Former real estate office could be replaced with car wash

NORWALK — A former real estate office could be redeveloped into a Quick Quack express car wash facility but city officials are recommending the project be denied.

The planning commission will consider the project Wednesday, which calls for the demolition of the currently vacant building at 11642 Firestone Blvd., next to Northgate grocery store.

Ten car washes currently operate in Norwalk, including four within a two-mile radius.

In a report to the planning commission, city officials recommended the project be denied.

“Based upon public feedback from the project’s community meeting, car washes are abundant and ubiquitous throughout the city and undesirable for the City’s image,” planning technician Ilianna Padilla wrote, adding that the development falls within the Heart of Norwalk Vision Plan, which calls for a transit-oriented residential district in that area.

Quick Quack operates about 200 car washes nationwide. The Norwalk location would be equipped with 11 parking spaces with vacuums and 13 standard parking spaces.

Quick Quack’s proposed hours of operation are 7 am to 9 daily. The car wash would employ 18-20 people, according to the city report.