Vernon Rail Trail Parking Now Prohibited At Route 30 Lot

VERNON, CT — Recreation enthusiasts using the Rails-To-Trails system off Route 30 can no longer park at the old Sacred Heart Church lot.

The new owner — Strong Foundations Autism Services — has placed a sign there warning that cars parked there without authorization would be towed at costs between $105 and $325, plus tax, cash-only.

Mill Street Auto in Vernon is being adertised as the towing company of record and a truck seemed to be hovering over the property over the weekend. Vernon police said they received several complaints about cars being towed.

Police then issued a warning that towing can be enforced on private property.

A call to Strong Foundations on Monday was referred to the administration and, as of Tuesday afternoon, the message went unreturned.

Strong Foundations took over the former Sacred Heart Church property in August.

All 7 acres will be used and the school building, after a few minor alterations, will house most of the services, town officials said. The local address of the property is 550 Hartford Turnpike.
Strong Foundations currently uses space at St. Joseph Church at the corner of Union Street and West Street in Vernon.

The church allowed parking there for free.