Audit Walk of Albany Avenue Conducted By Hartford Parking Authority CEO & Director of Operations
Published By: Upper Albany Main Street
Date: December 17, 2024
Category: Upper Albany Design Committee
By request of the Upper Albany Design Committee, the Hartford Parking Authority, represented by CEO Jill Turlo and Director of Operations Shandia Drummond-Butt, organized a walk audit of Albany Ave, along with representation from the Department of Development Services by Senior Planner Grace Yi and the Department of Public Works by Trafic Operations Engineer Sebastian Tata.
A number of local business owners, representatives of faith-based organizations, and residents joined the walk to provide their thoughts and insight into the parking infrastructure on Albany Ave, as well as various other trafic and mobility concerns. The primary concern echoed by multiple residents and business owners revolved around the parking meters installed on Albany Ave. After an explanation from HPA regarding the parking space turnover beneft of parking meters to businesses, this prompted a further discussion on parking needs for local employers and their staf. A request was made for the HPA to initiate communication with the Artists Collective regarding their parking lot and the possibility of a shared parking agreement for that space to mitigate this issue. Additionally, the possibility of creating a parking validation program was discussed, with two area businesses stating interest in participating in a pilot program. HPA noted a need for a parking stall refresh in various locations on Albany Ave, to be scheduled for spring 2025. HPA also discussed the pending development at Albany and Woodland and provided details about the current plans for that location and its parking facility.
Various other notes from the walk include discussion regarding a trafic light at Sigourney, ownership of various parcels on Albany Ave, and a query regarding vehicle towing on private property. Since this walk-through has occurred, the HPA has received approval from its Board of Commissioners to commence a pilot program for parking validation and is currently researching available options for that functionality to determine the best option for the City of Hartford. The HPA has also initiated contact with the Artists Collective regarding their current and anticipated use of their parking lot, and will be working to establish communication between the relevant parties to see if there is any possibility of allowing use of this space to beneft area businesses.
HPA CEO Jill Turlo can be reached at JTurlo@HartfordParking.com with any questions or concerns regarding this walk audit or parking in the City of Hartford.