The only way to solve a problem is to recognize it exists and then investigate all potential outlets before the best solution is chosen. Sound decisions usually result from following this procedure.

Fortunately for campus motorists, the university and the Campus Parking Committee have been working in this fashion. The two easily could have brushed the issue aside after constructing a new lot near Grant Towers North earlier this year. With that lot completed, the two could have concluded their efforts and claimed that all had been done to provide more parking on campus.

However, it was realized that one new lot would not be sufficient to alleviate completely the congested parking conditions on campus.

So the committee continues to work in an effort to provide adequate parking for all campus motorists. And while that goal still might be far from reality, the continued work of the committee is expected and appreciated.

The committee expects to redevelop lot O, north of Lincoln Hall, over the summer to provide more parking for hall residents. And they hope to add more parking elsewhere if funding is available.

In addition, the committee is going to investigate a limitation on the number of cars allowed on campus. It would be feasible to limit parking permits to freshmen as other universities do.

Because the residence halls are near campus and freshmen are required to live in the halls, there is no real reason for freshmen to have cars on campus.

The committee also is considering off-campus parking with shuttle service to campus. If this option becomes available, it should be pursued to its fullest. While on-campus parking is preferable, it presently is unavailable. Since the problem is currently so large, any feasible alternative should be taken advantage of.

In any case, the committee should be commended for its extensive efforts to alleviate the parking problem. In the meantime, it should be aware that a problem exists and should continue its efforts to discover potential solutions.

Considering the committee’s recent efforts, motorists can safely assume a solution to the parking dilemma might not be too far off.