According to this article found through this site, Boise State University has parking problems. Well, to be honest with you this is not news to me. I attended BSU a few years back and I too did my fair share of walking. My favorite spot, at that time, which usually produced a parking spot for me was by that church on Boise Avenue. I don’t know how it is doing today. Either way there is a problem.

The purpose of this writing is not for me to complain about the parking nor is it to provide my well thought out solution to the problem either. But, instead, it is to pass on an opportunity for the local residents to make an extra buck. Or for a saavy young entrepreneur to make a little extra themselves.

When I would go to school, like everyone, I would park and walk. I’d park at the church and walk passed 20 houses it seemed that all had these wonderful parking spaces called driveways. I kept thinking that these people who lived in these homes were passing up a great opportunity. They would be at work all day leaving this little patch of concrete sitting there doing nothing when it could be… making money.

Here is my idea. A single person could very easily coordinate the renting of these spots. (me? no, I don’t have time, I got other things going) All you would do is make up fliers telling local residents about the idea. Any resident who gets back to you would be added to the list. A college person seeking a spot of their own would contact the parking spot coordinator. Voila. The deed is done. Some details would have to be worked out of course to ensure there is no abuse of the spot i.e. parking there overnight when you are supposed to be gone by 4 p.m. or whatever.

The rates would be comparable to the local parking garage and the coordinator would take their cut of course and the homeowner would get the bulk of the money.