Students who pass by the parking lot by the Townhouses may notice a Ford Mustang Convertible that seems like it’s always there… well, it may be a surprise to you that it’s been sitting there for a year and a half.
James Mitrione, Safety and Security Director on the Pleasantville Campus, says the car “belongs to the next of kin of a staff member, who serves our Armed Forces.” While some have questioned the car’s presence in the lot, Mitrione confirms that the Ford Mustang Convertible is allowed to be there, as authorization was granted by his predecessor.
Regarding this, students should be aware of the policies regarding parking their cars on campus. The Parking and Traffic Guidelines on Pace University’s website provides information on what faculty, staff, students, and visitors must do when parking their cars on campus, including having a valid parking permit. Per the webpage, “Parking for Pleasantville commuter students with a C permit is available in lots A, B, C, D, E, F, G, I, P, T, U, and X. There is limited parking in Lot H behind Choate House.”
Mitrione, who has worked at Pace University for over six years, talks about his experiences working as the Safety and Security Director.
“My prior law enforcement career and current education background as an Adjunct Professor at several institutions for the past 16 years has truly been a gift to mentor so many young adults that may have indecisive struggles as to what to study or look to for a career path.”
In addition, Mitrione discusses changes and enhancements that the Security Department will implement on campus. Security camera installations will be done at residence halls, academic buildings, and outdoor areas.
“These additions aim to improve monitoring of entrances, exits, laundry rooms, and high-traffic zones, ensuring a more secure environment for students, staff, and visitors.”
Improvements will also be made to Entrance 3, the most commonly used entrance at the university.
“Entrance 3 has received a major upgrade with a new booth, barrier arms, and the implementation of the Splan Visitor Management System,” said Mitrione. This system will streamline campus access by requiring pre-registration for visitors and ID verification upon entry, aligning with [New York City] campus protocols and improving overall access control.”
The Pleasantville campus will also see improvements in the emergency equipment on campus.
“Two QuickCable portable power packs for vehicle battery and tire emergencies will be available for use by the Pace community. Additionally, three Mustang survival throw bags with 75 feet of rope will be placed in patrol vehicles for rapid response to water-related emergencies at Choate Pond.”
This semester also sees changes to parking permits on campus.
“Beginning Fall 2025, the campus will transition from exterior decal stickers to interior hang tags for parking permits,” said Mitrione. This change enhances privacy, reduces windshield obstruction, accommodates convertible vehicles, and ensures better control over authorized parking access.”
The Security Department will also host different programs for students to participate in. Beginning in the Fall of 2025, the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Program will be held on campus. Mitrione says the program educates students on “awareness, prevention, and physical defense techniques. Led by Pace University security professionals, the goal is to empower female participants with practical skills to reduce risk and respond effectively to dangerous situations.” You can learn more about RAD on their website here.
In addition, the Security Department will be hosting the Parking Citation Food Drive.
“Each semester, we plan on exchanging parking citations for much-needed food pantry items to benefit students, faculty, and staff.”
So while the car stays parked, Pace security moves forward in order to prioritize campus safety.