Very few parking spots can be found a The Province since the implementation of the overflow lot.
By Tyler Mercer–
Scheduled to open in the fall of 2013, the University of Louisville’s new student recreation center has begun construction. This construction has directly affected residents of both University of Louisville Properties housing and those of the Province. Students, who would normally have parked in the lot next to Kurz Hall, are now being forced to park in a new student parking lot that was opened this semester at the Province.
Students must now use the Province’s bridge to access their vehicles and because of this, safety has become a concern for both sets of residents. Amanda Puckett, a freshman psychology major at the University of Louisville, said, “I always feel a little bit weary when I have to walk over to my car. I would think that a lot of students feel that way. In the back of their minds, I’m sure there is some worry that something will happen to them or maybe even their car if it’s parked off campus.”
A representative from the University of Louisville housing department reported that there are blue lights stationed in the new lot along with a security guard near the pedestrian bridge and walking security guards in the parking lot itself.
With this increase in foot and vehicle traffic, residents of the Province are noticing more activity in their own neighborhood. Commuter students, who normally would have to park a good distance from campus, have started to use the Province’s parking lot because it is not patrolled.
“No one checks these lots for passes so students can park here for free without fear of a parking ticket,” said Jessica Bartlett, a resident at the Province, “I don’t feel safe when I have to park a building or two away at night when the lot at my building is full, and I have to struggle back to my apartment with my backpack and groceries.”
Bartlett also voiced concerns about her personal safety at the Province. “Someone was robbed at gunpoint in my good friend’s building. I know these things can happen regardless of the new parking, but with the new lot there are more people in and around the complex.”
Students from U of L, who now park at the Province, should keep this information in mind when deciding when they travel to their vehicles and what exactly they feel safe leaving inside them.
“I probably wouldn’t walk around alone at night,” says Grace Thoeny, a resident at the Province, “but I wouldn’t do that anywhere in Louisville.”
The safety of everyone involved is very important. For questions about safety while living here at U of L, contact University Police at (502) 852-6111. In the case of an emergency, call 911.
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Photo: Rae Hodge/The Louisville Cardinal
