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Norwalk Parking Authority advances wayfinding, QR 15-minute pilot and signage after business outreach
Summary
After outreach to downtown businesses, the authority described steps to improve wayfinding, test a 15-minute free QR payment option, install bilingual pay stations and solicit bids for parking guidance technology to boost turnover and direct visitors to off-street lots.
The Norwalk Parking Authority discussed next steps this month for a package of customer-facing changes — digital wayfinding, new signage and a QR-based free 15-minute option — intended to improve turnover and direct visitors to off-street parking, staff said.
Tara, a staff member who led community outreach, said the authority conducted one-on-one outreach to more than 100 businesses and held a forum that drew about 15 business representatives. “We were only able to get about 15 people to join the event, but I think it was a really fruitful, and engaging, discussion,” Tara said, listing curbside management, use of drop-off or loading zones and time-limit concerns as recurring items.
Kara, a staff member overseeing wayfinding work, told the board she is preparing an RFP to solicit parking guidance solutions. “If you go to the SoNo collection, there’ll be cameras and lights on that will identify where open and close spots are, where ADA spaces are, where EV spaces are,” Kara said, describing technology that would display available spaces and in-garage guidance. Kara said a vendor, Parking Guidance, had already visited and was developing a proposal.
Staff described operational changes to encourage turnover. The authority plans to replace current ParkMobile signage with a Park Norwalk-branded sign that includes a QR code. The QR will open a payment flow and present the free 15-minute option as the first choice for short visits; staff said businesses could also register scanners inside stores so customers can start the 15-minute session from the business.
Board members debated time limits and convenience for employees. One commissioner said employees should “be parking in the lots,” while another suggested two-hour daytime limits and three hours in the evening as a possible compromise. Vice Chairman Seback and other members asked staff to include those differing views when they prepare recommendations.
Staff also said bilingual pay-station displays (English/Spanish) and block validation options are in development, and that a marketing partnership with city economic development will fund a consultant-led restaurant week using funds the authority has historically provided for marketing.
Staff were directed to proceed with the RFP and return with implementation recommendations and cost estimates. No formal procurement award was made at the meeting.
