Just as suddenly as the weather changed, so too did plans for the Office of Residential Living and the U Department of Transportation.
The large storm over the Thanksgiving break covered most University of Utah parking lots with snow.
On Monday, in conjunction with residential living, the transportation department decided to clear out lots at the Heritage Center residential halls, said Assistant Director for Facilities Ted Lazenby.
Supervisor of Transportation John Neumann and Lazenby made the decision.
On Tuesday, the transportation department cleared out lots at Sage Point, Benchmark Plaza and Shoreline halls.
On Wednesday, parking by the South Medical towers, North Benchmark Plaza, Chapel Glenn, Gateway Heights and theatre parking will be cleared between 7 and 10 p.m.
For the transportation department to properly clear out the lots, it needs students to relocate their cars for the time allotted.
According to Lazenby, a memo was placed on cars in each lot on Tuesday to notify students when and where to park between the given hours.
“I guess it’s cool,” said freshman Phil Herbert, who lives in Heritage Commons.
Freshman Bryan Brown wishes there was a little more notice. “I’m sure they try, but it seems like there’s very little notice on a lot of changes,” he said. Brown lives in the Sage Point apartments. “But I’m glad they’re doing something.”
In order to increase awareness, residence advisers went door to door to make sure students had gotten word to relocate their cars for a short time, Lazenby said. Nonetheless, there might be a few who didn’t get the message for whatever reason.
According to Lazenby, the transportation department and residential living are counting on students to comply with the request. However, no action will be taken against those who don’t.
In the case that there are a few cars which aren’t moved, “We simply won’t be able to clean the parking lot as well as we’d have liked to,” Lazenby said. “But, it’s better to try than not to.”
If the lots fill up with snow again?another storm Thursday is predicted?the same process will occur to deal with the situation, he said.