New London Prepares To "Throw The Switch"

A Press Release from the City of New London

The Water Street Parking Garage in New London will join the quickly evolving world of electric car charging stations. The municipally owned garage is one of the very few in Connecticut that will provide commuters, train and ferry passengers and downtown employees with free charging while they travel and work. 

The recently renovated 940 space garage, located in the heart of the New London transportation hub, will be equipped to charge up to eight cars at a time at Levels 1 and 2.

The dedication of the electric car Juice Bars will take place on Friday, January 17, at 10:30am at the Water Street Garage located at 161 Water Street downtown New London. Participants in the event include Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio, Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) Deputy Commissioner Macky McCleary and Deputy Chief of Staff Alex Kraigie, City Council members, the New London Parking Commission, Propark America and representatives of the Green Parking Council. Refreshments, hot coffee and chocolate will be served.

"The parking facility is perfectly situated to provide electric vehicle charging services for parkers utilizing the train station, the ferry service and the downtown area," David K. Schmid, managing partner of Tolland-based Garage Juice Bars, supplier of the machines, said in an email. New London Mayor Daryl Finizio commented, "I am excited about these new improvements and this continues to show New London's dedication to embracing green infrastructure improvements."

Kip Bochain, Chairman of the New London Parking Commission indicated, “This is part of our commitment to convert to an environmentally responsible facility that serves the evolving needs of the community. We are also working on conversion to LED lighting and a future solar installation in the facility that will both save the city money but also be environmentally important.”

Partial funding for the project through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection was provided in part because of the location of the garage immediately off of interstate I-95 and I-395. In contrast to the Fairfield County area there is a lack of charging stations in New London County. 

Bochain further stated, “We will provide free charges, free parking and coupons for free coffee in downtown establishments during the charges. We think that this will assist in getting additional ‘feet on the street’ to our outstanding local cafes and restaurants.” 

The location will be listed on various apps, charging station maps, the internet and become a resource for travelers making the trip between Boston and New York.

Local car dealerships have been invited to bring their latest electric cars to the dedication and give the Juice Bars a test run.