Snowstorm brings temporary changes to Mason parking

(photo by Frank Muraca)

With the impending snowstorm, Mason Parking & Transportation is opening the gates to Rappahannock and Shenandoah Decks for all general parking. Students are advised to move their cars from the open lots to the decks, where overnight restrictions will be waived for Wednesday and Thursday evening.

“At five this afternoon, we’re going to open the permit gates for Shenandoah,” said Josh Cantor, director of Parking Services, who advised students to be mindful that Shenandoah has less capacity than Rappahannock. “We’ll put them back down whenever the university opens again. The university is going to have a conference call at 3:30, so no decisions have been made yet for the status of the university. Say we have a scenario where we’re closed Thursday and we reopen on Friday, [those parked] will have to get out by 7 am Friday.”

As for other lots, Cantor advised students not to park in Lot R, as it can be hard the plow, and not in Lot K, as much of it will have to be cleared for Homecoming. The front area of Lot K was scheduled to close Thursday at 11 pm, but due to inclement weather conditions, any vehicle in the spot must be moved by Wednesday at 7 pm to allow the area to be plowed.

“There should be plenty of parking though,” said Cantor. “In past storms we’ve opened it up, we’ve had space in the general area and if need be we can open the faculty and staff area.”

The level three gates will open if the general lot area of Rappahannock fill.