MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

BY JOSH STONE, CAPP

Happy spring, everyone! The grass is getting greener, and the days are getting warmer It is hard to believe it is already April–time sure flies when you are busy, which is what P&T has been no stranger to this past quarter

We’ve had several strides in technology over the past few months First, special events officially went cashless on January 1 to significant effect While it took visitors a few weeks, almost everyone knows we only accept card payments for parking at special events This has been met with great enthusiasm by our special events staff, who no longer have to deal with ripping tickets or counting cash; they check out a handheld and turn it back in! It has made special events flow much smoother, and we receive real-time updates on event parking stats. Our multiple T2 upgrades continue to push forward, with Phase I updates on WBSD, WMSD, WCSD, and ESD being complete. Phase II started with complete underground loop cutting and new gate equipment installed on all other decks. LPR camera installation is scheduled to begin around March 13

LED lights were installed on Bowe Street Deck, with West Main St Deck installation expected to begin on April 3 Cameras are also live on West Main St Deck, with the Henry St Decks receiving upgrades We hope these projects continue steadily for six to twelve months

We submitted our accredited parking organization application late in February We believe we met 100% of the required criteria and 90% of the remaining criteria and the accredited with distinction criteria We are awaiting news from the APO board VCU is undoubtedly one of the top parking organizations in the country, and I have high hopes for positive news I appreciate everyone who participated in this process

We experienced one resignation on the management side, Kate Dehart (Special Event Manger) resigned to pursue an opportunity in the music industry Danyel Derricott was promoted to Special Events Manager and has already hit the ground running We welcomed Blair Johnson to the Operations Center, and Max Dewald and Andre Ellis in Enforcement. We hired a new Accounts Rep, Seth Moore, and expect to bring on two Enforcement & Safety Supervisors early next quarter.

Within a few months I expect to have more updates on summer 2023 construction and additional details on the launch of LPR and the continued installation of cameras and LED lights on our parking decks Also stay on the lookout for invitations for “Coffee with the Director” - these occur at Eighth St Deck and you can spend time with P&T leadership and ask any questions you may have

Thank you to those working special events, as it is much appreciated Please be on the lookout for sign-ups for upcoming Broadway shows, Les Miserables, Hamilton, and high school graduations

If you ever need anything, my door is always open

Thank you,

Sincerely,

Josh Stone, CAPP