East Norwalk resident urges residential parking-permit program; authority says state law allows pursuit

Roberta Gi Disegli, an East Norwalk resident, urged the North Parking Authority at its July meeting to create a residential parking-permit program for her neighborhood. "I strongly urge the city to establish a residential permit program that gives priority to residents on designated streets," she said. Gi Disegli told the authority she has lived on Osborne Avenue for more than 20 years and described daily competition for limited street parking from commuters, restaurant patrons and other visitors. She said narrow streets and frequent full parking create safety risks for older residents, families with young children and people with mobility issues, and that illegal rooming houses and new development without minimum off-street parking are intensifying the problem. The resident’s request drew acknowledgment from the authority. Chairman Eric Rains said the board is aware of recent changes in law. "You're probably aware we do have legislation … that gives us the ability to pursue something like this," he said. Parking Authority staff told commissioners they have been working on operational options and regard the topic as a priority. "So it is on my plate. It's a priority," a staff member said. Discussion at the meeting focused on next steps rather than a formal vote. Authority staff said the item is not on that night’s agenda but that there will be further work and outreach; the staff member invited the resident to participate in follow-up discussions. No ordinance, regulation text or ordinance number was presented at the meeting, and no formal action or timetable was approved.