Darien Issues Update On Newly-Acquired Koons Parking Lot

DARIEN, CT — The Town of Darien issued an update on the newly-acquired parking lot at 37 West Ave., also known as the Koons Lot, during Monday's Board of Selectmen meeting.

The meeting is available to watch on demand on Darien TV.

According to Town Administrator Jennifer Charneski, the option to pay by app is up and running.

The parking lot attendant has agreed to stay on duty through the end of January, and will direct people who bring cash or a check to pay using the app, Charneski said, noting the town is working on getting a pay station kiosk.

Parking fees are currently $10 per day, which will be in place until further notice, the town website says.

"By the end of the month, we should be fully switched over to everyone paying by app or going over to the pay station," Charneski. "We're going to begin having our rangers doing enforcement in there later in January."

Darien acquired the lot in November for $5.2 million. First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky said the acquisition was important to prevent a third-party from purchasing and developing the land, and to benefit residents and visitors to Darien.

In October, Zagrodzky mentioned longer-term options for the lot including continuing to operate it as a surface parking lot, as it has been for decades; building a parking garage to accommodate commuters and downtown retail employees, which could then free-up parking in the downtown business district; or even building transit-oriented multifamily housing, an important initiative for the state.

Also of note, access to the Southbound (NY Bound) platform from the Leroy East Parking Lot staircase is now closed.

Residents can access the newly-opened platforms at the Darien Railroad Station building by walking through the Koons Lot, where there is a staircase at the east end.

Travelers should leave additional time to access the train from the new platforms.

View Monday's Board of Selectmen meeting in its entirety on DarienTV.