Greenwich Selectmen Consider Express Short-Term Parking Program For Downtown

GREENWICH, CT — In an effort to create flow and relieve some of the congestion seen on Greenwich Avenue and nearby streets, the town is considering implementing an express short-term parking program.

The plan would increase numerous 15-minute parking spaces near each of the intersections on Greenwich Avenue, and on Railroad and Bruce Park Avenues, to 30-minute spaces, according to Greenwich Deputy Police Chief Kraig Gray, who also leads the town's parking services department.

Gray appeared before the Board of Selectmen Tuesday morning to present the proposal, and said he spoke to all stakeholders, from residents and merchants to parking service officers, in order to come up with the plan, which he stressed does not create spaces, but rather it changes the utilization of existing spots.

"The program aims to address the growing need for convenient, efficient parking options for visitors who require a brief stay of up to 30 minutes," Gray said. "By offering designated parking spaces specifically tailored to this time limit, we can optimize parking utilization, enhance customer experience and support the area's economic vitality."

The goal is "to create a sense of flow and rhythm," Gray noted, which will discourage stopping and waiting for a spot, and encourage checking to see if one of the spaces is available and then potentially circling around. The 30-minute meters would be marked by signage and a muted-red color, Gray said.

The environment of Greenwich Avenue is unique, Gray said, and parking needs vary for each individual from day to day.

"You can buy a suit, a salad or a Steinway all within a couple of blocks of one another. I don't know any other place you can do that," Gray said.

While the program doesn't solve the yearslong problem of parking inventory in the downtown area, the proposal is a step in the right direction, Gray explained.

"The extended time limit enhances accessibility for individuals with special needs and supports local businesses by providing customers with adequate time to engage in rapid transactions. Additionally, a 30-minute time limit strikes a balance between turnover and convenience, fostering a positive user experience," Gray added. "Ultimately, adopting a 30-minute time limit for short-term parking on Greenwich Avenue is a practical and user-friendly solution that benefits both visitors and residents while promoting the vitality of the area.'

The Selectmen did not vote on the proposal, and will instead allow time for public feedback.

First Selectman Fred Camillo called the idea "positive," and something that will "make some progress" on the parking front.

The following areas are where 30-minute spaces are being proposed:

Greenwich Avenue

• East side, between East Putnam Avenue and Amogerone Crossway, two spaces as posted.
• East side, between Amogerone Crossway and Lewis Street, two spaces as posted.
• East side, between Lewis Street and East Elm Street, two spaces as posted.
• East side, between East Elm Street and Havemeyer Place, two spaces as posted.
• East side, between Havemeyer Place and Fawcett Place, two spaces as posted.
• East side, between Fawcett Place and Bruce Park Avenue, two spaces as posted.
• West side, between West Putnam Avenue and Amogerone Crossway, two spaces as posted.
• West side, between Amogerone Crossway and Lewis Street, two spaces as posted.
• West side, between Lewis Street and West Elm Street, two spaces as posted.
• West side, between West Elm Street and Arch Street Place, two spaces as posted.
• West side, between Arch Street and Grigg Street, two spaces as posted.
• West side, between Grigg Street and Railroad Avenue, two spaces as posted.

Bruce Park Avenue

• North side, between Greenwich Avenue and Mason Street, one space as posted.
• South side, between Steamboat Road and Mason Street, one space as posted.

Railroad Avenue

• North side, between Greenwich Avenue and Arch Street, one space as posted.
• South side, between Steamboat Road and Arch Street, one space as posted.]

Fifteen-minute parking will be removed from:

• East side, from Amogerone Crossway southerly, four spaces as posted.
• East side, from Fawcett Place southerly, two spaces as posted.
• East side, vicinity of building No. 345, 1 space as posted and marked.
• West side, from Lewis Street southerly, three spaces as posted.
• West side, from Soundview Court southerly, two spaces as posted.
• West side, from Grigg Street Parking Lot Driveway southerly, three spaces as posted.
• West side, from Arch Street southerly, five spaces as posted.
• West side, from Grigg Street northerly, two spaces as posted.
• West side, vicinity of 26 Greenwich Avenue, 2 spaces as posted and marked.