Part 3: A Game-Changing Parking Solution Set to Elevate Campus Life and Traffic Safety 

Xavier University of Louisiana, known for its academic excellence and charming small-town atmosphere within the vibrant city of New Orleans, is making significant strides in campus safety and convenience. The campus is highly walkable for students, with dorm rooms and classes situated within a compact, less-than-a-mile radius; however, traffic and parking issues persist. As the university moves into its centennial year, Xavier is standing on one of its core priorities of “Matching our Campus to our Potential” by tackling these issues head-on with new parking solutions. 

Xavier is nestled in the middle of Gert Town, a historic New Orleans neighborhood. The edges of the campus are even dotted with houses where generations of New Orleanians have and continue to live. Street parking on campus has posed challenges for years, especially to the surrounding neighbors, often resulting in multiple parking violations for Xavierites. To address street parking and enhance campus traffic safety, Xavier is excited to debut a new parking garage in fall 2024. This modern facility will add more than 900 parking spots, significantly reducing parking congestion on campus and in the surrounding neighborhood. 

"The new parking garage will enable XULA to be better ‘neighbors’ in the community.  With students, faculty and staff using the garage, the congestion we now experience in residential streets like S. Cortez and Dixon should be alleviated," said Xavier’s Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (SVP) Ron Brade. 

Moreover, the university has implemented a 1-day temporary parking pass for $5. The fee applies to all campus visitors and non-decal holders. Temporary parking passes will only be issued by the Xavier University Police Department (XUPD), and any previously issued temporary parking passes are invalid. 

Xavier University of Louisiana is working closely with New Orleans Councilwoman Leslie Harris, the city’s Sewage and Water Board, electrical power company Entergy, and New Orleans’ Parks and Parkways to enhance its campus infrastructure. To improve traffic flow, Xavier is repairing roadways, updating traffic signs, and implementing delineators in high-traffic areas to prevent parking too close to corners, a significant traffic hazard.   

“I look forward to our continued partnership with Xavier University,” Councilwoman Harris said. 

Looking ahead to its centennial, Xavier embraces these campus infrastructure enhancements. The new parking garage represents a positive stride toward ensuring a smoother, safer, and more efficient campus experience for its students, faculty, and visitors. The development underscores Xavier’s commitment to creating an optimal environment where everyone can thrive. 

"It’s exciting to see the new parking garage rise above the ground.  While construction can be disruptive, you know in the end, construction is an indicator of growth,” said SVP Brade. “To build the new parking garage ahead of the new residence hall on the south side of campus also reflects the strategic thinking of our stakeholders."