Committee details parking rollout: machines arriving, merchant meeting set for Sept. 25

New Canaan’s Tourism and Economic Development Advisory Committee outlined next steps in the downtown parking initiative and scheduled a merchant outreach meeting for Sept. 25 to explain the changes. Committee members said the pay-station machines are delayed overseas but expected imminently, concrete foundations are being poured, and the town will deploy a communications package including mailed brochures, in-store flyers and instructional videos for merchants and residents.
The meeting matters because the parking changes are intended to reduce downtown congestion and alter where and how visitors pay, which affects merchants on the front line of customer interactions. Committee members noted both operational and perception issues—where people park, how to pay and how merchants should respond to customer questions.
Committee staff said concrete pads for the machines will be installed the coming days and that the machines will then be programmed to match pad locations. Staff stated they will accept three parking apps plus coins, credit cards and cash. A committee member emphasized the townwide parking inventory, saying the downtown area contains “over 1,600 parking spaces available,” and asked members to remember that many spaces exist beyond the curbside spots people notice.
Staff also described signage work to re-label lots and to make the lumberyard and railroad lots clearer for visitors. Glass House staff said they had begun directing visitors to the lumberyard lot and that current signage there (which currently reads “residents only”) causes visitor confusion; staff confirmed new signs have been ordered and will indicate permit restrictions and “free after 10:30 a.m.” where applicable. The committee said the town will monitor impact and be prepared to adjust if safety issues emerge.
As next steps, staff will hold the merchant meeting Sept. 25 at 3 p.m. at the Playhouse, distribute a special newsletter edition, distribute printed maps and brochures to merchants and produce videos demonstrating machine use. No policy vote was taken at the meeting; committee members treated the session as operational planning and community outreach.