Greenwich Looks To Move Downtown Loading Zone To Improve Congestion

GREENWICH, CT — The town of Greenwich is looking to relocate a commercial loading zone on East Elm Street in downtown as part of a plan to decrease congestion and sightline issues, and to quell parking concerns in the area.

Greenwich Deputy Police Chief Kraig Gray, who also leads the town's parking services department, went before the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday to present a plan that would relocate the commercial loading zone near the entrance to the Liberty Way parking lot up towards Greenwich Avenue.

"There's a loading zone that's ineffective for actual deliveries, and it's become kind of a hazard. When the larger delivery trucks park there, it creates a line-of-sight issue," Gray said.

The current loading zone would be converted into a single-metered parking space, and up towards Greenwich Avenue, two-metered spaces would be converted into a commercial loading zone with room for two commercial vehicles, Gray noted.

"This is just a smarter use of the space," Gray said.

Behind the two-metered spaces is an existing loading zone, but Gray said it's not currently in compliance with the town ordinance.

East Elm Street is an important artery for deliveries along Greenwich Avenue; Gray referred to it as "the 50-yard line."

First Selectman Fred Camillo asked if two metered spaces could be added where the loading zone is now, but Gray said there isn't enough room.

The board expressed support for the change, but will instead wait two weeks to vote to allow time for public feedback.

Selectperson Lauren Rabin said the metered space for residents or visitors will be a positive, especially because of the local businesses and medical offices nearby.

Gray also outlined a plan to implement an express short-term parking program in the downtown area.

Read more on that proposal here.