§ 8. Parking.

(a)

For the purposes of this chapter "parking facilities" shall mean and include lots, garages, parking terminals and other structures and accommodations for the parking of motor vehicles off the street or highway and open to public use with or without charge. "Parking authority" shall mean the commission established under subsections (b) and (c) of this Section and exercising the powers herein provided.

(b)

The city of Bridgeport, acting through its city council, when in legal meeting assembled, by a vote of the majority of the members present and voting, subject to the approval of the mayor as provided by the Chapter 5 of this charter, shall have the power and authority to create and establish off-street parking facilities; acquire by purchase, gift, devise, lease or condemnation in the manner provided by law for the taking of land for highway purposes, real property or any interest therein necessary for or incidental to the construction, maintenance or operation of off-street parking facilities, including the erection, construction and improvement of, buildings and other structures and the installation therein of such equipment, furnishing, fixtures, mechanisms, and apparatus as may be necessary or incidental for use thereof as a public bus terminal and waiting room, public garage, public comfort station, and for such other and like purposes as may be determined by said city council, in like manner, including the erection and installation therein of such stands, stores, shops or shopping facilities as may serve the convenience, necessity of welfare of the public utilizing such structure or structures; prepare necessary plans and drawings for the same; construct and improve or cause to be constructed and improved such parking facilities and structures by contract or otherwise, maintain and operate of all such parking facilities and structures; establish and collect reasonable parking fees and other fees and rentals for the use thereof.

(c)

When and after said land has been acquired and the construction and erection of such building or buildings, structure or structures has been completed, and said equipment, furnishings, fixtures, mechanisms and apparatus have been installed, the city of Bridgeport is authorized, empowered and directed to conduct, operate, maintain and improve all of the same under the supervision and direction of the Director of Transportation. Any land owned, acquired or rented by the by the city for or in connection with the purposes hereinbefore authorized, and adjoining or abutting upon any building or structure hereinbefore authorized to be erected and constructed, shall not be or be deemed to be public highways of the city, notwithstanding that the same may be used by motor vehicles or pedestrians in connection with the purposes for which such building or structure may be erected and maintained. The city shall not be immune from liability for damages by reason of injuries caused to a person or for damages caused to property by the negligence of said city unless written notice of such damage and a general description of the same and of the cause thereof and of the time and place of its occurrence shall, within ten days thereafter, be given to the clerk of said city.

(d)

The city of Bridgeport is authorized and empowered, upon approval of the city council and the mayor as provided in this charter, to enact ordinances relating or with respect to or regulating or controlling the use, operation and conducting of said buildings and structures and the public operations conducted therein, and the use thereof by members of the general public, which ordinances may contain such penalties for their violation as said city is permitted by law to prescribed.