Tackling Traffic Congestion At Surf Club Goal of Parking Plan

Jack Kramer
The Beach and Recreation Commission has been discussing the plan and expects to submit it soon to the Board of Selectmen for approval.

MADISON, CT - Officials are putting the final touches on a plan that they hope will ease traffic congestion on busy summer days at the Surf Club.

The Beach and Recreation Commission has been discussing the plan and expects to submit it soon to the Board of Selectmen for approval.

Objectives for implementing a new parking management system at the Madison Surf Club include:

1. Improve the process of purchasing annual beach passes by offering an online registration and purchase option.

2. Improve the process for purchasing hourly parking for residents without season passes and/or out-of-town users.

3. Help eliminate lines at the entrance gate to the Surf Club.

4. Reduce direct confrontations between Town employees and the public.

5. System will support cost savings, revenue collection, data collection and digital transformation.

The parking proposal being reviewed has been submitted by Complus Data Innovations, Inc. of Tarrytown, NY.

After Q & A session with Director Scot Erskine, Commission members expressed the following concerns and recommendations in discussion:

1. Communication to the public seen as critical in the implementation of this new system in order to guarantee a positive and successful transition.

2. Potential effects on sports team events need to be addressed.

3. Implementation should include a number of warnings residents and out-of-town users will receive before ticketing goes into effect.

4. Go Live Date: Recommend a soft-launch on March 15 for testing purposes, followed by a public go-live date of April 1 with enforcement beginning on Memorial Day 2019.