Public Hearing Scheduled On Darien Parking Fees & Regulations

DARIEN, CT — The Darien Board of Selectmen has announced that a public hearing on proposed parking fee and regulation changes will be held at 8 p.m. on Sept. 5 in Town Hall room 206.

Earlier this month, the board discussed the proposed changes which would:

• Increase the fee for daily parking to $5 per day
• Increase the monthly fee option for non-permit lots to $80 when purchased through the mobile parking application
• Increase the fee for annual permits to $450 plus sales tax
• Allow for daily parking in available permit parking spaces in the Noroton Heights lot, Leroy West lot and Squab Lane after 9 a.m.
• Limit Tilley lot permit holders to mid-level and upper lot parking from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. Access to lower lot for permit holders overnight and weekends only.

Residents are encouraged to offer feedback on the proposal. Other technical changes are available for review at here.

Town Administrator Kate Buch told the selectmen the increases to daily parking fees, annual commuter permits, and annual merchant permits are needed in order to meet obligations in maintaining the lots and generate more revenue to support anticipated projects for the town's railroad stations in the coming years.

The town's five-year capital plan shows anticipated projects of approximately $8 million over the next three fiscal years, and this includes the estimated cost of the town's share for a new train station building and the replacement of the pedestrian overpass at Noroton Heights.

She also noted that some of Darien's fees are the lowest among peer towns. Buch acknowledged that fees should have been increased a couple of years ago, but the start of the COVID-19 pandemic delayed any action.

The estimated annual increase in revenue from the proposed fees is approximately $200,000 for fiscal year 2024, Buch said in a memo to the Board of Selectmen.

A public hearing is required before the board can vote to approve the changes.

First Selectman Monica McNally said she understood the need for the increases.

At the time, Selectman Michael Burke said he would not be in support of the increases but would be receptive to more discussion during the public hearing.

Selectman Jon Zagrodzky noted the cost of providing government services keeps going up, and revenues need to be raised from somewhere.