University of Dayton students have paid hundreds this year, but it’s not classes or books that’s costing them: it’s because they’re parking illegally.
Students’ cars are being towed from one lot in particular: University Place just off Brown Street behind businesses including Starbucks and Potbelly sandwich shop. It’s an easy walk to campus from the lot.
“Do a lot of people park here and walk over to campus? Yeah, a lot of people do,” said Angela Guerino, a UD student who was in the lot this afternoon.
Matt Miller, owner of Carl’s Towing, said it’s his job to keep the lot clear for paying customers. Since the school year started last month, his company has towed about 80 vehicles from the lot.
“We just towed three, just a little bit ago,” Miller said.
When students park in the lot and walk to campus, the restaurants say it costs them business because potential customers see a full parking lot and may decide not to stop.
“I think they should be towed. When I come to get something to eat or coffee, I would like a place to park,” said Dayton resident Lynette Salyer.
Anyone who illegally parks inside the red line in the lot is fair game to be towed. It costs $90 a tow — a fee set by the state. It’s an additional $12 a day the car remains in the tow lot.
“Last year, we got 40 in one day. It was abusive,” Miller said of the students’ illegal parking. “These restaurants were just outraged. And (the landlord) Miller Valentine can’t afford to lose that kind of rent and have these restaurants move out.”
A representative from property owner Miller Valentine could not be reached for comment.