The National Coast Guard Museum Association, Inc. would like to add its views and additional facts to the discussion about how our development strategy may impact New London and the southeastern Connecticut region as raised by David Collins’ Aug. 28 column (“The Coast Guard Museum has no parking plan”). That opinion article fails to appropriately acknowledge the ongoing collaborative efforts among the federal, state, city, and private concerns engaged to ensure the success of the museum project. Those initiatives include a detailed analysis of present and future parking and traffic issues facing New London.

From 2014, when the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by Connecticut, New London, the Coast Guard, and the National Coast Guard Museum Association to cooperate in the development of the museum site, the parties understood that a plan for parking would be a critical component to its success. The MOA specifically provides that the state will coordinate and support the “parking needs assessments” for the project. In collaboration with the state, the City of New London sought and received a transit-oriented development grant specifically to assess present and future downtown parking, traffic, and safety concerns. The Museum Association is an active participant in this study.

A preliminary assessment by the city, based on the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments "Parking and Traffic Circulation Study" in December 2014, revealed that there are some 3,838 parking spaces within the half-mile “Transit-Oriented Development Zone” in the area around Union Station. Prior studies noted that peak parking occupancy in the downtown area was at 69 percent of capacity. Like others, we have observed that on several days in August this year the Water Street garage was filled to capacity. That in itself is a welcomed sign of progress for the city.

Those cars represent the growing number of people flocking to Cross Sound and Fisher’s Island ferries, AMTRAK and Shoreline East, as well as the success of Electric Boat and downtown businesses. However, overflow at one of the city’s parking areas reinforces the need for the study underway to identify present parking capacity and requirements following the successful completion of the museum project as well as the revitalization of the downtown area and improvements to the transportation center. It is not until the final results of the present study are received that a more specific plan to improve traffic circulation and parking availability can or should be developed. The museum association looks forward to continuing its active participation in this planning process to identify issues of concern to all, including parking needs, and to collaborate with our partners to find solutions.

The National Coast Guard Museum Association is pleased that Collins remains supportive of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for New London, the state and the nation at large. We also recognize the importance of considering differing views, as they often have the capacity to aid in creating a better design and improved functionality. Collaborative planning, commitment of those involved, and a spirit of cooperation and partnership are and continue to be at the heart of this project as we continue to move forward.

Richard J. Grahn is president and CEO of the National Coast Guard Museum Association. R.W. "Wes" Pulver is the executive director.