Chattanooga Faces Parking Predicament as CSAS Parents Take Over UTC Lots
Chattanooga, TN – It’s a crisp fall day as cloudy skies give way to a little sunshine this afternoon. The weather is forecasting a high of 67°F, perfect for the hustle and bustle that is happening near the Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences (CSAS). However, the issue that’s brewing here isn’t just about the autumn leaves; it’s about parking, or the lack thereof!
CSAS Parents Under Fire for Parking in UTC Lot
For years now, parents dropping off their children at CSAS have been using a gravel lot by the Citizen’s Cemetery, which belongs to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). However, as the number of students enrolling at UTC grows, the university has asked CSAS parents to steer clear. But, despite the reminders, many parents seem to be ignoring the request, leading to more congestion for everyone else trying to park on campus.
We talked to an anonymous parent who shared their frustrations about parking. “It’s tough for me to find a spot to park during drop-off and pick-up,” this parent said. “I can park on the street or in other lots, but I have to pay for that!” They attempted to stay low-key about their identity, fearing repercussions from the school. “I just thought it would be easier to park here today since I have my dog with me.”
UTC Students Vent Their Parking Frustrations
When we conducted a casual observation of the lot, it was eye-opening. Out of about fifty cars, nearly half were CSAS parents! Drop-off hours are from 8:15 to 8:55 a.m., and pick-up runs from 4:00 to 4:30 p.m., making it an absolute madhouse on UTC roadways.
Freshman Addie White can’t help but be frustrated. “It’s exhausting trying to find a parking spot; I’m tired of not having a guarantee for my parking space even though I have a pass.” Another student, Jesse Goins, who attended CSAS himself, chimed in. “When they asked us to stop using the lot, it got crazy. There’s just no easy alternative.”
Shuttles to the Rescue!
CSAS Principal Jesse Goins is working hard to resolve the parking problem. He has coordinated with Hamilton County Schools, the City of Chattanooga, and nearby Warner Park to provide shuttle services for students. “We have a shuttle drop-off and pick-up location at Warner Park,” he explained. “Many parents are using the shuttles we have available, and they’re filling up quickly every day!”
Freshman Alex Haynes shared her surprise at the whole situation, stating she wasn’t even aware that CSAS parents were infringing on UTC parking. “It’s tough enough trying to find parking without being blindsided by parents parking here,” she mentioned. “I commute everyday and don’t have time for this!”
UTC Parking Services Steps In
David Seidel from UTC Parking Services is serious about enforcing the rules. Any vehicle caught violating parking regulations in Lot 36 will be slapped with a citation. “We will continue issuing citations to those parked without valid permits,” Seidel affirmed. He adds that efforts have been made to inform CSAS parents, but it appears the message isn’t getting through.
It’s a tough spot for everyone involved as the lack of parking impacts both CSAS and UTC communities. School nurse Jennifer Lallier also noted the challenges of being in a landlocked area, emphasizing, “Not having enough land and being surrounded by real estate that we don’t own makes this very difficult.”
More Parking Options for UTC Students
To help alleviate the parking problems, UTC has decided to convert some Reserved lots to General lots. Lots at Garage 31 and others are now open for permit holders. Let’s hope these changes can bring some relief and harmony in the parking situation!
