To the Editor,

The relationship between Gorham and the University of Southern Maine is longstanding and one that is important to me and my administration. USM was created in part because the people of Gorham valued education and wanted quality schools in their communities. As a proud resident of Gorham, I see evidence of this continued support for USM as businesses in town provide discounts to those who have a valid USM Husky identification card, as local residents attend events on our campus, and in all the countless ways people show kindness to our students, faculty, and staff.

I understand some members of the Gorham community are unhappy with the new parking system. Some have expressed that these policies are unneighborly, and the University is attempting to profit off visitors. I hear you and I care. For years, USM’s parking services have operated at a significant financial loss – this year alone, the deficit is $1.2 million – causing us to defer needed maintenance and creating strain on the University’s budget. The roll out of the new parking system has been challenging, and we’re committed to improving the situation. We’ve established a parking committee to review the current policies, including a review of the service providers with whom we are contracted.

USM is proud to be a cornerstone of the Gorham community, and beyond improving the parking situation, we are working to enhance the campus in ways that will benefit both our students and the town. These include:

• A restoration and renovation of the original Gorham Academy Building
• A new teaching lab in Bailey Hall
• A new game club space in Lower Brooks
• New batting cages on the athletics fields
• Plans for renovations to historic Robie-Andrews Hall

I thank everyone who’s provided feedback to us, and I hope to see you on campus soon.

President Jacqueline Edmondson, University of Southern Maine