Column: Parking lottery neglects students

What I loved about UNC-Wilmington wasn’t close proximity to the beach or an abundance of Seahawk Teal.

Instead, I was amazed by the massive parking lot adjacent to my friend’s dorm. “How can this be?” I wondered. Here she was, a freshman with quick access to her vehicle and there I was, bitter and confused.

I’m still bitter and even more confused. As a rising senior who lives in an on-campus apartment, I’ve applied for an on-campus parking permit through the UNC Department of Public Safety three times. The passes I’ve received were only obtained after an appeals process through the Hardship Parking Committee, an arm of student government.

As a working student, I’m grateful for the committee but remain unconvinced of its necessity. The arduous permit-obtaining process via DPS limits off-campus employment and educational opportunities for students. As a tuition-paying student and adult, access to my own vehicle shouldn’t be a privilege.

The current lottery system, implemented in 2013, works on a system of quotas determined by class and resident status.

DPS spokesman Randy Young said the lottery has better served the entire student body and was openly developed with consultation of different university groups.

“We’ve gained a lot of input from various constituent parties in the university,” he said.

Throughout his UNC career, class of 2014 alumnus Ben Peery struggled to make appointments in Durham to treat his diabetes.

“Hardship parking was complicated and the allocation process was not transparent whatsoever,” Peery said.

“It appeared as if permits were assigned at random. It was like my medical condition was ignored.”

Senior Kelsea Chapman has only obtained her on-campus permits via the Hardship Parking Committee.

“I understand that I’m competing with thousands of other students for a permit, but it’s frustrating that I haven’t gotten a permit out of the three years I have applied for one,” she said.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to at least apply for a permit through the hardship application, but even that system has its flaws.”

Demand outweighs supply. The campus is congested. Excuses, excuses. I understand the parking policies because I’ve discussed them with DPS officials. What I don’t understand is why the system hasn’t been amended, why a solution beyond a lottery hasn’t been found, why the University hasn’t built a massive, potentially unattractive but utilitarian parking deck for students.

From the impossibility of acquiring an on-campus permit to the constant threat of being towed on Franklin Street, I’ll take my Honda and happily drive out of Chapel Hill come graduation.