The Point's parking lot has left students in the dust

Recently, Otterbein began the reconstruction of The Point’s parking lot. 

Fatima Bashar, a senior art major, is normally over at the Art and Communication building, and with the limited number of parking spaces in the adjacent lot, she usually parks at The Point parking lot. However, that is no longer an option now. 

“I’m coming to class late because I’m always looking for a parking spot and I have to park on the grass which is also not good for my tires,” Bashar said.

Ilham Ahmed, a junior middle childhood education major, had a similar experience where she would park her vehicle at The Point during her freshman and sophomore years to study in The Point’s facilities or to simply relax after classes. 

“It has changed a lot. I feel like I don’t get to go there as often because I know I won’t find parking in the parking lot...also the communication building has such small parking as well,” Ahmed said.

Both Bashar and Ahmed took summer classes at Otterbein, which ended as late as the second week of August, however, the construction hadn’t begun yet. The first day they arrived back at school was when they were presented with the in-progress construction. 

“I think the timing is terrible,” Bashar said. 

On the other hand, not all students who park at The Point have had the same experience and otherwise, happen to have an incredible amount of luck. Junior Michael Odoi has had to find a work around when it comes to parking lots on campus oftentimes being full.

“The parking situation hasn’t been as bad for me,” Odoi said. 

He said as a commuter, he has always had to work with the parking that is available but so far, he hasn’t struggled finding a spot to park when at the Point this semester.

However, students may still have to contend with reduced parking at The Point. Despite expectations that construction on the lot would be finished by Aug. 31, the lot will be closed until Monday, Sept. 9, according to a recent email sent to students and staff on Aug. 30.