I am a student at the Florida Institute of Technology, and I am deeply concerned about the lack of accessible and safe parking spots on campus, particularly near Mary Star of the Sea. This petition aims to address this issue by urging the university administration to take immediate action in providing more parking spaces and establishing a direct crosswalk across S Babcock Street. Though this is specifically aimed towards Mary Star of the Sea this will be a small step closer to fixing the parking issue at Florida Tech as a whole. 

As a student who has utilized the overflow parking in lot 24, located behind Panther Dining Hall, I have personally experienced the challenges and risks associated with walking back to my dormitory after dark. My vehicle was also hit by another student in the parking lot when I was not even in the vehicle. The current situation puts students, faculty members, staff, and visitors in potential danger due to unsafe surrounding areas and lack of designated pedestrian pathways.

To support our cause for safer parking spots and improved pedestrian safety measures near Mary Star of the Sea at Florida Tech, it is crucial to highlight some relevant facts:

1. Insufficient Parking Spaces: The existing parking facilities around Mary Star of the Sea are unable to accommodate all 146 dorm residents as there are about 68 total spots (5 handicapped, 1 staff and 0 motorcycle) available. This leads to overcrowding issues that force individuals to park further away from their homes.

2. Safety Concerns: Walking long distances from overflow parking areas poses significant safety risks for students during late hours or inclement weather conditions. Without proper lighting or designated paths, individuals are vulnerable to accidents or potential threats.

3. Traffic Hazards: The absence of a direct crosswalk across S Babcock Street forces pedestrians to navigate through heavy traffic flow when crossing over from overflow lots towards their desired locations on campus.

We believe that addressing these concerns will not only enhance safety but also improve overall accessibility for everyone within our university community. By implementing additional accessible parking spots closer to Mary Star of the Sea along with a direct crosswalk across S Babcock Street:

- Students will feel safer when returning back to their dormitories after dark.
- Faculty members and staff will have improved access to their workplaces, reducing the time spent searching for parking spaces.
- Visitors to Mary Star of the Sea will be able to attend events and services without worrying about parking availability or crossing busy streets.

We kindly request that the Florida Institute of Technology administration take immediate action in addressing these concerns. By investing in safer parking spots and establishing a direct crosswalk across S Babcock Street near Mary Star of the Sea, you will demonstrate your commitment to ensuring the well-being and convenience of all individuals on campus.

Together, let us create a safer environment for everyone at Florida Tech!

Thank you for your attention and support.

Sincerely,

Varsha Satish