Campus Parking Blog

Comments (22)

Sally Shivnan:

I am concerned that when faculty/staff lose the right to park in lot 22 (a very large lot), and also on Hilltop Road, UMBC Blvd, and all of Hilltop Circle except for a very short stretch of it, that there will be very insufficient parking for non-gated faculty/staff. Lot 8, which has both gated and non-gated faculty/staff parking, has only TWO rows of non-gated parking, the rest is gated--I saw this recently when the gate was installed.

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Response: The areas identified for non-gated faculty/staff parking are based on the parking survey information and the advice and input from the outside parking consultants. Parking for non-gated faculty/staff is available at Lot #8, the designated area of Hilltop Circle, Lot #1 (old Lot #3), Lot #24 (old Lot #18), TRC Lot (new Lot #25) and the lot by the Locker Rooms at the Stadium (new Lot #28).

An intra-campus shuttle will run from Lot #25 up Poplar Avenue, left on Hilltop Circle clockwise to Walker Avenue and back again; this shuttle will run continuously from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. You need only “wave” and the shuttle will stop to pick you up and then drop you off at your destination on that route.

Posted by Sally Shivnan | July 26, 2010 12:24 PM

student:

Why do we need parking zones? It bothers me how rigid this plan is. I'm going to be a Walker resident, but say I'm coming from off-campus and I want to stop by the Commons. I wouldn't want to park more than half the campus away if there are spaces available in the Commons Garage.

Also, I spent time as a commuter, but I spent all my time hanging out with my resident friends. I was in the dorms before and after class, but now I wouldn't be allowed to park anywhere near them.

People complain all the time about parking at UMBC, but adding oppressive restrictions on where everyone can park isn't going to help people get the spaces they want! (Also not helpful: knocking out the parking lot closest to the academic buildings. Not that I would have been allowed to park there.)

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Response: Based on the expertise and advice from our outside parking management consultants, a parking zone plan was recommended for UMBC to make the most effective use of available parking. Campus wide dialogue occurred over the past year on this proposed zone plan, including presentations and discussions with campus governance groups and open campus forums conducted last February. This plan is intended to help permit holders avoid the need to “hunt” for spaces throughout the campus. In addition, projects are being completed this summer to improve access to all parking facilities on campus.

Commuter students will be able to park in Lots #3 and #4 which are in close proximity to the residential halls and on Hilltop Circle near the apartment complexes.

In addition, after 3:30 p.m. anyone can park in Lots #2 and #8 and the Administration Drive Garage lower level for 50 cents.

Posted by student | July 26, 2010 8:29 PM

student:

The loss of Lots 8 and 9 for student parking is putting a huge gouge in commuter options - it was difficult enough just to find a space before these areas were removed. As a commuter who has been trying to get housing with no luck, this is just further limiting options. I appreciate that commuter areas cannot be claimed by residents but I worry that what is offered so far pushes us very far from the campus (minus the commons garage area), and if I can't live there I'd at least like to not have to leave hours before my classes start just to ensure I have parking options.

Response: The new parking plan is intended to provide each permit holder type with a designated zone for parking and eliminate others from parking in various locations around campus dependent on the time of day. For example, the parking study found that Walker Community students were parking on Hilltop Circle rather than in Lot 20. With the new parking zone plan, these students will not be able to park on Hilltop Circle and, therefore, these spaces will be available for Commuter Students.

As indicated on the new parking map, the Commuter Student zone basically wraps around the academic core; that is, it includes the following:

- The majority of the roadway parking on campus from Walker Avenue counterclockwise to Poplar Avenue;
- Hilltop Road and Poplar Avenue outside of Hilltop Circle;
- UMBC Boulevard
- Two (2) of the four (4) non-gated parking lots within Hilltop Circle (Lots #3 and #4);
- The two (2) largest parking lots outside of Hilltop Circle which are in closest proximity to the academic core (Lot #22 and Stadium Lot); and,
- Commons garage.

Lot #25 is designated at the overflow lot and the intra-campus shuttle’s route goes from this lot clockwise to Walker Avenue and back continually.

Posted by student | August 7, 2010 5:02 PM

Gila:

Here's my problem: most of the commuter areas are really nowhere near the academic buildings. I am an art student, and believe me, it is no picnic trying to lug a portfolio that's nearly as big as you are over to your car when you have to park a ten-minute walk away from the art building. Which I have had to do occasionally, when the lots that you've just gotten rid of were full. And it's not just the art students who have stuff to carry, either. Second, what if all the spaces in your "zone" are full? What are you supposed to do then? This will happen, especially since the number of spaces on campus has been reduced.

Response: As indicated on the new parking map, the Commuter Student zone basically wraps around the academic core; that is, it includes the following:

- The majority of the roadway parking on campus from Walker Avenue counterclockwise to Poplar Avenue;
- Hilltop Road and Poplar Avenue outside of Hilltop Circle;
- Commons Drive;
- UMBC Boulevard
- Two (2) of the four (4) non-gated parking lots within Hilltop Circle (Lots #3 and #4);
- The two (2) largest parking lots outside of Hilltop Circle which are in closest proximity to the academic core (Lot #22 and Stadium Lot); and,
- Commons garage.

With this plan, Commuter students will no longer need to drive all around campus to find a parking space; rather the Red-A zones are designated for Commuter Student zone only with Lot #25 available for overflow, if needed. This new plan will be monitored closely by Parking Services. If adjustments are founded to be needed, they will be implemented accordingly.

Posted by Gila | August 9, 2010 12:58 AM

student:

I think it's fine. I don't see what the whole problem is. I think it's organized and people need to stop worrying about an extra 5 minute walk. If you were at UMCP, you wouldn't even be able to park without paying meters and walking 20 minutes to each class. Grow up guys, you're in college now, and I think you can understand that life has rules to follow.

Now, what I do not understand is the commons garage. Why did each floor get another 3-4 handicap spots? We lost 5-6 spots for every floor! Why not just use the metered parking area in the first floor of the commons parking garage, so it can actually be useful to those who are in need of handicap parking. Having handicap positions on the 2,3,4th floor is not going to help if the elevators are out of order.

Also, I think there should be a specific place for motorcycles because motorcycles do not need a whole parking space for themselves when those parking spaces were meant to accommodate cars.

Response: Thank you for your comments. The displacement of handicapped spaces due to the Performing Arts & Humanities Building is a temporary situation; that is, once Phase 1 of this building project is completed in the summer of 2012, handicapped spaces will once again be available around this building. In the interim, handicapped spaces were added on the top deck of the Administration Drive Garage and each floor of Commons Garage in close proximity to the elevator. Should the elevators be out of order, we note the following:

- Handicapped parking is available for anyone in the campus community who has a handicapped permit issued by the MVA with the following conditions: (1) Both the UMBC permit tag and the HC tag must be displayed; and, (2) the HC tag must be registered with Parking Services.

- Any HC space on campus can be used as the designated “zones” do not apply to those with HC tags as described above.

- Should anyone arrive at one of the locations with metered spaces and find that the HC spaces are not available, one can park in any metered space without a time restriction.

Motorcycles and road approved motor scooters must be registered with Parking Services and display a valid UMBC decal. Your designated parking zone will be the same as allowed with your parking permit. A maximum of two motorcycles/scooters are permitted in one parking space. Decals are available at Parking Services.

Posted by student | August 10, 2010 3:57 AM

Concerned_Student:

This is completely unacceptable!!!
I went to UMBC for 3 full semesters now, and let me tell you something. Lot 20 behind Walker Apartments is never filled up by Walker residents. Even at the busiest times it is half empty. In fact it was the only place I could find parking on Monday mornings. But now, you are telling me I cannot park there because I am a commuter?!

Response: The new parking plan is intended to provide each permit holder type with a designated zone for parking and eliminate others from parking in various locations around campus dependent on the time of day. For example, the parking study found that Walker Community students were parking on Hilltop Circle rather than in Lot 20. With the new parking zone plan, these students will not be able to park on Hilltop Circle and, therefore, these spaces will be available for Commuter Students.

As indicated on the new parking map, the Commuter Student zone basically wraps around the academic core.
Lot #25 is designated at the overflow lot and the intra-campus shuttle’s route goes from this lot clockwise to Walker Avenue and back continually from 7 am to 10:30 pm on Monday through Fridays.

We have been evaluating the new plan during the first few weeks of classes. Based on feedback from students, faculty and staff and our own observations, some adjustments to this plan will be announced soon.

Posted by Concerned_Student | August 10, 2010 5:06 PM

Jackie Miller:

I am a disabled commuter and I don't understand why we have to park so far away from campus. This is my last semester and all 5 of my classes are either in Fine Arts, Academic 4 or Universtiy Center...I have a disability and I am not walking clear across campus for some stupid colored parking zone space.

Response: Handicapped parking is available in the Administration Drive Garage, Commons Drive Garage, Poplar Avenue inside Hilltop Circle, Center Road, Lot #4, Lot #5, Lot #7, Lot #11, Lot #12 (behind Potomac Hall), Lot #23, Lot #25, Lot #28 and Stadium Lot (formerly Lot #17). Handicapped parking is available for those who have a handicapped permit issued by the MVA.

For anyone in the campus community who uses these spaces, the following applies: (1) Both the UMBC permit tag and the HC tag must be displayed; and, (2) the HC tag must be registered with Parking Services.

Any HC space on campus can be used as the designated “zones” do not apply to those with HC tags as described above. Should anyone arrive at one of the locations which include metered spaces and find that these HC spaces are not available, one can park in any metered space without a time restriction.

Posted by Jackie Miller | August 14, 2010 4:24 PM

Anonymous:

How far away is the satellite parking?
The map helps not at all. And I can't find it anywhere.
How far is it?
How long does it take to go there and back on shuttle?
On bike?
On foot?
Can you even get there on foot?

Response: The Satellite Parking lots are located at UMBC South Campus. South Campus is located on South Rolling Road. One would exit campus at Hilltop Road, take a left on to Wilkens Avenue and a left on to Rolling Road (at the traffic light), travel down Rolling Road (passing the Park n Ride) and take a right on to Gun Road; take the left fork (Rolling Road; the lots will be seen on the left hand side of this road. The shuttle takes approximately 15 minutes to travel from the campus to the Satellite lots. It is possible to bike to this location; walking is also possible but the time frame is dependent on the individual. .

Posted by Anonymous | August 14, 2010 10:21 PM

concerned student:

My current question is: what happens if there is no parking in one of the designated areas? For example, I'll be in Walker and what happens if there are no spots open? Where can I park? Do I somehow get waived to park somewhere else or am I ticketed due to poor parking zone planning?

I see flaws in this plan.

Response: Based on our evaluation of the parking plans over the first few weeks of classes, the circumstances that you describe above have not occurred; rather Lot #20 still has spaces available.

Posted by concerned student | August 16, 2010 11:39 PM

student athlete:

I am a student athlete that spends most of my team in the RAC more so than I do at my own apartment. I am very concerned that i now can not park any where near the RAC due to the new parking zones.We often have 6 am workouts and we travel. The bus picks us up and drops us off at the RAC and with our in ability to now park at the RAC carrying our luggage half way across campus will be very difficult especially during days with inclement weather. We would also leave our cars parked near the RAC for several days while we were away. I think this new plan is extremely inconvenient and was not thought of from ever possible student view.

Response: Parking Services will be meeting directly with Athletics on this and other issues. The results of these discussions will be conveyed to all athletics by the Athletic Department.

Posted by student athlete | August 17, 2010 8:56 AM

Rising Senior:

I feel there should be more overlap of residential and commuter student parking. For example, lot 4 is close the Public Policy Building, but it is also close to 2 dorms (Susquehanna and Patapsco). Yet, lot 4 is only for commuter students. When I lived in Susquehanna, I parked my car in lot 4 frequently. What is the reasoning behind that particular parking decision?

Why are Walker residents limited to one part of the campus, while other residential students (except freshmen) can park on nearly half of the campus? Other residents aren't limited to parking solely by their dorms/apartments, so I'm confused as to why Walker residents are so restricted.

I think there should be less restriction regarding the distinction of commuter and residential student areas. What if a commuter student was to go to the dining hall? What if a Walker Avenue student works at the TRC? There are quite a few areas on the map where both residential and commuter students should be able to park.

Whoever designed this parking assignment must not have realized that students don't stay in one area. Residential students have legitimate reasons for wanting to park in commuter areas. Commuters students go to residential areas.

The only good thing that has come out of this parking arrangement is that residential students are now able to park by Harbor.

Response: Thank you for your comments. The new parking zone plan was designed to efficiently and effectively use the available parking. Lots #20 and #21 were developed to serve the Walker Community. The parking zone for Residential Students wraps the residential area of the campus. We have been evaluating the results of the first few weeks of classes. Based on feedback from students, faculty and staff and our own observations, some adjustments to the plan will be announced soon.

Posted by Rising Senior | August 17, 2010 2:11 PM

Shay:

Where the new building is being built how could you take those parking spots? The parking zones are not fair and too harsh. It should of stayed first there first served. There isnt enough parking for commuters they should of invested in making an other parking lot and garage. This makes me have a headache now when thinking about going to school.

Response: As you know, UMBC is in the midst of a growth spurt, and that growth necessarily brings changes that sometimes impinge on some of the conveniences we have all enjoyed for a long time. The new parking zone plan was designed to efficiently and effectively use the available parking. We have been evaluating the results of the first few weeks of classes. Based on feedback from students, faculty and staff and our own observations, some adjustments to the plan will be announced soon.

Posted by Shay | August 17, 2010 11:20 PM

Patrick:

As a full-time employed grad student coming to class straight from work, I am very concerned about the amount of time it will take me to find parking. While you claim this zoned structure will help avoid the "hunt" for parking spaces, it will only make it worse.

I was pretty much guaranteed a space in the newly removed lot, but now I may have to drive all the way around the loop or park all the way at the stadium to get to the ITE building.

Perhaps instead of building any more academic/residential buildings, the staff should consider enhancing the parking infrastructure. How about a few more garages?

Response: As you know, UMBC is in the midst of a growth spurt, and that growth necessarily brings changes that sometimes impinge on some of the conveniences we have all enjoyed for a long time. The new parking zone plan was designed to efficiently and effectively use the available parking. We have been evaluating the results of the first few weeks of classes. Based on feedback from students, faculty and staff and our own observations, some adjustments to the plan will be announced soon.

Posted by Patrick | August 19, 2010 1:35 PM

Anonymous:

Parking for commuter students was ridiculously difficult BEFORE all these restrictions were put into place. When I get out of my class at night and have to walk half way around campus and get kidnapped to get to my car, UMBC, YOU can hold my funeral.

Response: As you know, UMBC is in the midst of a growth spurt, and that growth necessarily brings changes that sometimes impinge on some of the conveniences we have all enjoyed for a long time. The new parking zone plan was designed to efficiently and effectively use the available parking. Based on feedback from students, faculty and staff and our own evaluation, some adjustments to the parking plan will be announced soon. In addition, any student, faculty or staff member can contact the Campus Police at any time for an escort.

Posted by Anonymous | August 24, 2010 7:43 PM

David Harvey:

I fail to see how the new parking zones will improve parking on campus. First of all, the fact that this idea comes from "outside parking management consultants" is worrisome since it means our parking plan was designed by people who do not actually use the parking facilities on a regular basis.

All that is being done here is that more limits are being placed on where students and faculty can park, which ignores the real problem of insufficient parking spaces on campus. In fact, thanks to lot 9 being removed, there will actually be far fewer spaces available.

What needs to be done is for a new parking garage to be built. It would be more expensive than just adding more parking restrictions, but it would be worth it.

Response: The outside parking management consultants were engaged to assist the University based on their expertise and extensive experience for a variety of clients inclusive of higher education. The new plan is intended to improve access to parking and efficiently utilize the available parking spaces. Each permit holder type has a designated zone for parking which eliminate others from parking in various locations around campus dependent on the time of day. We appreciate your feedback and your patience as we transition to this new plan.

Posted by David Harvey | August 24, 2010 10:59 PM

staff:

Given that the campus has lost parking spaces, are there any plans to expand the shuttle bus services? I used to use the downtown shuttle to get to and from work, but that shuttle was eliminated last year.

Response: The UMBC shuttle is handled by Transportation Services so we have refer your question to them along with your e-mail address so that they can respond to you directly.

Posted by staff | August 30, 2010 1:25 PM

Faculty:

There is simply not enough non-gated faculty parking lots. Your consultants were clearly wrong. The current situation is untenable. I hope you will quickly take steps to correct this huge problem and allow faculty and staff extra parking spaces. I do not see how we can be expected to get to our classes on time.

Arriving earlier is not a viable option as many of us get here early enough -- some people will still be left out even if we all get here is 7am and many of us have commutes, responsibilities and other university related schedules to coordinate with that preclude us from getting here at 7am.

Response: Thank you for your feedback. We have been evaluating the results of the first couple of weeks of classes. Based on those results and suggestions we have received from students, faculty and staff, some adjustments to the new parking plan are being considered for implementation soon.

Posted by Faculty | August 31, 2010 1:27 PM

Lynn Kennedy:

To echo Sally's concerns, as a long-time staff member here I am livid. Once again, staff is being treated like second class citizens. We are here 5 days a week, 8 hours a day and because of budgetary concerns, overtime for most of us is not possible. My job often requires I stay late which means to work my 8-hour day I shouldn't come in until 9:00 or 9:30. I arrived shortly after 8:30 this morning, got mired in the traffic tie-ups and then found myself having to park in the TRC and wait 15 minutes for a shuttle. The TRC lot is approximately halfway between my home and my office (Engineering) It is unconscionable that Faculty/Staff parking has been limited so much with this new zone parking. I understand that there were parking meetings and input was solicited from the campus community but I happened to work for someone who actively discouraged my attendance at meetings. I also question how much input was solicited from the collective bargaining unit since it is largely unrepresented on campus. More spaces should be opened on the loop for staff and faculty; anything else is demoralizing, unreasonable and unfair, particularly in light of multiple years of no raises, temporary salary reductions and other hardships which we have borne mostly without complaint. I recognize that students drive the bus and don't want them to suffer in any way, but without staff, nothing gets done. I'd like to hear an argument that actually supports the need for so many commuter spaces at the expense of full-time staff. Is every commuter space on campus filled from 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.? Why not give us all of the inner spaces from Admin Drive to Admin Drive to Hilltop Road and perhaps another 15-20 along the circle toward Walker Avenue? Conversely, why not the inner and outer loop from the first Admin. Drive to Hilltop Road? Why not give us spaces in Lot 22 if the circle has to be reserved for commuters? Why does the campus want to create another hardship for the people who keep things running on an everyday basis?

Response: We appreciate your feedback as we monitor the new parking zone plan. We understand that parking issues affect everyone in our community evey day. Like many other higher education institutions, as UMBC continues to develop and expand to meet its mission, that growth necessarily brings changes that may impinge on some of the conveniences we have enjoyed for a long time. Parking is one of the functions that is often most impacted by the institutional growth, and UMBC is no exception.

The number of faculty/staff parking spaces on Hilltop Circle was determined based on a survey of faculty/staff permit holders on this roadway; this survey was conducted for 3 consecutive days at two different times. After 3:30 p.m. faculty/staff can parking in any Zone A-Red (Commuter student) spaces. The full parking zone plan is in effect for the fall and spring semesters only. In the winter and summer periods, faculty/staff can park in any zone except zone B-green (Walker community).

Your patience and cooperation are appreciated during the transition to this new parking plan.

Posted by Lynn Kennedy | September 1, 2010 10:18 AM

John Carter:

I haven't been able to find any info about the daily passes. Are they no longer used? If they are still used, what zone(s) are they good for?

Response: Daily permits are available for sale at a cost of $2.00 each. They are valid for parking in Zone D-Purple. Daily permits can be purchased at Parking Services with either check or cash as the payment form.

A 10 pack of daily permits is available online at myumbc.edu/go/parking at a cost of $20.00.

Posted by John Carter | September 1, 2010 12:55 PM

Patrick:

The comments that zone parking keeps students from having to "drive around looking for parking" is complete nonsense. I have driven around campus more during the first few weeks than I did the entire four years of my undergraduate work.

This "consultant" seems to be wrong on several accounts. We *DO* need a parking garage and zone parking causes more problems than it solves, period.

I recommend we immediately abolish this crazy notion of "zones" and restore some semblance of sanity. Unfortunately the poor decision to raze the largest lot on campus can't be undone, but serious consideration should be given to adding more parking to the campus.

Posted by Patrick | September 16, 2010 2:24 PM

Staff:

I'm not scheduled to start until 9:30 am each day. When I arrive there are no spaces in lot 8. I must park in Lot 24 or TRC and walk 20+ minutes to the ITE building. After reading all the comments it's obvious the University has no intention of building another lot. But they need to have more shuttles and provide better transport from the satellite lots to the offices. I never see a shuttle. I'm not going to sit and wait 30 minutes (that I have to make up) for a shuttle that might or might not show. This plan was sold with the assurance that there would be adequate shuttle service. It's time to back that up. Winter is coming and I don't think too many people will be happy with waiting or walking in the freezing rain because there weren't enough shuttles.

Response: Thank you for your feedback. Based on current information, the round trip from Lot #25 and back is estimated at 17 minutes. Additional signage has been added to this shuttle so that it is more easily identified. We are closely monitoring the shuttle service to determine if any adjustments are needed.

Posted by Staff | September 21, 2010 4:48 PM

Marsha Velli:

It has been 5 weeks since I started using lot 24. It's not going well; I have been able to catch the shuttle 4 times in that period. Might I make a suggestion. I think that the administrators who implemented this parking plan should utilize lot 24 and 25 for a couple of weeks and find out exactly what the rest of us are experiencing. They would have the first hand knowledge needed to make the necessary changes. Walk a mile in my shoes.

Posted by Marsha Velli | October 8, 2010 1:18 PM