Church lot to close to commuters

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PROSPECT — St. Anthony Church announced in a press release that its parking lot will no longer be used for commuter parking as of Jan. 1.

According to the release, a portion of the lot at 4 Union City Road has been available for commuters for approximately 10 years.

The church received what it called “minimal financial compensation” from the state for the use of the parking lot, the release stated. In addition, the church was responsible for the maintenance, snow removal and improvements to the parking lot.

Church officials chose not to renew the lease agreement with the state due to a “drastic reduction in the compensation offered by the State of Connecticut,” the release said. The current lease expires on Dec. 31.

When reached for comment, church officials declined to say how much they were compensated from the state in the past and how much it would have been reduced. The Department of Transportation did not return a message seeking comment.

“Father Mark (Suslenko) extends his apologies to any who may have become dependent on the parking lot for their daily commute. It is unfortunate that things have come to this end,” the release said.