Norwalk moves ahead with civic center plans

NORWALK – The Norwalk city council received an update last week on Primestor Development’s plan for the Entertainment District Project next to city hall.

Through public outreach and direction from the city, the development company found that an urban center with an area for families would be welcomed by the community. They also wanted to ensure that there is still open space for events at the civic center.

Mayor Rick Ramirez said he expects Primestor’s updated plans to drive more activity into the area with additional business, restaurants and local hiring opportunities.

“The City Council has the opportunity to bring a development that will raise the city’s economic vibrancy, something that the residents need and deserve,” said Ramirez.

City staff and Primestor are working on the submittal of the project with items such as applications and studies that analyze the effects of the project.

Director of community development, John P. Ramirez, showed the council a presentation with the updated concept of the enhancement.

The concept drawings showed new landscaping and seating for community engagement and integrating open space with the courthouse, civic center and new businesses.

“This would really create a civic center that works as an entertainment district and as a 24/7 opportunity to live, work, and play,” said Ramirez.

The goal is to have the entertainment district accessible to the local community by any form of transit and give access to other businesses in Norwalk.

It is anticipated that this process will be complete towards the end of the year, with the project being brought before the Planning Commission and City Council in the last quarter of the year.

Norwalk was able to enhance the entertainment district through the 2018 Economic Development Opportunities Plan. They expressed that the Civic Center was the best space to expand entertainment opportunities for economic development and for the community.