Businesses gives thoughts on Heart of Norwalk project

A project called “Heart of Norwalk” could transform some of Norwalk’s most traveled corridors. (Photo by Vincent Medina)

NORWALK – Norwalk residents and businesses are expressing their thoughts on the “Heart of Norwalk” project, which would renovate the Firestone Corridor, San Antonio Village and Town Square District.

The project is funded through the Southern California Association of Governments’ Sustainable Communities Program grant. Norwalk and the SCAG have selected the Arroyo Group to prepare a plan for the designs.

The city is relying on community input before a final design is agreed upon.

“Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the outreach campaign engaged approximately 5,300 residents,” said Norwalk Mayor Jennifer Perez.

Between December 2020 and March 2021, Norwalk reached out to the community through social media, workshops, surveys, focus groups and spread information through digital and print means.

While the project is relying on community insight, many businesses in the areas of revamping were unaware of the project.

Norwalk Councilmember Margarita Rios says the city informed the Norwalk Business Chamber of the project, but not all city businesses are part of the chamber.

Frank Zaragoza, manager of the Pawn Shop on the corner of Firestone Blvd and San Antonio Dr., was never informed of the project. Construction plans are not proposed at this time, but Zaragoza gave his thoughts on the Visioning Study from the Heart of Norwalk website.

“This looks nice, but it would affect my business,” said Zaragoza. “We are still focused on recovering from the pandemic.”

The pawn shop manager was also confused as to when construction would take place, and if there was a timeline for the project.

Since no plans are proposed or finalized, there is no set timeline for construction in the city.

“During the city council meeting, I asked the city manager for a timeline with all the projects,” said Rios. “We have a lot of projects going on, such as The Walk, so I told him to give us a timeline of the projects so we can decide what to prioritize.”

Mayor Perez says the Visioning Study shows the community’s thoughts on how the city may evolve in the future.

In the Firestone and San Antonio Corridor, the study shows improvements to the street median, bike lanes, shortened pedestrian crossings and provide landscape to protect on-street parking.

The Visioning Study for the Front Street historic district and promenade include revitalizing historic commercial buildings, adding entertainment businesses, public parking and the adding of new landscape to pedestrian streetscape.

Norwalk Records co-owners and sister-in-laws, Diana Concenna and Michelle Walker, were uninformed of the project as well. However, they were excited by the idea of revamping the historic district.

“We have an entrance on each side, so we would definitely utilize the entrance on Front Street more with the revamping,” said Walker.

“My family has owned this shop for 64 years,” said Concenna. “Many other cities are doing improvements like this, why not Norwalk? This seems like something the community needs. Norwalk needs a face-lift.”

The Visioning Study for the Town Square District includes open space for families, a gateway plaza, commercial parking structure at the ends of the square, a gateway park, and improving the Five-Points intersection for pedestrian crossing.

A roundabout option is also considered in the Five-Points Visioning Study.

Norwalk City Council continues to ask for community input and ideas for the Heart of Norwalk project.