Former Selectman William J. Plasko Proposes Raised Municipal Parking Lot Near Town Hall-November 15, 1982

$500,000 Multi-Level Parking Proposal Designed to Alleviate Town Center Shortages Draws Mixed Response from Selectmen

NORWOOD – Addressing long-term commercial growth and chronic daytime parking congestion in the downtown business district, former selectman and Norwood Housing Authority deputy executive director William J. Plasko formally proposed that the town construct a raised parking lot near Town Hall. Plasko, whose father Chester owns the Norwood News and Book Store on Washington Street, estimates that the proposed 50-vehicle raised platform would cost approximately $500,000, with state aid potentially covering up to 70 percent of the total expense.

In his letter and presentation to the Board of Selectmen, Plasko outlined a design utilizing the natural slope between Washington Street and Central Street. By building a platform over the existing municipal lot between the two thoroughfares, the upper deck could sit level with Washington Street, allowing vehicles to enter and exit directly onto Washington Street while keeping the structure discreetly integrated into the downtown landscape. “It could be almost hidden,” Plasko remarked. “You don’t even have to know there’s a parking lot there.”

Anticipating Commercial Redevelopment and Future Needs

Plasko emphasized that while local merchants have argued that sufficient off-street parking already exists, shoppers frequently struggle to find spaces during peak daytime hours. Anticipating increased commercial demand resulting from the downtown business district’s designation as a Commercial Area Redevelopment District—which encourages expansion through low-interest loans—Plasko urged town leaders to act proactively before state funding programs lapse. “Maybe we don’t need 50 more spaces today, but the need will grow,” he stated. “In 10 years, there may not be the funding.”

Selectmen Chairman William F. Butters characterized Plasko’s proposal as an “interesting concept,” but maintained that no immediate crisis justified the municipal expenditure at present. While acknowledging that parking demands will likely increase over the coming decade, Butters noted that the town should not incur capital expenses prematurely. Although Town Manager John J. Carroll might examine potential state grant availability, Butters concluded, “We wouldn’t necessarily pursue it even if state funds were available. It’s an interesting concept, but its time is not here.”

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger