New parking restrictions have been put into place as the ACU Police Department accommodates students in the new Dillard Hall.
Dillard, Barrett and northwest campus parking lots have all become reserved lots for residents of those halls. The northwest campus lot is the official name for the parking lot located directly north of Barrett Hall. Students must now have a designated permit in order to park within the three lots.
ACU Chief of Police Jimmy Ellison said the newly restricted lots is the best solution for the opening of Dillard Hall.
“This year we knew with bringing Dillard hall online that we were gonna have a problem in terms of where to park that many vehicles,” Ellison said. “The decision to create the restricted parking for Barrett and Dillard was tied specifically to the idea that if we don’t create a specific area for those dorms there is no way for them to park anywhere adjacent to those dorms.”
Rachel Jones, sophomore communications major from San Antonio, said she’s seen the benefits of the restricted parking as a resident of Dillard Hall.
“It’s a lot easier to find parking closer to my dorm, especially at night,” Jones said.
Ellison said the designated lots could offer a sense of security for the women of Dillard and Barrett hall as they have parking spaces closer to their dorms, and therefore can feel more safe when coming and going during the night time.
However, some students are frustrated as parking across campus has become more difficult.
“I’ve almost been late to class a couple of times because even parking in the intramural field or Edward’s parking lot is nearly impossible,” said Kathryn Hamilton, a junior advertising and public relations major from Albany.
Hamilton is an off-campus resident, but said on campus residents share her frustration as well.
Ellison said they recognize students’ frustration and are taking it into consideration.
“There are a lot of students who aren’t used to it and they’re a lot of men that live in Mabee and Edwards who aren’t accustomed to the fact that it is now a restricted lot,” Ellison said. “It’s frustrating on their part and we fully recognize that and we knew that would be part of the growing pains, but we think this is going to be the best solution that we have given the facilities that we have.”
Ellison has proposed to the university that the northwest campus parking lot ultimately be expanded upon, allowing for approximately double the capacity of what it holds now. Ellison says the university is open to the idea, but it is still under review.
