A proposed ordinance to change parking restrictions on streets near Ball State University's campus would kick both Muncie residents and commuting students to the curb.
Under the plan, which was drafted by the University Area Landlord Association, many of the roads near campus that allow public parking will be changed to allow parking only in certain areas or only with permits. The area's boundaries include White River, Wheeling, Oakwood and McKinley avenues and McGalliard Road, and it will be divided into four separate residential zones if the ordinance passes.
The plan also includes a measure to allow residents of each zone to obtain a parking permit that would allow them to park on roads with two-hour limits, without worrying about getting tickets, as long as they are parked in their designated zones. Bumper stickers and hanging tags would be color-coded and would remain valid for one year starting Aug. 15.
Steve Buck, a member of UALA, said that many of the changes proposed in the ordinance would not only serve as steps toward safer streets, but they would also affect issues such as snow cleanup, noise and litter.
"There's been ongoing parking problems with congestion in this area," Buck said. "It can make it difficult for pedestrians who may have to use roads without curbs. It can also be a problem for emergency issues; with a bunch of cars crowding the street, some vehicles might not be able to make it through.
"Also, there's an issue with trash," Buck said. It's been hard to keep up on maintenance when you've got cars blocking the way."
A total of 35 roads would have the new parking restrictions in effect on certain stretches: 25 roads would be restricted to two-hour parking -- or all-day parking, with a permit -- on one side, and 10 roads would be restricted to no parking. Also, new parking zones without restrictions would be created.
A similar plan was put into effect in Bloomington in 1991. Jack Davis, manager of Bloomington's parking enforcement office, said that many residents value their new parking plan.
"There are more residents who are in favor of it than those who aren't," Davis said. "It's very positive."
The change may cause problems for drivers at first, but Davis said the results show that the Bloomington parking plan works.
"The money goes back into the neighborhoods that generate the money," Davis said. "It's incredibly successful, and the people who live in these neighborhoods would not want it any other way."
Davis suggested that students who commute short distances can help with the problem by utilizing public transportation and alternative modes of transportation such as walking, participating in a car pool and riding bikes to campus.
"It's a whole mindset that has to be changed," Davis said. "Unfortunately, we have too many vehicles and no place to put them. The people who seem to have the most problems are students, faculty and staff who have to make quick trips into campus."
However, not only people associated with the university would have problems with the restrictions when, and if, they are put into place.
A chapter of Alno Club Inc. , a 12-step recovery program facility, located at the corner of Riverside and Pauline avenues has members who rely on Pauline's on-street parking to attend their meetings.
"When we first started here, it was one-hour [parking] on one side, then two hours, then two hours on both sides, and that was just enough for us," an Alno club member said. "If they take the parking on this street, then they will be handing out a lot of tickets, but whatever happens, we'll adjust."
Though some may be negatively affected by the proposed plan, Buck says that neighborhood residents will be happy with the new plan.
"I think the response will be good," Buck said. "We're trying to assist the neighbors and the city."
A City Council meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the City Hall auditorium to discuss the proposal.
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