Kent State’s Commuter and Off-Campus Student Organization (COSO), held its last meeting of the year on Monday evening. 

The event was held to allow students to express their concerns, make suggestions and ask questions to school officials. Larry Emling, manager of Parking Services; Michael Bruder, executive director of Facilities, Planning and Design; and Shay Little, interim vice president of Student Affairs, represented the university.

Students expressed their concerns about the limited amount of parking and the price to park on campus.

When asked about the Summit Street Improvement Project, both Emling and Bruder spoke on the subject.

“We’ll end up with a net gain of 200-plus spaces,” Emling said. “Our goal is to put them in places that make sense to (students) as commuters.”

According to the Kent State website, the Summit Street Improvement Project will transform a one-mile stretch of East Summit Street, from Lincoln Street to just past Loop Road. The goal is to significantly reduce traffic congestion, making it safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

“I’m really excited about this project, but I know it’s tough to live through,” Bruder said.

Bruder said construction will eventually lead to the Student  Center and create even more parking spaces.

“We’re going to be building some new parking lots around campus,” Bruder said. “It will be a reallocation of spaces.”

Kevin Heller, host of the event, executive director of COSO and a senior conservation major, said the meeting is what COSO is all about.

During the event, Heller facilitated communication between the students and the faculty answering all questions.

He encouraged all commuters and students who live off campus to join COSO. 

“COSO helps to promote commuter awareness and the commuter community, much like what occurred tonight,” Heller said.

Miranda Zoloty is the commuter and apartment life reporter, contact her at [email protected]. Taylor Kerns is the parking and transportation reporter, contact him at [email protected].