Spring Break
Finding other options for Q-lot
Amanda Heidman
Issue date: 9/24/07 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
A lot of rumors have been floating around campus about the Western Illinois University Master Plan for renovation. One statement I hear a lot of people talking about is the idea to turn Q-lot North into a parking garage. There is no information on the Western Web site to support these claims, but many people think it is a good idea. Though it would be positive in terms of space utilization, it would be completely unsafe, not to mention a definite eyesore on our campus.
As a female student I am constantly being told of the danger in walking through Q-lot alone at night, and I am well aware of the risks for both the men and women on campus. By putting a parking garage in its place, the threat would be intensified. It would provide a continuous darkness similar to that of Q-lot at night but would be enclosed, increasing the opportunity for numerous crimes.
Among other offenses, this possible parking garage could be a breeding ground for kidnapping, rape, theft and vandalism. It would provide a potential predator many dark places to hide. With the issues that have already arisen involving vandalism in the parking lots and alleged sexual assault throughout Macomb, it would be foolish to support such a renovation.
When students discuss this change they want to see in Q-lot, they aren't thinking realistically. Rather, they are being selfish in wanting large industrial renovations regardless of how unnecessary they are. There is never a problem finding a parking spot - though the one you get isn't always ideal - so a parking garage really wouldn't change much. If anything, it would make it harder to find a spot, and it would take longer to get from your car to the building (again increasing the risk of an abduction or sexual assault). It is also a safe bet to say that it would increase the cost of a parking permit.
Besides demonstrating a total disregard for students' safety, placing a parking garage where Q-lot North now sits would make the university look sloppy. As many people, including Western's visitors and potential students, get their first view of the campus while they pass North Quad and Q-lot, it needs to be as visually appealing as possible. This is not to say that our current parking lot is particularly attractive, but it is something that can be overlooked much easier than a parking garage. With Q-lot in its current state, a visitor's eye is directed mainly toward Bayliss Hall and Vince Grady Field. If a massive parking garage were to be erected, it would take the charm away from our campus and our town.
For more information on the school's Master Plan for renovation, visit www.wiu.edu/UniversityPlanning/masterplan.
As a female student I am constantly being told of the danger in walking through Q-lot alone at night, and I am well aware of the risks for both the men and women on campus. By putting a parking garage in its place, the threat would be intensified. It would provide a continuous darkness similar to that of Q-lot at night but would be enclosed, increasing the opportunity for numerous crimes.
Among other offenses, this possible parking garage could be a breeding ground for kidnapping, rape, theft and vandalism. It would provide a potential predator many dark places to hide. With the issues that have already arisen involving vandalism in the parking lots and alleged sexual assault throughout Macomb, it would be foolish to support such a renovation.
When students discuss this change they want to see in Q-lot, they aren't thinking realistically. Rather, they are being selfish in wanting large industrial renovations regardless of how unnecessary they are. There is never a problem finding a parking spot - though the one you get isn't always ideal - so a parking garage really wouldn't change much. If anything, it would make it harder to find a spot, and it would take longer to get from your car to the building (again increasing the risk of an abduction or sexual assault). It is also a safe bet to say that it would increase the cost of a parking permit.
Besides demonstrating a total disregard for students' safety, placing a parking garage where Q-lot North now sits would make the university look sloppy. As many people, including Western's visitors and potential students, get their first view of the campus while they pass North Quad and Q-lot, it needs to be as visually appealing as possible. This is not to say that our current parking lot is particularly attractive, but it is something that can be overlooked much easier than a parking garage. With Q-lot in its current state, a visitor's eye is directed mainly toward Bayliss Hall and Vince Grady Field. If a massive parking garage were to be erected, it would take the charm away from our campus and our town.
For more information on the school's Master Plan for renovation, visit www.wiu.edu/UniversityPlanning/masterplan.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Kyle
posted 9/24/07 @ 3:52 AM CST
Just because you may not like how a parking garage looks doesn't mean that it is going to be a breeding ground for sexual assaults and kidnappings. First off most parking garages are very well lit places that cameras could be installed in to actually make it safer than Q-lot is now a provide a record of what happens at night within the garage to help prevent things like someone driving up and down the aisles with a BB gun shooting out windows. (Continued…)
P.M.
posted 9/24/07 @ 6:45 PM CST
Actually there's Q Lot parking spaces left in the evening time. The catch is... Q-Lot across from Sherman Hall...the Q-Lot by the Credit Union (which is empty most of the time) Q-Lot isn't just the big lot by the athletic center. (Continued…)
Steve
posted 9/26/07 @ 10:58 AM CST
If you look at the WIU Master Plan website and look at the different options they ALL SHOW Q lot being redone in some form or fashion with new Arena and Residence Halls a New Road and yes PARKING Garages. (Continued…)
AngelD
posted 9/26/07 @ 2:12 PM CST
I agree parking garages aren't the prettiest thing to look at and do have some drawbacks of course, but at the same time, would it really look any worse than a huge lot full of cars?
I see the author's points but something has to be done about parking issues. (Continued…)
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