Norwalk moves forward with Metrolink parking lot

Photo courtesy city of Norwalk

NORWALK – The Norwalk City Council approved the first phase of the auxiliary parking lot east of the Metrolink station, another preferential parking zone area, a renewal of a $10,000 reward and the acceptance of consulting services regarding a potential homeless plan in the city on Tuesday.

Concerned with potential health risks to those who will use the auxiliary parking lot, Vice Mayor Leonard Shryock reminded the staff that, “They’re (employees) the ones who are going to be taking the risks.”

Shryock was referring to the ground below the creation of the auxiliary parking lot which may be contaminated from years of previous dubious storage and dumping of harmful chemicals.
City staff responded that tests were done and that any presence of chemicals were not detected at above acceptable levels.

Shryock was the lone dissenting vote when the final tally was made regarding the plan to move forward.

■ In a continuation of a Public Safety Commission recommendation from Nov. 7 of this year, the council heard testimony from about a dozen residents regarding the creation of another preferential parking zone.

After staff had researched and prepared a report for the commission, Resolution 17-94 was placed on the agenda for approval or declination from the five-member Council.

After final review and presentation of additional petitions in favor and against, Council voted to accept the findings of the commission.

This preferential parking zone will encompass 15200 – 15300 blocks of Graystone Avenue between Ferina Street and Barnwall Streets.

Implementation isn’t expected until early 2018.

■ In a Norwalk double homicide case dating to 2015, the council approved Resolution 17-95 which authorizes the offer of a $10,000 monetary reward regarding the murders of Father and Son Walter Vicente, 49, and Andrew Vicente, 24.

The reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the crimes.

■ Finally, the council approved the staff recommendations for the city to engage the firm of LeSar Development Consultants to prepare a non-binding plan for the homeless situation in the city of Norwalk. 

Further information will be made available for citizen and staff input with a final report due approximately next Spring (April 2018).

The value of the agreement is not to exceed $49,000 with the funds being provided by a grant secured from the County and will not affect the city’s general fund negatively

By Raul Samaniego, contributor