Front Street concert draws crowd to Norwalk

Photo by Vincent Medina

NORWALK – Norwalk held the first Front Street concert on July 22 to bring the community to the area and showcase their plans for the Heart of Norwalk revamping project.

“Front Street is a historical part of our community,” Councilwoman Jennifer Perez said. “Not only are we bringing the families together, but we’re also educating them on some of the historical aspects of Front Street at the same time.”

Very few businesses still operate on Front Street. However, the city is attempting to revitalize the area with the Heart of Norwalk project with the Arroyo Group.

Project manager Phillip Burns spoke with community members to get their insight and determine a final plan for Front Street.

“What we’re doing right now is preparing a specific plan,” Burns said. “So we are modifying the zoning, identifying and designing what the streetscape improvements could be and determining what actions can be taken in the future to work with property owners.”

The project manager said Front Street property owners are excited about the revamping project.

Burns expects the Arroyo Group to have a specific plan by summer of 2023.

The Front Street concert inspired Norwalk businesses owner Steve Garcia, owner of Norwalk’s Very Own, to have an event on the street in October.

“I like this whole renovation idea and what they’re trying to do with it,” Garcia said. “I’d definitely think about opening a store here.”

The Norwalk Front Street Festival will be Oct. 1-2.