Guilford Celebrates Completion of New Downtown Parking Lot

GUILFORD, CT — On Tuesday, Rep. Sean Scanlon (D-Guilford), Sen. Ted Kennedy, Jr. (D-Branford) and First Selectman Joe Mazza (R-Guilford) were joined by Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman and local business owners to celebrate the official opening of the new downtown parking lot behind the Guilford Green.

This project, made possible by a nearly $450,000 state grant secured by Rep. Scanlon in 2015, allowed the town to do much-needed re-paving and re-design of Guilford's only downtown parking lot, officials said in a news release.

In addition, the project included the installation of additional handicapped spaces to make shopping downtown more accessible for those with disabilities and sidewalks and lighting for increased safety.

"For years, this parking lot has been a source of frustration for residents trying to access our downtown commercial district and the business owners who operate there. When I took office the First Selectman brought this project to my attention and I'm proud to have been able to secure the funding for this important project so that, from now on, this parking lot is a safer and more welcoming gateway to the great shops and restaurants we have to offer in our beautiful town," said Rep. Scanlon in a statement.

“The completion of this parking lot project is a wonderful addition to the renovation of the Guilford Green area. It updates our downtown commercial district behind the Green, making it more inviting and accessible for the customers of our merchants. In addition, the new sidewalks and period lighting provide a better, safer and more pleasurable shopping experience while maintaining the quaintness Guilford is known for" said First Selectman Mazza in a statement.

"Guilford is known for its charming town green and the many local restaurants and businesses that surround it, and the completion of this new parking lot is key to the town's continued economic development," said Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr. in a statement. "Advocating for businesses and families in the communities I represent is my number one job. I am glad that I was able to work in concert with local businesses and government officials to secure the funding necessary to make this project happen."