The Norwalk Parking Authority has continued its improvements in South Norwalk and welcomed a new grocer in the process.
A financially self-sustaining organization responsible for the operation and maintenance of the municipal parking system, The parking authority has completed changes to its Webster Street lot as part of the proactive efforts started by the department in the spring. Previous improvements, for which area businesses applauded the organization, included technological upgrades and a more realistic payment structure.
“The changes in the lot, most notably to the pay-per-space parking, have gone smoothly and been well-received by our customers,” said John Federici, chairman of the Norwalk Parking Authority. Federici said notable cooperation between city officials, area businesses and other community figures has allowed for the continued South Norwalk transition.
Over the summer, the parking authority has made Webster lot improvements, including removing the entry gate and adding solar powered pay-by-space stations that accept cash and credit cards, roaming customer service workers, areas adjacent to stores with 15-minute free parking, a vehicle license plate recognition system for permit parking customers and information kiosks.
The reopening of the lot also brought the opening of Compare Foods on Washington Street, adjacent to the Webster parking lot.  ?“Improvements in parking are more important than many people realize to making Norwalk a better place to live, work and visit,” said Norwalk Mayor Richard Moccia. “If parking is safe, easy to navigate and reasonably priced, people are going to want to come to Norwalk and spend more time here, benefiting local businesses, stores and entertainment establishments. We are also excited about the new Compare Foods, which brings a much needed full service grocery store to South Norwalk.”  ?Carlos Peña, manager of Compare Foods, said the store is a great fit to the evolving landscape of South Norwalk.
Compare Foods is a supermarket chain run by the Peña family, who opened its first store in 1978 in Queens. Today, the Peña family operates stores in New York City, Long Island, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and North Carolina.
“South Norwalk to us was a perfect location as it was underserved by a grocery store of our type,” Peña said. “We received wonderful support from many people in the city, which we greatly appreciate.” He said the parking improvements show confidence that Norwalk is willing to take steps to draw business and consumers.
