Conflicting interests arose within the Transportation Alternatives Group despite the establishment of a mission statement.

The group finalized their mission before Friday’s meeting. They hope that it will help weigh the pros and cons of each transportation alternative.

The statement contains a broad overview of how the school is looking to get students and faculty to and from school with an emphasis on bringing down the school’s environmental impact.

The mission statement says, “Students and faculty can easily and safely get to and from SBCC using a wide range of travel modes that are socially equitable, environmentally sustainable, and lessen the college’s impact on City and Coastal resources.”

While keeping their vision in mind, the group went over the long and short-term plans for alternate transportation agreed upon last meeting.

Tensions rose as members of the group debated which part of the mission was more important, sustainability or social equity.

“I think that expanded parking should be a last resort … we need to put more focus on alternatives,” said Environmental Studies Professor, Dr. Adam Green.

Although many agreed with Green, others felt that a long-term project such as adding another parking structure on campus would be a better investment for the school.

Group Administrator Joe Sullivan said that prioritization must be agreed upon among group members.

“Once traffic data is brought in from the city, it will be easier to establish and prioritize our solutions,” said Sullivan.

Bringing some organization to the group, Sullivan set up a shared email document between all group members that allows each person to add and comment on each proposed parking solution.

With attendance continuing to dwindle, the group still plans on meeting again in upcoming weeks. They also intend to keep all proposed solutions within the vision of their mission statement.