Norwalk council hears updates on public safety, One Ways improvements
Mayor Margarita Rios and councilmembers Jennifer Perez and Rick Ramirez at Tuesday’s meeting. (Photo by Vincent Medina)
NORWALK – The Norwalk City Council heard updates on the One Ways Neighborhood Rehabilitation Program and the Sheriff’s quarterly report during the first council meeting of the year Tuesday evening.
One Ways Neighborhood Rehabilitation Program update
Amanda Moreno, the program administrator and senior management analyst, presented the One Ways Neighborhood Rehabilitation Program update, an initiative that aims to create healthier living conditions and provide residents living in the one-ways with essential home improvements.
The council allocated $2 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to fund the One Ways Neighborhood Rehabilitation Program in July 2022. The Program approved 80 applications for roofing, painting and junk removal services.
Moreno highlighted the efficiency of the project, noting that 61% of the projects were completed under the estimated nine-week timeline.
“Our building inspectors, permit techs and our city clerk were pushing these agreements through and helping us complete these projects quickly,” Moreno explained. “We had some contractors working on three to four roofs in one week.”
However, staff initiated a study to address parking issues in the area and develop a Parking Action Plan, and fence repair services offered through the Program are paused until the parking study results are final.
The council members expressed their appreciation and the desire to expand such impactful initiatives. Councilmember Rick Ramirez said, “It’s good that we were able to go outside the CDBG funding, the restricted funding that makes it very difficult for a lot of these people to make home improvements when they want to.”
Mayor Margarita Rios expressed her gratitude for the project as well.
“This is just a testament to when you’re committed to making a difference,” Rios said. “Once people see the change that it creates for a single resident, it just grows from there.”
Sheriff Quarterly Report
Sheriff Captain Richard Conti presented the quarterly sheriff report and explained the significant efforts and challenges in maintaining community safety.
Captain Conti expressed, “Overall, our city is safe,” however, crime did increase in Norwalk by approximately seven percent. He quickly noted that crime in other areas increased by double-digits and emphasized the department’s commitment to further improvement.
“We know that we can do better and we are dedicated to doing better this coming year,” Captain Conti said.
Despite a decrease in shootings, the city experienced an uptick in homicides, with seven reported in 2023. The sheriff captain highlighted the effectiveness of the department’s response, explaining that detectives solved each homicide within one month.
The meeting also touched on the issue of homelessness, with Captain Conti praising the city’s investment in the HOPE team.
“Our community is safer and our deputies are safer,” the Sheriff captain said. “It’s a great program, and I thank you for it.”
Councilmember Ramirez emphasized the need for more community engagement. “We can put more emphasis on our neighborhood watch and our business watch programs,” Ramirez said, noting the importance of community vigilance.
Mayor Rios addressed the community engagement challenge and asked residents to participate in public safety initiatives. “If you’ve been to five Coffee With A Cop in one year, you need to bring a friend,” she urged.