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Tuesday, October 11, 1977
University Daily Kansan
City's removal of parking spaces raises questions about congestion
By BRIAN SETTLE
Staff Writer
The removal of several parking spaces from city streets has raised questions concerning future parking problems in force, city commissioners said recently.
In recent city commission action, parking has been removed from the west side of California Street from Fifth to Sixth streets; from the north side of 19th Terrace between Maine and Naisimith streets; and from the south side of 140 and 198 feet west of Friese Drive.
The parking prohibitions are not yet in effect. However, in each action, no plans for replacement of the spaces have been made by the commission.
DON BINNS, COMMISSIONER, agreed that there was a potential problem but said the areas were removed only because of complaints.
"Eventually we are going to have a bell of a problem," Bums said. "But you have to remember, the primary purpose of public streets is to move traffic, not provide
Bimis said the current parking problem at Lawrence High School was an example of a "problem with parking."
Brad Tate, principal of the high school, said there are parking spaces around the high school.
"Quite simply, there are too many cars and too few spaces." Tate said.
However, Tate expressed optimism that completion of present building plans would be feasible.
MAYOR MARNIE ARGERSINGER also said the removal of spaces was creating a
"One sure problem is for houseowners
who rent to students," Argersinger said. "I don't think there's an area in Lawrence right now that students don't live in. If a homeowner can't provide parking spaces for his rentors, then they will find themselves without renters."
Argentinean and she did not think it was the city's obligation to provide such partkern.
"I DON'T THINK we can ask the taxpayers to pay for private parking." Argensinger said. "The homeowner who loses a parking space on the public street will have to solve the problem through larger garages or building a carport, for example. It's a private situation and we can impose taxes for individual owners."
Argeringaer said the majority of parking removals occurred because of neighborhood damage.
"Usually the parking is removed in residential areas," Argersinger said. "A group will complain to the traffic safety commission, who in turn will recommend to the commission that the parking spaces be removed.
Dollie Bittendenbender, 1103 West 19th Terr., a resident affected by the removal of parking spaces from the north side of 19th Terrace between Maine and Naismith streets, said the reason the parking was removed was because University students parked their cars on the residential street to avoid paying parking fees.
BITTENBENDER SAID THERE were cars parked daily on both sides of the street, making it impossible for two-way traffic flow.
"What if an ambulance or fire truck had to get through," she said. "There no way."
English proficiency exams increase course failures
Making students pass a proficiency exam has increased the number of students who fail English 101, Michael Johnson, associate professor at the University of Phoenixon English program, said yesterday.
"The number of students who fail the course has doubled, probably in part because of the institution of the proficiency exam." Johnson said.
Before the exam was started a year ago, an average of 5 per cent of the students
However, 10 per cent of the students enrolled in English 101 failed last fall, the first semester the program was used, he said.
THE EXAM IS not the only cause of falling grades. Johnson said.
Not going to class, not handing in theses or the failing for other reasons are included in the list.
Johnson said he thought the 10 per cent rate was a leitimum figure.
"There is nothing abnormal about a 10 per cent rate," he said. "Those that failed ought to be taken away."
The English department began the proficiency exam to standardize its grading
ANY TIME YOU HAVE 100 different instructors, there is bound to be a lot of disagreement on grading," Johnson said. "There may be legitimate reasons why one instructor puts a B on an exam, and another instructor puts a C on the same exam."
Johnson said the English department also found that a number of students were badly prepared, and it wanted a program that would be more demanding.
Johnson said he thought the English language required a consistent and rigorous pass/fail system.
"There is more of a sense of confidence about the standards in the department now," she said.
THE PROFICIENCY EXAM is based on a passage printed in the student handbook, Composition and Literature at the University of Iowa, Institute for 101 students buy at the beginning of the year.
Toward the end of the semester, each class discuss the passage to make sure all students are ready.
At the final exam the students are given questions about the passage and must write them.
The exams first are graded by the freshman/sophomore department committee, which assigns it a pass or fail grade. Johnson said. The exams then are graded by the individual professors, who assign them specific grades.
A student who fails can appeal his grade, Johnson said.
"However, most appeals don't change the grade," he said. "And that indicates to me that the committee is very consistent in its grading."
However, Bittenden said the permanent removal of the parking spaces would penalize the residents living in the area.
truck could get through, there's barely enough room for one car to get through."
Another commission member, Ed Carter, said he knew of no major problems being caused by the removal of the parking spaces.
'THERE AREN't MANY places in邑里 where people can't park fairly close to the entrance, so be邑宜 duty ornament for several years that requires anyone putting up a new building to provide off-street parking. I think this is one of the best spaces removed from public streets.
"You have to remember, the purpose of a city street is to create safe traffic flow. Parking is generally removed when cars parked on both sides of the street make the street close to being a one-way street, and that impedes safe traffic flow."
Wear - Blue - Jeans - If - You're Gay Day Oct. 14 Sponsored By Gay Services & LLA Of The Women's Coalition
VOTE Melanie Andersen Independent for Student Senate Wed., Oct. 12 and Thurs., Oct. 13
ALLEN FIELD HOUSE / RESERVED SEATS
Friday, Oct.14 8:30 p.m.
$6 & $7 Tickets on Sale Now!
An SUA & Concerts West Presentation Available at SUA Box Office & KIEF'S in Lawrence
Jayhawker Senior Pictures Sept.26 Oct.14
Sitting fee $1 includes your photo in the yearbook and the option of buying color enlargements.
Appointments are required Contact the Jayhawker office.starting Sept.19
Call 864-3728
Order your yearbook now.