The Norwalk Traffic Authority approved a phased curb restriction Sept. 15 to address student parking overflow near Norwalk High School. The pilot places no-parking-during-school-hours restrictions on one side of Carruthers Lane and Leanne Drive; staff said the restriction could expand to both sides if the pilot does not reduce student parking in the neighborhood.

Ben Young of Traffic, Mobility and Parking told the authority the measures respond to repeated resident complaints that construction at the high school and associated changes have displaced student parking into adjacent residential streets. TMP reported an April 2025 resident petition signed by 13 households — more than half of homes on the two streets — requesting limits on daytime parking during school days.

TMP explained the plan is a phased approach: phase one removes parking on one side of each narrow residential street during school hours while leaving some curb space unregulated for residents and visitors. Staff will monitor for one to two months and, if students continue to park on the remaining curb space, will seek authority to make the restriction apply to the entire street, with resident agreement.

Young said the school administration supports efforts to discourage parking in residential streets and that Andrews Field is available as an off-site student lot. Staff noted there may be a minor permit or processing fee for students to use the field and said it would follow up with the school to confirm the cost and whether the administration can make access easier.

The authority voted to move forward with the phased pilot and directed TMP to monitor compliance, report results, and continue coordinating with Norwalk High School on enforcement and student parking options.