Norwalk's Wall Street Area Parking Fees Temorarily Waived

NORWALK, CT — Parking in Norwalk's Wall Street area will remain less expensive - at least into 2020 - following a decision by the city's Parking Authority to continue temporarily waiving fees, a decision supported by Mayor Harry Rilling.

Plans called for the implementation of fees - which would be collected online and through an app - after Nov. 1, but on Wednesday the authority said nothing will be collected until after the first of the year, writes The Hour.

Rilling, residents and area business owners complained to the group that the payment plans were complicated and difficult for people to navigate, especially for short parking stays in the area.

"We have to be responsive to the needs and concerns of the business community and our residents," Rilling said Thursday in a statement to Patch. "We must do all we can to support the existing businesses and to attract more to the area. I am hopeful that short-term free parking can be instituted and that parking spaces near places of worship or funeral homes will have no charge. I appreciate the Parking Authority extending a no enforcement grace period in the Wall Street area until early next year to make changes and address the concerns of my office and area stakeholders."

Rilling and others said charging worshipers and funeral attendees for parking, particularly on nearby Mott Avenue, was unfair.

Wall Street and surrounding areas are set to receive $4 million worth of improvements under an infrastructure investment effort announced in September.

The Parking Authority will continue deliberations on the fee situation, based on the concerns the members heard on Wednesday.