Widener University corrects record on city parking wars

To the Times:

The Jan. 11 editorial “Parking wars pits Chester vs. Widener” contained significant factual errors from a city spokesman, who ignored the university’s efforts to communicate with Chester about its proposed parking plan in advance of the university’s decision to pursue litigation.

Widener took part in quarterly meetings with city officials for three years, where the idea of parking meters was never raised. Once Widener became aware of the city’s parking plan – in December 2018 – the university, through its counsel, immediately met with the city solicitor and presented a very reasonable and financially attractive alternative. The proposed guaranteed annual amount over 12 years would have funded the purchase of campus-area parking permits for students, staff, and faculty. The city quickly rejected the idea without explanation.

It was only after these attempts to resolve the disagreement amicably that Widener University elected to involve the courts. We appreciated the judge’s decision this week to temporarily halt the city’s parking plan and we remain open to further discussions with city officials about the future of parking around Widener.

Widener is proud to be a longstanding member of the Chester business community and has worked constructively with the city for many years. We look forward to continuing that tradition.