Norwood Board of Selectmen Establishes New Policy on Loitering-July 12, 1979

In an effort to address rising concerns regarding vandalism to town property, the Norwood Board of Selectmen adopted a new policy aimed at prohibiting trespassing and loitering on parks, playgrounds, and other municipal grounds.

Under the new regulations, access to parks and playgrounds was prohibited after 9:00 p.m., while other town-owned property was subject to closure after midnight. Selectman William J. Plasko, who initiated the policy, hoped the measure would provide a necessary deterrent against the destruction of public assets.

Town Counsel Justin C. Barton advised the board that while the policy could be enforced through police oversight, the town did not have the legal authority to impose a general curfew, which could only be enacted during extreme emergencies such as severe weather, civil disturbances, or other disasters. The new policy was framed as a prohibition on loitering and trespassing rather than a curfew, allowing police the right to arrest individuals found on town property after hours. Plans were underway to post signage at affected locations, and officials noted that citizens would be formally advised of the new prohibitions by law enforcement before any legal prosecution would take place.

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