If you’re going to see President Obama Wednesday night at Central High School, plan on parking at Harbor Yard, according to organizers, and hop a shuttle to the event that’s generally a five-minute drive or so under normal conditions. Obama is not expected to speak until after 8 p.m. but this being a presidential visit security will be extremely tight, Secret Service agents are all over the place, streets will be closed and you’re better off getting there as early as possible and settle in for a few hours. The doors to Central will open at 5:30 p.m. The Harbor Yard complex includes the Webster Bank Arena and Bridgeport Bluefish ballpark just off the I-95 Downtown exit.
From the Democratic State Central Committee:
Parking is available off-site in Lot P & Lot D at Harbor Yard (600 Main Street), and shuttles will run between these lots and the event site. In addition, limited neighborhood street parking is available around Central High School, but posted restrictions will apply. Limited onsite parking for guests with disabilities is available at Central High School and can be accessed from the intersection of Madison Avenue and Beers St. Shuttles start @ 4:30pm
From the Police Department
The City of Bridgeport is advising drivers and residents of street closures and parking restrictions before and during a visit by President Barack Obama to the Park City.
A mandatory on-street parking ban will be in effect on Capitol Avenue, between Lindley Street and Park Avenue; on Lincoln Boulevard and on Taft Avenue between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014.
Started at 3 p.m., any vehicle parked on these streets will be towed. The parking ban lasts until 10 p.m. Residents are advised to find available parking on side streets.
These streets also will be closed to vehicular traffic.
Motorists also are advised to avoid Main Street and Madison Avenue if possible.
The department is anticipating heavy traffic due to the street closures.
The best route to travel through the area is expected to be Park Avenue.
No one will be admitted into the event without a ticket and there will be no parking at Central High School.
Ticket holders should park in the lots at Harbor Yard. Shuttle buses will be available to transport people to Central High School. People with questions should contact 203-576-7671.
Lennie,
Have any of your contacts indicated the source of funds for the shuttle buses, police on overtime, janitors etc?
Any word on the distribution of blocks of tickets to unions, city council and other politicians, social workers and other cheerleaders in the background for photos?
The same questions should be asked when the “Bushes” 41 & 43 come here to get out the vote for Foley.
Ron, stop beating a dead horse. Bush 41 is 90 years old and no one has asked Bush 43. You act like Obama is inundated with campaign requests when in fact he has only been asked by one senator and two governors. BTW Obama popularity rating is down to 42%.
I heard the Koch Brothers were happy to underwrite the transportation and security for this event, with one request, they control the ventilation system.
First the Bridge to Nowhere, and now the Bus to Nowhere.