I'm writing to you as a current Veronica resident to inform you about changes in the management of the Veronica parking lot and a new parking permit charge, both to start for Fall 2005. As you make plans to retain your Veronica space you should consider this information.

Veronica apartments and the parking lot are leased by Carnegie Mellon from the building owner. As part of our lease arrangement, Carnegie Mellon is responsible for maintenance related to the building and parking lot. For many years, parking in the lot has been free, but the lot has also not been maintained. A few years ago, parking services and campus police began patrolling the lot to provide more security for the permit holders.

The lot is in need of major work. To fund the paving and striping of the lot and increased patrolling and towing of violators, beginning August 2005 there will be an annual charge for a Veronica parking permit equal to the fraternity and sorority permit rates. The parking rates for 2005-2006 have not been finalized, but for comparison this year's fraternity and sorority parking permit rate was $715.

Parking Services has also partnered with our office on the administration of the permit process. The Housing and Dining Office will now be responsible for selecting permit holders and distributing the parking passes. Parking Services will still process charges and continue patrolling, ticketing and towing violators.

The priority process for Veronica parking permits will be based on a tiered system:

1) First priority will be given to Veronica residents, ordered by their spring 2005 lottery number within class.
2) Second priority will be given to all other Oakland Community residents (CatMan, Shady Oak, Webster, Fairfax, London Terrace, Shirley), also ordered by their spring 2005 lottery number within class.
3) Third priority will be given to all other students on a first-come, first-served basis after the application deadline for the first two groups above.

I do not have a firm date by which the fall parking rate for Veronica will be set or when the deadline for a permit application will be set. More information will be forthcoming before the end of the spring semester.

Please email me if you have any questions. If this information affects a room draw decision you have already made (reservation fee payment or retention) please contact me by March 14 to determine how your room draw participation may change.

Regards,

Tim Michael


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