The changes to parking in downtown New Canaan—where the one-way stretch of Elm Street and part of South Avenue are now paid, while the entire Park Street Lot is now free—went into effect in October.
Following a grace period through year’s end where the town issued warnings to motorists not paying for newly converted spaces, ticketing violators is now underway. That, combined with calls for further refinement among some local merchants, has pushed the parking situation to top of mind for many locals.
We put some questions about the parking changes to New Canaan’s highest elected official, Dionna Carlson (who’d publicly stated her plans nearly two years ago).
Here’s our exchange.
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New Canaanite: What are some of the biggest misconceptions you are hearing at Town Hall about the changes to parking downtown?
Dionna Carlson: a) The most common misconception is that this plan was implemented to generate additional revenue. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, we have created more free parking spaces by converting the upper Park Street lot to free parking than we are charging for parking on Elm Street and South Avenue.
b) There is also confusion about which lots are free. Some residents believe that all parking lots are now free. That is not the case, the only lot that changed is the upper Park Street lot.
c) I have also heard concerns about a lack of communication. In reality, these changes were communicated early and often through multiple channels: my newsletter, the town website, NewCanaanite, New Canaan Sentinel, press releases, multiple merchant meetings, parking pamphlets distributed to local businesses, social media, and meetings with local organizations including real estate agents, the Lapham Community Center, Staying Put, the Chamber of Commerce, and other community groups and events where I was speaking. In addition, we conducted a public survey in September 2024, and the changes were announced at Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, and Town Council meetings. I would also encourage those interested in getting parking information delivered directly to their email to sign up for parking alerts at newcanaan.info/alerts.
How are these changes expected to affect how much money comes into the town through parking fees and tickets, if at all?
As mentioned, this change was not made with the expectation of increasing revenue. The sole purpose was to improve traffic circulation on Elm Street. We will evaluate any revenue impact after a full year of implementation.
What is your assessment of the rollout that started back in the fall?
The rollout has been challenging. As with any new initiative, there have been some bumps along the way. To ease the transition, we implemented a grace period for Elm Street and South Avenue parking violations at the new program’s roll-out.
It looks like we’re close to getting that new ramp in the alley between the Playhouse and LPQ, and we’ve seen the new dumpster configuration in the Playhouse Lot, which is on track for repaving. What is your expectation regarding double-parking trucks on Elm Street once all of that work is completed?
We are unlikely to eliminate semi-tractor trailers on Elm Street. However, smaller delivery vehicles, such as Amazon, FedEx, and UPS trucks, will be able to use the new loading zone and ramp behind the Playhouse. Once the project is complete, Parking Enforcement Officers will direct smaller delivery vehicles to use the designated loading area.
What are you hearing from business owners and managers downtown? Is there any tangible difference in how restaurants are experiencing the changes compared to retailers?
I am hearing mixed feedback. I am encouraged that some merchants who were initially opposed to the changes are now recognizing the benefits. We continue to listen closely to feedback from both retailers and restaurants as the plan is fully implemented.
What is your big message to the community about the new parking configuration downtown?
First, I ask for patience as we complete the remaining components of the plan. Winter weather has delayed construction of the loading zone and ramp, but those improvements, along with repaving and restriping of the Park Street and Playhouse lots with wider, more accessible spaces, will be completed in the spring.
Second, the goal of this parking redesign is to improve traffic flow downtown. Research shows that better traffic circulation supports increased retail and restaurant activity.
Finally, please know that we are listening. We will not make modifications until all phases of the plan are complete, but we will carefully monitor feedback and performance over the coming year and make adjustments if needed to improve the overall downtown experience.
Hi – what are the days and hours that paid parking will be required on Elm Street? Thank you.
Elm Street is one of the town’s Crown Jewels. It’s what sets New Canaan apart from other towns. We should do everything possible to make it as accessible as possible. Free parking on Elm Street was a huge plus for patrons. I know some people were parking longer than the two hour limit but have Parking Enforcement do their job. Reinstate free parking.
MIXED FEED BACK? i I do not know any stores who are happy with the decrease in foot traffic. The customers are not coming downtown as much as they had been and some not at all. The retail stores are hurting.
A more business-friendly solution to improve flow on Elm Street would have been to make ALL parking free. Reduce the free parking on Elm Street to 1 hour (doubling the turn-over from the prior 2 hour limit) and offer free 3 hour parking in the Park Street lot. If someone has a shorter errand where they need to get in and out quickly a spot on the street works. If someone is in town for a longer visit (extended shopping, lunch, a hair appointment) then the Park Street lot works for them. This option improves flow on Elm Street while supporting the local businesses that contribute so much to our town.
This parking change is a problem for the handicapped and elderly, forcing them to walk longer distances for free parking. It is also very confusing for them to figure out how to pay.
Customers keep saying again and again how much they hate the parking change. All ages. It’s impossible for the elderly and frustrating for others. We keep hearing over and over how people try to avoid coming to town.
One customer had spent $700 on Amazon instead of coming to a store in town, unfortunately Amazon left her order out in the rain and it was ruined, so needed it that day so she re-bought everything in town, however her original thought was to avoid town and order on line. Our shops can’t exist with that mindset.