NewCanaanite.com received the following letter to the editor. Send letters to editor@newcanaanite.com to have them published here.
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I think it is time call an audible and reverse the decision to charge for parking on Elm and South. The Town Council has already stopped the expansion to Main Street. I, for one, am not bothered with the app nor paying and have done so often since the start of the project (although the one time I ran in for coffee at Dolce and forgot, I got a $30 ticket – so what).
But having spoken with quite a few of our retailers, they are very upset, say business is being lost to other towns (Darien, Westport). None tell me they were consulted, and many have written letters to Town Hall, appealed to the Chamber of Commerce and have only gotten…crickets.
Retail is a tough business in the best of times, and I have the upmost respect for any entrepreneur who sets up in our town, takes risks, and merchandises their products. As we all know when people think about moving to our town its many things but realtors say, it’s the schools, the parks, the library and our incredible New England downtown village!
I think we all know that gas prices are not coming down any time soon, nor are interest rates, so the cost of living is high and inflation is here. Discretionary spending on shopping and dining out is suffering nationwide and in New Canaan. We recently lost Greenology, and while I don’t know exactly why, I am sure making people pay to run in to get their items was not helpful.
I was out Mother’s Day shopping and found several open spots. Is it better than before? Maybe during off peak hours. Try finding one around lunch or dinner, and good luck, ie., it is no better with this system.
So, please listen to the constituents. I wanted to see it work, but with our businesses downtown screaming, we just cannot see the open storefronts popping back up like during the pandemic.
Alan Badanes
Could be a time to set up a task force of town officials, retail owners, citizens and see if they can come up with a recommendation by the Fall. What do you think?
Thank you, Erik. The Parking Commission proposed this very concept at our May 6 meeting. The need for ongoing input and collaboration with merchants, residents, town officials, and other stakeholders is crucial as the Town continues to evaluate the program and possible refinements.
The old parking system, while not perfect, was far better. If the town needs to generate revenue, a single red-light camera at our busiest intersection could be a better solution, one that could also create a safer traffic environment.
One good idea I’ve heard would be to stop charging for downtown parking and, instead, institute a 3-hour limit to prevent the spaces being used by downtown employees. We do need to do anything in our power to help the merchants and therefore keep our downtown vibrant.
My experience running short errands in and around town is much better with the new parking system. I hope this is a transition period and we will come out the other side appreciating the gains.
The town parking situation is critically bad, this is indisputable.
Lack forward thinking a decade or two ago has resulted in what could best be described as a desperate need. Metered parking has augmented the problem.I can’t imagine the frustration of local business.
Overall there has been a mass elimination of parking spaces just about everywhere in New Canaan. The Elm “bump out” for instance. The writer is absolutely correct about out of town shopping, it’s a reality.
Peter, I totally agree. Before the metered parking, the town took way too
many parking spots. And I am one of many who have given up going to town for quick trip. Popping into stores was fun and talking to the
merchants was fun too.. You never knew what you would find. Now, it’s a chore. On another note…getting from the “teen. Center” parking lot is
treacherous, and still not finished. And of course they took parking spaces away for trucks to park. We still have a wonderful downtown, but now less accessible.
Agree…getting from the parking lot down to Elm Street is not an easy task for seniors with mobility issues. My downtown shopping is: ACME, my local bank, and Walgreens where I find ample parking. A family member takes me to my semi-annual dental cleanings because parking may not be available at the time of my appointment.
Elm Street is one of the Crown Jewels of New Canaan. It is the envy of Darien and Westport. We should protect, nurture, and facilitate Elm Street. Get rid of paid parking on Elm Street. Have the parking enforcement officer mark tires with chalk and come back two hours later to see if the vehicle has moved. If not, write a ticket. Make Elm Street as accessible as possible. Thank you.
Town leadership to residents and merchants : “let them eat cake”.
Go back to marking tires every 2 hours. Going to town to support the merchants should be easy, not difficult. We want to draw people to our town not discourage them.