I disagree; Life is about taking chances.

The new zoning regs call for a dramatic change in the parking requirements for the downtown and a parking management system that will make sense out of the chaos we now have. I have no idea when they will be adopted.

I completely agree that a $35. parking meter ticket when you are over by 5 minutes is absolutely nuts. The new regs call for a much more pedestrian-friendly system with public parking. In the meantime, know that you have a couple of great options to park downtown. Épernay has a parking lot that you can park in off Elm. Talk to Barbara at Épernay and figure out something. Parking in the Ralph and Rich’s lot could also allow you to walk up and down Main Street. There are four structured garages–Hotel, Transit by the RR, the John street garage behind City Trust and the garage across from Two Boots. I know everyone would rather park on the street with the meters but right now, that system isn’t the choice I would make. It is possible to get in and out of the downtown. Try it you will like it.

As for the restaurants closing and the need for offices, a couple of comments: first, the downtown needs foot traffic, lots of foot traffic. It is getting better because I see those lunch trucks now. When they show up it means there are more people looking for lunch. My beef is that those lunch trucks park right in front of the restaurants. Not fair. Second, the offices that are here, in particular Peoples United Bank and RBS have interior cafeterias or deli. So, those folks don’t come out of the high rises for the most part. Third, Stamford’s office vacancy rate is over 20% now. Norwalk is also with a rising vacancy rate. Bridgeport’s downtown office vacancy rate appears to be high though I don’t know the specifics. The issue here is the high mil rate. It doesn’t take a genius to know why the offices are still making their pilgrimage to Shelton’s office parks. Bridgeport has to attract dense development in the downtown and the major transit corridors. This small parceling of the downtown is taking the short view. It produces revenue to this year’s budget while losing the long-term higher tax revenue. I personally am disappointed that the M&F building sold by itself. The developer is looking to put a couple dozen housing units in back with a restaurant in the front. Gone would be the high rise that needed to go behind that historic building. Good solution for the short term. Disappointing solution for the long term. In my opinion, the most valuable development is the three-four blocks around the train station. High, green with a historic entrance through the M&F and BOE buildings on main street.

Finally, as for Joseph’s Bistro–they missed the downtown’s price point from the git go. They were way too expensive. I am very optimistic about Fairfield Avenue around the Bistro. This fall, that place will be hopping even more than it is now.

Finally, it’s foot traffic, foot traffic, foot traffic for the downtown.

*** Everyone can’t be as sharp & have all the answers like you & your running partner! You guys are sure going to make that city council “shine” should you win the primary. Where have you guys been hiding while the city’s politics have been going astray in the 138th? ***

Ann is new to this arena but I have tried to get our council people interested in what is happening up here but to no avail.
Mojo we never said we have all the answers but we do have opinions. I don’t see anything wrong in expressing them. I don’t think I ever said we would make the council shine but for the people in the 138th we will make the council seats we hold their seats just like it is supposed to be.
As far as hiding you know me and you know I don’t hide. I worked election after election in the 138th and I worked them for others. Now I am working this election for Ann, myself and the people that live in this district.
For the first time in a long time they will have a clear choice.
BTW I spend a lot of time researching the issues I post about. While they might not coincide with other peoples’ views that does not make them wrong. If people want lemmings on the council so be it.

“Someday My Prince Will Come!”

Markets have to mature naturally. If all these people sitting on this side of the pond don’t know about all you were referring to, don’t blame the Ferry Company. Blame the Mayor, former Mayor and OPED and former OPED leaders. I’ve been reading, seeing, hearing and living this B.S. for 30 years.

Meanwhile the Grand Poobahs running the city raised the out-of-town seasonal parking pass to our parks from $30.00 to $125.00. What would you and your ULI have to say about that?

I hate to burst your bubble about downtown. “Joseph’s State Street Bistro” is now the Joseph’s State Street Busto. Épernay is closed for lunch. Cafe Roma is is going down the tubes–like musciad’ pasta. Until we develop major office buildings with a major workforce all you write about is a pipedream. And if you think that the Ferry or the Gathering of the Vibes is going to attract any spin-off for Downtown, you better eat some hash-brown brownies. ‘Cause you are trippin’. Get off the pipe or you are going to end up taking the pipe.

If you want to make one difference for downtown eateries, your Downtown Task Force should petition the city for a moratorium on parking from 11: 00 am -2:30 pm. Ralph ‘n Riches have a busy lunch because of their product and dedicated parking lot which makes it an attractive luncheon meeting destination. Joseph’s to a lesser degree, but high-ticket lunch also has dedicated parking that is being redesigned. I refuse to come to downtown for lunch and get a ticket because I was ten minutes over the meter. Also while I am at it get the Library to get a dedicated parking lot that will attract people to the library and have some lunch without getting tagged.

Tag! You’re It!!!