Even with two storefronts shuttered, it can be hard to find a parking space in downtown Norfolk. Responding to the general concern, Sue Dyer convened a meeting of interested parties on Oct. 24 to discuss possible solutions to the parking problem.

A drawing that added 8 to 10 parking spaces in Station Place was circulated by Dusty McMahon, of the consulting firm Goman+York. The spaces would be created by removing the sweeping curve in the roadway in front of the old railroad station and replacing it with a straight sidewalk.

The participants at the meeting, who included representatives from the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Economic Development Commission and the Norfolk fire and ambulance services, discussed the possibility briefly before turning their attention to the lot around Town Hall.

The most cost-effective way to increase parking in the general downtown area, First Selectman Dyer suggested, was to build the 8 to 10 spaces behind Town Hall that the selectmen have already approved and to proceed with the demolition of the old storage shed, whose footprint could also be used for parking.

Several attendees suggested that if the Town Hall lot is to be used as overflow parking for Station Place, the walkway between them and its lighting will need improvement.