Students, faculty, and staff will continue to park for free.
“The parking fee was considered after a strong perception last year was that we were having a financial crisis,” Gold said. “It is a way to generate more revenue for the college.”
Questions on who the fee would be applied to, where on campus it would be applied, how it would be enforced, and what the costs were that might be necessary quickly surrounded Gold.
“Students were very concerned where the money would go and what it would be used for. All of those questions were and remain, to an extent, very legitimate questions,” Gold said. “As incoming interim president, I looked over the whole situation, and decided to look over some of the questions to find if there were some reasonable answers, and figure out how much money would be generated from a parking fee.”
Some students have said it’s not necessarily a bad thing for LSC.
“I wouldn’t mind,” said Alise Vandal, a junior. “Almost every other school has one. As long as it’s not excessive, like $75. If it’s a necessity for the school and would cut costs in other areas, it’s a good idea. Some public schools in Connecticut charge around $200,” she said.
Other students, many of whom are already paying nearly an extra $1,000 to insure their vehicle because they reside in another state, didn’t take the proposed new fee lightly.
“I’m not a fan of it,” said freshman Robert Balfour. “Its extra money, and we’re already paying at least $20,000 to come here. We should at least be able to park for free,” he said.
Gold said there was a small surplus from the end of last year that was able to cover the school’s bonded indebtedness.
“It’s hard enough for students to pay for college, why put in an extra fee if we don’t absolutely need it?” he said.
As for next year, the decision on whether or not to implement one will be up to the new president