FILE
The public can no longer park in the lot on Main Street Ansonia across from Massimino’s Pizza.
Negotiations between a private property owner and the City of Ansonia have fallen apart, causing the owner to once again close a Main Street parking lot to the public.
The parking lot is across from Massimino’s Pizza on Main Street and is owned by Shaw Growth Ventures.
Shaw Growth Ventures owns 65 Main St., a complicated property that includes the lot and the building Ansonia city government wants to use as a new police station.
However, the two sides have been unable to strike a deal.
Ansonia Aldermen voted Tuesday to take 65 Main St. through eminent domain.
Shaw Growth Ventures closed the parking lot — which is used by people visiting Main Street restaurants and some tenants who live in Main Street apartments — Wednesday evening.
Click here to read a Valley Indy story on the dispute between the owner and the city.
The Valley Indy left a message with the property owner Wednesday morning.
The City of Ansonia posted the following message to its Facebook page Wednesday night:
“Parking Alert! The private owners of 65 Main Street have closed their parking lot to the public (across from Massimino’s Pizza, Copper City Grill, Bangkok Room).
Vehicles parked in the lot may be towed without notice.
Residents and downtown patrons are asked to utilize the nearby West Main Street lot as the city proceeds with a legal action to permanently acquire 65 Main Street. The lot is projected to reopen to the public in February.”
The West Main Street alternative lot mentioned in the city’s post is the large parking lot between the Ansonia train station and the Ansonia Rescue Medical Services building. There is ample parking there, and the parking lot is within walking distance of the Main Street restaurants and apartments.
Frank’s LLC, a towing company on Wakelee Avenue, has been hired to remove cars from the Main Street lot now closed to the public.
Frank Heusser Jr., a towing company owner, posted a message on Facebook 2 a.m. Thursday telling people the parking lot is now closed to the public.
“I know it’s gonna be a bit of an inconvenience for a little while, but please respect the owner’s request at this time. We will be towing out of the lot very shortly. Just want to give everyone fair warning,” Heusser wrote.
The owner previously closed the lot for a short time in September of last year.
