What’s up with the student parking lot

Every driver at Milford High School encounters the same problem nearly every day: the student parking lot. Overcrowded with few open spots, inconsiderate drivers, and distracted pedestrians, the student parking lot has probably annoyed every student driver and faculty member that has a car.

Many students believe the condition of the concrete in the parking lot is in too bad of shape and that it’s not safe enough. Also, students believe that the parking pass is too expensive for the condition the parking lot is in.

“Basically, it is not enough,” said Milford Principal Kevin McKenna, when discussing the parking lot permit fee. “The amount of money that comes in from students doesn’t necessarily pay the salaries for all the employees.”

McKenna said the funds go into an account to pay for Mr. Sharpe and Mr. Stewart and a portion goes to the HVS Central Office, which they use to paint the parking lot, and also for general maintenance. Mr. Sharpe and Mr. Stewart help with security in the building and in the parking lot.

The parking lot isn’t a problem that the students are fighting alone; the administration has certain things they would like to fix as well.

“One of the things that we ask students that always drives them crazy is that we don’t let them park in the first row, and the reason for that is it is a safety issue. If you have people walking in between those cars they are stepping right into the road,” said McKenna.

McKenna mentioned wider lanes and speed bumps to naturally slow down traffic.

“I wish there were more exits in the parking lot for easier flow of traffic,” said Michael Marinucci. a second-year driver.

“The problems never seem to go away. It is almost a challenge just to leave after a long day, and after sporting events everyone is riled up and wants to leave late at night,” Marinucci continued.

When it comes to general safety issues and unsafe driving, either Mr. Stewart or Mr. Sharpe will report it to Deputy Delanoy, where the driver will have a warning before some disciplinary action takes place.

“We are just trying to keep people safe. We don’t want an accident,” said McKenna.

When the average student sees their principal mention all of these things about the parking lot, you would think the pass is too expensive. But compared to most schools, Milford’s pass is cheaper and more lenient with their parking lot rules.

Rochester and Troy charge $105, and Plymouth and Canton charge $130. However, Farmington charges only $45. Many students are aggravated at the continuous cost of $80 for a parking lot where no significant improvements to traffic or parking lot conditions are taking place.

Even with recent improvements to the walkway by the fitness doors, students still seem to be frustrated. New parking passes have been rolled out and the new school year is in full swing, yet the problems from last year are still present.

Hopefully in the coming years, new improvements will be made and the students’ main problems will be addressed and the parking lot issues will finally be resolved.