New controversial STEM building decreases student parking

PHOTO: Construction of the new STEM building, currently fenced off, interferes with student parking in the East Lot.

By Jeremiah Haskins

BlueDevilHUB.com Staff––

Davis High is adding a new STEM building which will create some construction-related hassles. On Nov. 10, the Blue Devil Portal issued a statement saying the east side of the student parking lot will be fenced. “Fencing will go up in the east student parking lot as early as Monday, November 14,” said Bruce Cummings. And just like that fences were to guard the premise.

This left a lot of people confused and upset since it seemed like there was going to be less parking. This mostly affected students who had to drive to school since they took a chunk of the parking lot.

Students expressed their opinion on the situation and provided feedback. “The student parking lot is crowded all the time and this will make it harder to get in and out of,” senior Mia Chadwick said. 

Other students said the new building is a good idea but when it takes up parking then there is a problem. “I think it is nice we are getting a new stem building but adding more staff parking while taking out student parking doesn’t seem right,” said Senior Daniel Tejeda.

There has been a lot of confusion if there is going to be any new parking allotted for students. With the likelihood of more congestion and traffic, the school decided to add some more parking behind the small gym. “We are currently converting the interior area behind the small gym to a staff parking area,” said Jeff Lorenson. 

The loss of parking spots will be more of a problem in spring. “I think they should’ve given more parking to the students instead of the staff since more and more kids are starting to drive to school over the course of the year,” Senior David Evans said.

There is an additional student parking lot next to the north gym but if students’ classes are not near it can be a very long walk just to get to class. Both student parking lots are also most of the time full.

This also affects parents or guardians picking up students. Many students get picked up inside the east student parking lot and the decreasing size of the parking lot it can create more traffic after school.

Still, the lack of parking isn’t affecting enthusiasm for the new STEM building. “I think the new stem building is a good opportunity for students to explore what the STEM program provides and a lot more space for the students willing to learn,” senior Juana Peralta said.