Despite letter, Norwalk mayor claims he opposes homeless shelter in Norwalk

Mayor Luigi Vernola claims he opposes a homeless shelter at its proposed location in Norwalk. City of Norwalk photo

NORWALK -- Norwalk mayor Luigi Vernola claims he opposes a proposed winter homeless shelter in Norwalk, despite a letter that indicates otherwise. 

Last month, Vernola wrote to California governor Jerry Brown asking for help in opening the former California Youth Authority facility on Bloomfield Avenue as a temporary shelter. 

“We are proposing the use of the site as part of a Winter Shelter Program, where homeless individuals and families may seek shelter and warmth during the cold, wet weather season,” Vernola wrote. 

In a brief interview Wednesday, Vernola backtracked, claiming he only wrote the letter to solicit a response from the governor.

"I don't want the homeless shelter over at the CYA, period," Vernola said.

The mayor also claimed to have missed Tuesday's town hall forum due to complications from diabetes.

Pressed for more information, Vernola said, “Let me make some phone calls,” promising to call back with updates. He did not.

Reporting by Eric Pierce and Raul Samaniego.