House Editorial: High hopes for Warsaw

Posted on September 20, 2007

One simple innovation incorporated into the new deck may save a lot of students a headache this semester and JMU should be applauded for having the foresight to implement it. In two locations on both sides of the deck, a digital counter indicates the remaining number of parking spaces inside, allowing panicked students rushing to class time to find an alternate lot if the spaces should ever run out.

Despite the fact that Parking Services catches a lot of flak for its sometimes aggressive ticketing as well as recent fine increases, the new deck seems to provide ample space to avoid getting one while finally giving students an efficient parking area near the Quad. It is also worth noting that the spaces inside are significantly larger than the deck beside Bridgeforth and the aisles are also large enough to maneuver freely.

After the construction of the Performing Arts Center, perhaps students will finally be able to enter the deck from either side instead of the current situation making students pass one perfectly good gated entrance as they are routed to the complete opposite side of the structure.

With the expected growth of enrollment in the coming years, such a deck is not only a luxury but a necessity.  Forward thinking, as demonstrated with the Warsaw Parking Deck and other projects around campus, is the only way that JMU will be able to reasonably accommodate such an increase in student population.

Sadly the efforts of expansion have obscured our view of the mountains from the Quad, but it is a compromise that is necessary for the overall good of the university.

One day, if we’re lucky, students may be enlightened as to the purpose of the enigmatic glass booths near the entrances that have remained empty all year.

Though it is a trek to reach certain places on campus from the deck, a simple adjustment in your schedule could resolve that issue – park a few minutes earlier than you would otherwise.

Only time will tell if the several millions spent in its construction will be worth it in the long run.