Tesla's plans for Norwalk dealership draws concern

Norwalk community development director John Ramirez addresses concerns over how a potential Tesla facility will impact the area on May 18. (Photo by Vincent Medina)

NORWALK — City officials, site developers and Tesla executives held a community meeting to discuss the establishment of a potential Tesla facility in Norwalk on May 18.

If approved by the Norwalk Planning Commision, the former Walmart at 11729 Imperial Highway will become the new facility.

Tiffany Chou, the Tesla senior project manager, explained the Tesla center will focus on retail sales and delivery operations. She estimates 123 staff jobs will be created, and the facility will train staff members in technician services or repairs.

“We’ll have jobs for everything from advisors to customer experience and admissions vehicle readiness specialists,” Chou said. “We’re estimating that this center will open next summer, and we will list the jobs around that time.”

John Ramirez, the community development director, addressed community concerns over how the facility will impact local businesses. The issue of unhoused people in the city was discussed, but residents were reassured the center has 24 hour security.

“There’s a limited impact that a business or property can have on another, because the most important thing is to have a willing property owner and any other partnerships that we engage in for development and improvement and enhancement of the community,” Ramirez said.

Christian Houge, the Tesla design and architecture lead, addressed the issue of traffic in the area. He emphasized that scheduling of people visiting the facility will mitigate the traffic, and most visitors would mostly come by to see the showroom or talk to a salesperson.

The concern over Tesla charging stations was raised multiple times during the discussion. However, some questions from the community were left unanswered as the plans are tentative prior to the planning commission’s approval.

“We’re actively working on a bank of charging stations at city hall, on the AMC side facing the civic center. Ramirez said. “We’re also having meetings to try to have other charging stations.”

The Norwalk planning commission will discuss the Tesla facility during their meeting on May 31.