Hoping to spur new investment and development at and around the Stamford Transportation Center, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) is seeking proposals for expanded parking and transit-oriented development (TOD).

            The DOT has posted a “Request for Qualifications and Conceptual Proposals” for the replacement of the existing parking garage located at the Stamford Transportation Center. The DOT seeks 1,000 or more parking spaces to replace the existing DOT-owned garage, and is also encouraging concepts for TOD proposals at the Transportation Center.

            “Our first priority is the replacement of the older parking deck and the provision of at least 1,000 new parking spaces for commuters,” said DOT Commissioner James P. Redeker. “We also seek innovative ideas for fully developing this vital transportation center in downtown Stamford. We anticipate development that will enhance the experience of commuters and also add new development in this area that will have a transformative impact on the City of Stamford.”

            The original garage at the Stamford Transportation Center has 727 spaces and was built in the 1980s. A second garage, constructed in 2004, provides an additional 1,200 parking spaces and will remain in use. The request issued today calls for at least 1,000 parking spaces and stipulates that alternative parking locations be identified and available while the existing 727-space garage is replaced.  In addition to the replacement of the original garage, there is a need to provide transportation improvements to Station Place (a driveway between Atlantic Street and Washington Boulevard) as well as to provide and install a new Parking Access and Revenue Control System. 

            The original garage is aging and requires extensive and costly maintenance.  A 2006 report, updated in 2010 found that a new garage would be more cost effective than maintaining the original garage and would have a much longer useful life.

            The goals listed in the request are to:

·         Demolish and replace the original garage with a minimum of 1,000 commuter parking spaces within ¼-mile walking distance of the Center using the existing pedestrian overpass as an origin point

·         Minimize impacts to commuters

·         Maximize revenue for the State

·         Promote economic development.

            Submissions are due by April 30, 2012.