Cameron Bebeau

Originally Published at: https://www.fsuthevoice.com/fsu-parking-debate-expands-beyond-campus-following-facebook-post/

A Facebook post in the “What’s Happening, Fayetteville?” group from a community member who was ticketed while visiting Chick-fil-A in Bronco Square has sparked discussion among students and local residents about parking availability at Fayetteville State University. 

Facebook user, Lisa R. Jackson stated she were not affiliated with the university, described receiving a citation while visiting the restaurant. They questioned how customers are expected to identify designated parking areas with how difficult it was to find. 

“If Bronco Square is meant to provide convenient food and retail options, how are customers supposed toknow they can’t park there while they patronize the businesses?” Jackson asked. 

The post generated more than 100 comments, many of which were students sharing that the situation reflects ongoing parking frustrations on campus. 

Brittany Jones, a sophomore nursing major, said she has received two parking tickets this semester after struggling to find available spaces. 

“I almost always have to arrive four hours before any of my classes just to find a legal parking spot,” Jones said. “My two tickets were for $35 each. That’s money that had to come out of my grocery budget.” 

Jones said both citations occurred on days when she arrived later than usual due to doctor’s appointments and could not find open parking in designated lots. 

Students have pointed to several parking lot closures due to construction projects this academic year, which they say have reduced available spaces. Some students report classmates arriving late, or teachers canceling class entirely because of the search for parking. 

Students who park on campus are required to purchase a parking pass that costs $60 per semester, and guests may purchase weekly passes for $15. 

Of note, the Facebook account of the Fayetteville State University Police and Public Safety Department posted just one day before the original post, encouraging everyone to utilize off-campus parking locatedat 815 Washington Drive, which features a free transportation shuttle to and from the campus. 

As campus construction continues, the online discussion suggests parking concerns are no longer limited to just students but are also concerns of the broader Fayetteville community.