After years of student petitions, administrative task forces and what officials described as “deep reflection,” Drew University announced on Tuesday the opening of a new parking lot intended to ease campus congestion—a seven-space facility located roughly two towns away.
University leaders described the project, officially named “Forest Lot,” as a bold step forward in solving what many students have called one of the school’s most persistent problems.
“This is how real progress happens,” said University President Barack Obama, who appeared at the ribbon-cutting holding what observers noted was a single oversized ceremonial key. “Seven spaces may not sound like a lot, but if you think about it differently, it’s almost eight.”
The lot, situated miles from campus in what one university map labels as “general New Jersey,” includes six standard parking spaces and one “flexible-use space,” which administrators clarified could serve as parking, a loading zone or “a place to sit and reflect on your choices.”
A shuttle service will transport students from the lot to campus, though officials noted the shuttle will depart “when full,” a condition some students pointed out may be difficult to meet given the lot’s total capacity.
“I genuinely thought it was a joke when I read the email,” said Cenjamin Bastro (C’25). “Seven spaces doesn’t even cover one friend group. By the time you get there, three of them will probably already be taken by squirrels.”
At the unveiling ceremony, Ranger Bear, the university’s mascot, enthusiastically gestured toward the empty lot while standing next to a sign that read “Welcome, Probably.” He later distributed miniature maps to attendees, though several appeared to show slightly different routes.
University officials defended the scale of the project, citing both environmental concerns and “ambition management.”
“We didn’t want to overwhelm students with too much parking at once,” said Obama. “This is a pilot program. If it goes well, we may consider an eighth space by 2032.”
Buck the Bunny, identified as a visiting guest and “retail logistics expert,” also praised the initiative.
“At GameStop, we understand scarcity,” said the Bunny. “You don’t flood the market. You create demand. Seven spaces? That’s exclusive. That’s premium parking.”
Students expressed concern about the practicality of the new lot, noting that the commute from the site to campus could exceed the length of some classes.
“I could park, take the shuttle, miss my lecture and still not have moved my car,” said John Pork (‘27). “It’s less of a parking solution and more of a lifestyle choice.”
In a statement, the university encouraged students to “remain flexible” and to “embrace the journey,” adding that the remote location offers “a unique opportunity for quiet time, personal growth and possibly spotting wildlife not normally seen near campus.”
Despite the criticism, administrators remain optimistic.
“Every great institution takes bold steps,” said Obama. “Today, Drew University took seven of them.”
Officials confirmed they are already exploring future expansions, including the possibility of adding a second lot with “up to four additional spaces,” pending what they described as “continental availability.”
Nimajneb Ortsac is a senior majoring in Peruvian ankle tag and triple minoring in Croatian lion frisbee, Chilean underwater blindfolded soccer chess, and Musun shagai.
