| State Senator David J. Cappiello,
R-Danbury, said today that he is interested in finding ways
to increase parking at the state capitol building in Hartford.
Sen. Cappiello said that he wants to initiate a study that
will look into potential new parking facilities around the
state capitol complex. He said that the current number of
spaces reserved for the public is inadequate. “It’s
the people’s building and they should have a place
to park,” said Sen. Cappiello. “As it stands
right now parking spaces are very limited at both the capitol
building as well as the Legislative Office Building (LOB)
garage. Over the past few years (following 9-11) new security
measures have been instituted at the LOB and many spaces
in and around the capitol buildings are reserved for legislators
and staff so on busy days the public are the ones who are
squeezed out.”
Sen. Cappiello said that he wants to
examine areas in close proximity to the buildings for the
possibility of constructing a new garage. “I think
there are plenty of areas around that we can take a look
at. I think the construction of a new garage will make all
the difference if it can be done.”
Sen. Cappiello said that one area located
on the corner of Capitol Avenue and Broad Street, directly
across from the LOB and Minuteman Park could be considered.
The vacant state property is currently used as a parking
area, but a garage facility would not only maximize space
but would ensure proper safety as well.
“I cannot count the number
of times when someone comes up to me before a meeting or
a public hearing to tell me about how difficult it is to
find parking, and many of these people are driving quite
a long distance,” said Sen. Cappiello. “If someone
is coming up to testify or talk to their legislator about
an important issue or if they are simply coming up to for
a visit, the last thing they should have to worry about
is finding parking.”
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