August 19, 2004

CONTACT:  Cristeen Custer, Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 608-791-5289  -or-   Pat Kerrigan, Viterbo University, 608-796-3041

TWO CITY STREETS TO BECOME PART OF FRANCISCAN ‘CAMPUS’
Viterbo University and Franciscan Sisters to share ownership of streets

LA CROSSE, Wis. -- The City of La Crosse has vacated two city streets, the 900 block of Winnebago Street and the 700 block of South 9th Street to Viterbo University and the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. The Franciscan institutions will share ownership of the two streets which mark their common boundary.

Beginning Monday August 23 all traffic will be one-way on these streets. Vehicles will enter from South 10th Street near San Damiano Church and exit onto Market Street. Parking on both streets will be by permit only.

“This project has many benefits for the surrounding neighborhood as well as both organizations.” said Sister Julie Tydrich, FSPA congregational treasurer. “The change will contribute to neighborhood beautification while providing additional parking.”

Jay McHenry, facilities director at Viterbo University noted that the one-way traffic flow will allow for the creation of twenty-four additional parking spaces for use by the Franciscan Sisters and the Franciscan Spirituality Center. Viterbo University will gain thirty-five permitted parking spaces since diagonal parking will be created in one area. “Security will also be enhanced with the addition of twenty specially designed light poles,” said McHenry.

Sister Tydrich noted some beautification efforts are already underway and the plan includes additional enhancements over the course of the next year such as new crosswalks and landscaping. “We feel that this project is positive on all fronts,” said Sister Tydrich. “The change will create a friendlier neighborhood environment while addressing the parking challenges we have all been concerned about.”