The city of Bridgeport is suspending the enforcement of downtown parking meters through Labor Day to help local business owners.

The move is part of an effort to kickstart the local economy by giving small business owners a boost during the phased reopening process following the height of the pandemic.

Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim says not having to feed the meter is a powerful incentive for people to come downtown and spend their money. It's a method Ganim says has worked well in other cities, including Stamford.

Funcal Americana owner Val Fernandes says he's hoping the lure of free parking will also encourage people who don't live in the city to visit downtown Bridgeport. He says the plan will definitely cost the city money upfront, but those dollars will fuel an economic recovery.

The free parking period will extend for eight weeks. Ganim says he made the decision a week ago to encourage people to visit downtown Bridgeport.