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Campus Parking Booth

If you’re a commuter you know what it's like to be in your car racing to the parking lot. If you are a commuter without a parking pass you might see where this is going. In late October of 2004 that little booth in commuter lot W1 became active. What does that mean? If you don't have a parking pass you will be paying five samoleans daily to park. The obvious answer to this is that each commuter student should purchase the parking pass, which is $95 annually and $45 by semester. Some students find that this is also problematic. Brett Miller, sophomore dramatic writing said, "I am only here two days a week and it seems stupid to pay. I know 45 bucks isn't much but I rent an apartment, and that is a lot of money to me." The issue now is what will all that money be used for? Director of Parking & Facilities Services, Gordon A. Moccio was happy to help with the answer. "Prior to my arrival there was no formal parking program. Purchase was one of the last schools to instate a parking program." Moccio went onto say that the reason the program became essential was because Purchase receives less and less money each year from the state, and with the lack of funds, came a lack of repair to parking lots and walkways. Moccio, who appealed enthusiastic about the whole process, was able to list off the top of his head some improvements that have been made. These improvements include the re-paving of phase two, adding parking spaces, and repairing walkways. Also in the W1 and W2 lots Moccio decided to make the road leading into the lot one way. Traffic lanes have also been relined as well as crosswalks repainted, and a lot of signage has been added. "All future improvements and upgrades will be in consultation with the student government, and on priority basis," said Moccio when asked how future decisions would be made. Moccio said he had also been talking with PSGA President Jeff Stein about the re-paving of Campus Center North. Moccio went on to say that improvements of these types are extremely expensive. Moccio said, "Blue light emergency phones are being considered for remote locations on campus." These phones could cost as much as $20,000 but would make students feel safer. And according to Moccio "safety is a paramount concern."