Published Jan. 11, 2010
By Molly Kelleher, KEPR TV
Map to Overflow Parking at CBC
KENNEWICK — We’re taking action for you about parking problems at Columbia Basin College. There are more students fighting for fewer spots on campus.
We got an e-mail from a viewer upset about parking at CBC.
She asked what could be done about it and students are also sounding off on CBC’s Facebook page.
It’s the No. 1 complaint on campus: not enough parking.
The toughest time for finding a spot is in the morning until about 11 a.m. Action News tested it out by driving around the campus at that time.
It was hard to find a spot. And that’s not news to Bill Saraceno, senior vice president of administration at CBC.
Action News asked, are there enough spots for the number of students you have?
“Yes, just not in the areas they want, Saraceno said. The increased enrollment has made the problem more immediate. Our classes are 90 percent full and so our parking lots do fill quicker in the early morning.
On the far north side of campus near Argent Street, CBC is going to put in more parking in two years’ time.
“250 to 300 spaces, but people don’t realize parking costs money, Saraceno said. Its $6,000 per stall for gravel pavement and lighting the lot.
But that’s two years away. So what can you do in the meantime? Park out by the baseball fields and by the observatory. It’s certainly a bit of a hike, but it’s practically wide open.
Otherwise, you’re taking a risk of getting a ticket. The fines you pay will pay for that new lot. And with lots as full as they are these days, that new parking may be paid for in no time.