Residents express parking concerns to city council near expanding airport

Under the soft glow of city hall lights, residents of New Haven County gathered to voice their concerns about parking issues stemming from the expansion of the local airport. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of frustration and hope as community members shared their experiences during a recent government meeting.

Liz Sabrella, a resident of Fort Ham Road, was among those who spoke passionately about the challenges her neighborhood faces. “We’ve had so many people park in our driveways, and it’s become a safety concern,” she explained. Sabrella highlighted a troubling incident where a stranger offered her money to park in her driveway, underscoring the sense of entitlement some visitors feel. She urged the council to enforce stricter parking regulations, emphasizing that the airport provides ample parking options that should be utilized instead of residential areas.

Another resident, Carolyn Roskowski, echoed these sentiments, sharing her observations of increased traffic and parking violations near her home on Fort Hill Road. She expressed gratitude towards her neighbors, Jessica and Max Commando, for their efforts in gathering signatures to support a proposal for resident-only parking. “This is what we need—little bits of success to make our lives a little bit back to normal,” Roskowski stated, advocating for the approval of the parking measure.

The council members listened attentively, acknowledging the residents' frustrations. They discussed the existing city ordinance that allows cars to remain parked for 72 hours before action can be taken, a rule that some residents found cumbersome. “It’s just a pain in the neck,” one elder remarked, reflecting the collective weariness of those who have dealt with the ongoing parking issues.

As the meeting progressed, the council assured residents that a vote on the proposed parking restrictions would take place in August, following their summer agenda. While the timeline may seem distant, the community left the meeting with a renewed sense of hope that their voices were heard and that change might be on the horizon.

The discussions at this meeting not only highlighted the immediate concerns of local residents but also painted a broader picture of the challenges that come with urban development. As New Haven County continues to grow, the balance between accommodating visitors and preserving the quality of life for residents remains a critical issue.