Byrd H.S. parking problems persist

Parking problems persist at C.E. Byrd High School in Shreveport. And some neighbors say the problem is getting worse.

When the parking lots on Byrd's campus fill up, the students park in front of homes throughout the surrounding neighborhood. Some ignore "No Parking" signs as far as four streets away from campus.

Residents like Jarrod Thrash are tired of dealing with students parking in front of his house.

"Most of the students don't live in this neighborhood," said Thrash. "Some of them don't have any respect for the property. I've observed litter, spit cups, things like that. Also, there are kids sitting in their car smoking before school."

Thrash says the parking problem has worsened since school began in the fall of 2012.

But the parking shortage on campus leaves limited options. A tennis court on the east edge of campus, along Creswell Avenue, was converted to a parking lot.

One of the main reasons Byrd High School doesn't build another parking lot on campus is space. The school district has purchased a number of properties on Kings Highway. But one hold-out is holding up construction of a parking lot along the north edge of campus that would add room for more than 80 cars - enough spots to help satisfy the parking needs of the largest school in Caddo Parish.