He stated that he was very concerned that this project may end up being disapporpotionately served to certain segments of the community to the disadvantage of the community at large.

Mark Wilson expressed the same concern as Mr. Willow and asked what would happen in the future when there is another administration and power has already been given to an authority to hire an executive director who in turn hires his friends to help manage the facility. He stated that this project would not generate any more revenue except for when parking fees are increased.

He also stated that the City should be able to manage this facility, reap the revenues and put it back into the City. Mr. Wilson also commented that the City helps foot the debts for the Maritime Aquarium Parking Authority, the Oak Hill Parking Authority, and pointed out that those authorities were not self supporting and any extra money they receive goes toward paying their employees and the tax payers always loses. He also stated that establishing another parking authority that may not be able to sustain itself was not a good idea. Mr. Wilson stated that he currently pays a parking fee to park his car in front of his own house and is concerned that parking fees will continuously be increased in order to help pay for an executive director or a management company to manage this facility.

Douglas Hempstead was acknowledged by the Committee and referred the members to a letter signed by the Zoning Committee’s Chairman in support of establishing a parking authority. Mr. Hempstead stated that the Zoning Committee, at the time he served, were not able to approve any further development in the South Norwalk area until this garage got off the ground and they were obligated to deny these applications unless applicants could provide their own parking on site. He also stated that by establishing an authority to handle the management of the facility, this would help alleviate many political issues the members could face, such as establishing rates.

Michael Greene stated that if they didn’t provide this parking facility, there would be a real threat to further economic development in South Norwalk.

Mr. Greene also stated that if this project was not done, there would be no other choice but to put it back in the Capital Budget. He also noted that the users of this parking facility would pay for it, not the taxpayers. Mr. Greene pointed out that this was a situation where everybody wins - owners of properties in South Norwalk would get a fair break from the City in that the owners provide the services, the restaurants, and housing and the City in turn provide the parking.

Ms. Bain asked Mr. Greene to comment on whether establishing a parking facility would encourage people to drive more and generate more traffic in downtown Norwalk. Mr. Greene replied that to prohibit businesses from building office spaces and not provide a facility for their employees to park would not benefit the City financially. He stated that this facility would be used primarily by people who were shopping and/or visiting downtown Norwalk for entertainment purposes.

Mr. Wien asked if an analysis of traffic flow between day and night has been done. Mr. Greene replied no analysis has been done, and stated that this facility was primarily to meet the demands that are currently there in the evenings and on the weekends. Mr. Wien asked once this was done, would there be any protection for the citizens who live in the area. Mr. Greene replied that the parking authority would set the rates with the approval of the Common Council and that would be the protection for the citizens.

Ms. Olmstead-Sawyer asked Mr. Miller if he was in favor of having the City manage the facility or hire an outside agent.

Mr. Miller replied that he would recommend the City to hire outside contractors. In addition, he stated that he would also recommend that these contractors do a comprehensive analysis and feasibility study.

Ms. Rivas asked how this would affect Department of Public Works. Mr. Miller replied that the parking authority would have to contract with DPW and would be obligated to pay DPW for its services.

Mr. Wrenn asked what would happen if not enough revenues were generated from this project. Mr. Miller replied that the City would have no obligation to back up the bonds for the parking facility.

Mr. Wrenn asked how this would affect traffic generation in that area. Mr. Greene replied that people would tolerate minor traffic to get into a thriving City. Mr. Musante inserted that part of the traffic problem in any City was trying to find a parking space and noted that in South Norwalk, based on a study, they were 2000 parking spaces below what is currently needed there.

Mr. Miklave asked if the parking authority would have independent authority to undertake new parking structure projects. Mr. Miller replied that they would have to get approval from the Common Council.

Mr. Kimmel stated that these discussions seemed to be focusing on traffic generation. He stated that these parking garages were going to be built as plans have already been approved. He noted that the issue tonight was how the City going to manage these garages -either by itself or through an authority.