The other day, an alert “06880” reader asked if the recent renovation of the train station’s westbound parking lot (#1) resulted in the loss of any spaces. (He was pretty sure it did.)
I did not know the answer. But I knew who would.
Foti Koskinas — who as Westport’s police chief is also responsible for railroad parking — responded (as usual) almost immediately.
He said: Yes. The original plan would have meant 6 fewer spaces. When another exit was added, an additional 2 were lost.
During the project however, realignment of spaces and crosswalks added 2 back. So the 1st number stands: There are now 6 fewer spaces than before.
The reason for the loss, Foti noted, is that the old lot was non-conforming to current regulations. Spaces were too narrow, resulting in many dented doors.
Pre-renovation: an aerial view of train station parking lot 1 (center).
But Foti added lots (ho ho) more information. And it’s all good.
Throughout the summer, the Police Department examined every parking area. New spaces will appear, sometime before the holidays:
- 12-14 additional parking spots in Lot #2 (the smaller westbound lot, just up the hill from Lot #1 and Luciano Park)
- 8 new spots on Park Street (coming down the slight hill from Exit 17, opposite the old Blu Parrot/Jasmine/Arrow restaurant)
- 15-17 more spots on one side of Franklin Street, under I-95
- 54-60 additional spots in Lot #7, off Franklin Street (due to leases the town took over from the state — not easy, but they got it done!).
But wait! There’s more!
The department has contacted the next 150 commuters on the wait list. They’re in the process of getting their permits.
And more permits may come, once the projects in the bullet list above are completed.
Now, if only Metro-North could respond as quickly and efficiently as the Westport Police…
Click on or hover over to enlarge this railroad station parking map.