
“
I don’t understand the purpose of parking permits, why should you have
to pay $98 when you’re already paying to go to school,” said Brandon
Hurt, a sophomore business marketing major.
The Office of Parking and Transportation is open seven days a week, providing
information for building parking to both the general public and students. Brochures
about the shuttle program are located inside.
One can also dispute parking citations at the office. There are two steps involved.
First obtain an appealing ticket form.
Attach any necessary documents before submitting it for administrative review.
The results usually take up to a week and responses are received in the mail.
“
We will help complete the form for appeal to the best of our ability for you.
We will even help make copies,” said Ignacio Carnillo, associate director
of Parking and Transportation Services.
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