Developers say new warehouse would cause minimal neighborhood disruption

NORWALK - Plans to build an industrial warehouse in Norwalk were discussed during a community meeting with Industrial Developments International Logistics developers last week.

The existing businesses at the development site – 14516,14522,14528 Carmenita Rd. and 14521 Best Ave. – will be relocated and demolished for the warehouse, pending approval from the city planning commission.

While no community members were present during the meeting, IDI Logistics developers explained the “eco-warehouse” would sustain the city by developing a safer neighborhood and minimize public inconvenience.

Giancarlo Da Prato, IDI Logistics VP of Capital Deployment Leasing, said the truck route to the warehouse would go along Pumice Street, avoiding the residential areas and minimizing noise disturbance.

“Trucks coming off the 5 Freeway on Carmenita Road would avoid the residential start by a couple blocks,” Prato said. “Trucks would also come in through the back while employees park in the front, which a lot of businesses don’t consider.”

Prato expressed the community would become safer with the facility, as most tenants hire 24/7 security service with video surveillance.

Aaron Scherer, IDI Logistics VP of Construction, also expressed how this warehouse is different from a separate development company’s plans for a proposed Amazon warehouse in Norwalk.

“That lot was 20 acres, while here we have a 3.34 acre lot,” Scherer said. “It’s an aircraft carrier vs tugboat situation.”

A precise development plan, lot merger and conditional use permit for logistics use have been submitted to the city and are pending planning commission approval.