Grambling Students Voice Concern Over University's Attempt To Be Pedestrian-Friendly
By: Janice Park
Updated: September 2, 2009
If you've traveled around Grambling State University lately, you may have noticed a lot more cars and blocked off roads.
GSU is trying to make the campus pedestrian-friendly.
But it's causing outrage among students and townspeople.
Grambling University's Ralph Wilson says he sees students almost get hit by cars on a daily basis. So the university is trying to shut down Main Street. It's made all of main street through campus a fire zone so no one can park there. And it's put up barricades so cars can't get into nearby parking lots. Main Street is the epicenter of the campus.
Here's the catch: the city of Grambling owns it. Some students say they're frustrated because they believe turning their campus into a pedestrian friendly place could eventually backfire -- especially if an ambulance or fire truck needs to get past one of those barricades.
GSU spokesperson Ralph Wilson says the student's point is an obvious concern. But he says the university will ensure ambulances and other emergency vehicles will have access points to get to dorms and any other buildings on Main Street.
Grambling University's Ralph Wilson says he sees students almost get hit by cars on a daily basis. So the university is trying to shut down Main Street. It's made all of main street through campus a fire zone so no one can park there. And it's put up barricades so cars can't get into nearby parking lots. Main Street is the epicenter of the campus.
Here's the catch: the city of Grambling owns it. Some students say they're frustrated because they believe turning their campus into a pedestrian friendly place could eventually backfire -- especially if an ambulance or fire truck needs to get past one of those barricades.
GSU spokesperson Ralph Wilson says the student's point is an obvious concern. But he says the university will ensure ambulances and other emergency vehicles will have access points to get to dorms and any other buildings on Main Street.
