Jose Diaz, the leader of a local informal organization, Reservoir Place Residents & Neighbors for a Better Community, recently met with Councilman Andrew Cohen, who represents Norwood, to discuss adding more street parking in the neighborhood.

Cohen and the leader of the local quality of life group walked around East Gun Hill Road and Reservoir Oval to identify spots that either have out of date sign restrictions, or signs that are not visible as a way of converting them into parking spaces.

After meeting with the group, Cohen wrote a letter to the city Department of Transportation (DOT) in hopes the agency would reconsider the signage in the area to make parking easier for residents. “After evaluating the situation myself, I believe there are changes that can be made to address the constituents’ concerns, while also ensuring everyone’s safety,” Cohen said in his letter. “I am requesting that a re-evaluation be performed by the Department of Transportation to confirm that they are absolutely necessary, or (more preferably) their removal if they are not.”

One of the particular spots mentioned is directly in front of the Keeper’s House, home to Norwood News, at 3400 Reservoir Oval E. The parking spot is marked with a “No Standing Anytime” sign that Cohen said in his letter to the DOT “doesn’t appear to be necessary.” In front of 3463 Putnam Pl., around the corner from the Norwood News office, the sign prohibits parking from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., which also seems unnecessary to Cohen and local activists. The last sign is at East 210th Street and Bainbridge Avenue with a “No Standing Anytime” restriction.

By removing outdated and unnecessary parking restrictions, residents may have less trouble finding a spot for their vehicles. With the parking garage at 3000 Jerome Ave collapsing and other garages’ rates rising, a little more parking in Norwood would appease local drivers.

“It’s not going to radically make parking suddenly easier in the Norwood area, but every spot counts. And there’s no reason if there are unavailable spots they shouldn’t be made available,” Cohen said.