Free Parking Offered At 3 Downtown Garages In Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford residents will be able to park for free at three downtown parking garages this month when they use a promotional code, city officials announced Thursday.

The free parking initiative is meant to incentivize residents to visit restaurants and businesses in the downtown area during the month of July, officials said. Many businesses have reopened after temporarily shutting down in the spring in response to the coronavirus. (To sign up for Stamford breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

"My staff, including our department of health, has worked with restaurants and businesses to make them safe and open for business," Mayor David Martin said in a statement. "This promotional code provides residents with an incentive to visit these businesses, while reminding them to responsibly practice social distancing and to wear a mask in public."

Residents can park for free at the Bedford, Bell or Summer parking garages for up to three hours a day when they use the promotional code "WearAMask" through the Parkmobile app.

The three garages are within walking distance of many of the city's most popular dining and retail destinations, according to Transportation, Traffic and Parking Bureau Chief Jim Travers.

"We encourage residents to utilize these garages," Travers said in a statement, "and contactless payment with the Parkmobile app."

The promotional code only applies to payments made through Parkmobile for Stamford parking garages. On-street parking meters and parking lots will still require payment, officials said.

According to Downtown Special Services District President David Kooris, the DSSD has also worked with downtown businesses to make sure they can reopen safely.

"Stamford's downtown businesses have responded remarkably well to required health and safety guidelines," Kooris said in a statement. "We've worked with all businesses to ensure everyone can reopen safely and continue to provide services for their customers."