 
Transportation planning in Stamford has been focusing on the future of the parking garage portion of the Stamford train station as the number of RBS employees commuting to the city increases.
“Our preference is to concentrate high-activity uses as close to the train station as possible,” said Josh LeCar, transportation planner for Stamford. “At the same time, I think it is the state’s intention to replace reasonably close adjacent parking with reasonably close adjacent parking.”
LeCar said he hopes a state plan to replace the Stamford train station garage with retail, residential or office space will reduce traffic congestion and improve access for pedestrians. He said state DOT officials met with developers at the train station this month to hash out proposals for the development of the 1.3-acre site.
The current garage is considered by many to be a dilapidated eyesore. LeCar said a new garage will be built only a block away, though commuter advocates are afraid the plan will mark the end their ability to park conveniently.
“We’re most concerned about the state selling off what is the crown jewel of the station, which is parking located in such close proximity of the station,” said Jim Cameron, chairman of the Connecticut Rail Commuter Council. “The top priority should be the convenience and comfort of the commuters.”
The DOT has issued a “request for interest” to parties to devise plans for developing the garage site that include pedestrian bridges and the replacement of more than 1,000 commuter parking spaces.
The applications from developers are due July 10.
Possibilities for the site mentioned by the DOT included a conference center, which would bring to pass a long-sought facility to the city of Stamford.
LeCar said the city wants to explore the possibility of growing capability and improving services for CT Transit bus riders.
“There are a lot of options,” said LeCar. “We’re really interested in the possibility of taking part of the space of the older garage and seeing if we could develop a first-class facility for CT Transit.”
