Industrial Zones

Industrial zones are areas of a city that are designated for industrial uses and heavy commercial activities. As part of Norwalk’s recently completed 10-year Citywide Plan for 2019-2029, the City has undertaken a reassessment of its industrial zones. The study takes a closer look at these zones as key resources for allowing further economic diversification and creating job growth. The industrial zone study answers several key questions and provides guidance on the following issues, among others:

1. Are the areas currently zoned "industrial" appropriate for "industrial" uses? Should some be rezoned for other uses more appropriate for the neighborhood?
2. What factors might deter future "industrial" growth in Norwalk?
3. How do we take advantage of Norwalk's harbor to increase commercial activity, while ensuring this City asset is something that can be utilized and enjoyed by all Norwalk residents?
4. What are the infrastructure (roadways, sanitation, energy, etc.) constraints or limitations that may be preventing the desired commercial expansion?
5. How do we foster craft industry growth in the City and ensure that thriving business expand and remain in Norwalk?
6. What are other communities in the Northeast similar to Norwalk doing to attract commercial and manufacturing companies as well as new tech and green manufacturing companies?

Industrial Zoned Properties Map » Industrial Zoned Properties by Land Use » Industrial Zones Committee Presentation » See results of the Industrial Zone Survey »    

East Norwalk Transit-Oriented Development

Access to transportation alternatives, such as rail, is one of the most significant drivers of economic growth and can help create a more sustainable community. Norwalk is currently seeing this type of development around the South Norwalk Train Station and the Merritt-7 Station. However, the East Norwalk rail station sites have seen stagnant or little growth, despite the station being the next stop from the South Norwalk train station. While the development of this area is important to the City, the type and scale of development occurring at South Norwalk and Merritt-7 is probably not appropriate for East Norwalk. The City has completed the planning process for the future of the area around the East Norwalk rail stations. This study outlines a vision for the future and will help guide recommendations for appropriate uses for the land and scale of market-supportable, development in the East Avenue area surrounding the train station. The final plan elements include:

• Land Use
• Economic Development
• Preservation/Adaptive Reuse
• Conservation
• Urban Design
• Public and Green Spaces
• Parking
• Traffic Circulation
• Infrastructure

See Final Plan »

Appendix A - Market Analysis Appendix B - Transportation Analysis Appendix C - Community Engagement Appendix D - Draft Zoning Appendix E - Design Guidelines

Norwalk Center Neighborhood Plan for the Wall Street-West Avenue Redevelopment Area

Since last updating its plans for the Wall Street and West Avenue Corridor redevelopment areas a decade ago the City of Norwalk has seen tremendous change and growth in these neighborhoods. This plan provides a vision, policies and actions for property redevelopment and capital investments within a cohesive civic development framework that leverages the tremendous power of people to reimagine, reinvent and renew the neighborhood’s valuable physical spaces and economic assets. The recommended actions discussed in this plan focus on five key areas:

• Zoning changes and design guidelines
• Connectivity and mobility improvements
• Development of opportunity sites
• Collaborative planning and investment
• Creative financing tools

Download Final Plan and Appendices

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