OUPD will patrol lot behind Bromely Hall

by Sara Bisker
Staff Writer

Ohio University housing officials decided last week to change the patrolling of the Bromley Hall parking lot to the OU Police Departmentstarting March 1 in response to residents’ concerns about towing.

OU bought Bromley Hall and the grounds surrounding it, including the parking lot, last year.

But until last week, the parking lot was still contracted through Bromley’s previous owners with Athens Towing, 10963 St. Rt. 550, said Christine Sheets, director of business and residence services.

Visitors had to get parking passes from housing officials in Bromley and place them on the car’s dashboard before they were allowed legally in the lot, Sheets said. The lot now has two 30-minute loading zones for student use and will be patrolled by OUPD starting next month.

Athens Towing will continue to patrol the lot until March 1.

Joni McCune, OU’s director of parking services, said OUPD parking regulations will not go into effect until proper signs are installed.

“We are in the process of putting signs up at the lot to explain the rules,” McCune said. “Once the signs are installed, the (OUPD) enforcement will begin.”

McCune said anyone who is not in the space as a Bromley resident or guest or exceeds the 30-minute time limit will be given a ticket or be towed.

The Bromley Hall Council asked housing officials for four half-hour parking spots about two weeks ago, said Jida Mohamed, assistant resident director and adviser for hall council.

“(Residents) have been put in a corner and don’t have a choice to park anywhere but on the street,” Mohamed said. “We’re only asking for one loading zone per hundred students living in the building.”

Mohamed said Bromley’s more than 400 residents need access to the parking lot especially during the weekend when many load their cars with groceries, laundry and for trips home.

Mohamed said students complained that Athens Towing sometimes towed cars from the lot within 15 minutes and charged irregular fees.

John Melville, manager of Athens Towing, declined to comment.

OU Student Senate’s West Green senators Sarah Weigel and Julie Luther researched the ownership and patrolling of the lot for the residents they represent.

“We felt that because students were already voicing their opinion, we wanted moreover to try and help them,” Weigel said.

Mohamed said Bromley Hall Council is working for two additional spaces, but she is pleased with the university’s response.

“Right now we’re very happy it took effect quickly,” she said.

But Sheets said granting Bromley residents the two additional spots will be difficult because of the number of spaces in use for dining hall deliveries, guest housing, the resident director and other vehicles.