Neighborhood Resident-Submitted Questions to Mayoral Candidates

NORWALK, Conn. — Norwalk’s four mayoral candidates tackled questions from residents of the Norwalk Green, City Hall, Wall Street, and East Norwalk neighborhoods at a Q&A session Sunday, Oct. 26. The session was hosted by the First Congregational Church and Rev. Tamara Moreland, and was sponsored by the neighborhood associations that represent those parts of Norwalk.

NancyOnNorwalk compiled the more than 70 submitted questions, which are listed below.

City Hall

1. What do you see as the biggest obstacle to Norwalk’s growth potential? Aside from building more apartments – whether that’s more park space like Manresa Wilds, revitalization of existing cityscapes, historical preservation, and so on, what is the biggest opportunity?
2. According to the state there have been 63 crashes, with 127 vehicles, involving 205 people along East Avenue north of I-95. How would your administration prioritize finding a way to make East Ave. safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, as well as people who live, work and worship in this corridor?
3. Metro North runs through downtown. In less than a mile, a train crosses four roads, sounding horns three times at each crossing. That’s 12 times 27 trains a day, for a total of 324 train horn blasts at about 85db.  Plus the freight trains that run in the middle of night. Can Norwalk work to create a Quiet Zone to reduce the noise stain on area residents on both sides of the Norwalk River?
4. There is a tremendous amount of infrastructure work going on across the city – much of it needed, but seemingly very little of it coordinated. The result is significant traffic backups on East Avenue. How would your administration work to coordinate work going on in a particular area of the city and to communicate potential issues?
5. What are your top three priorities for vitalization of Norwalk and at the same time what steps would you take to maintain/protect the character and integrity of small residential streets?
6. The trains blow their whistles all the way from the tunnel to past Saint Ann’s Club. This is terrible for noise control. Plus across the river is a landscaping company that starts their leaf blowing equipment at 6.00 am in the morning. Not good for noise control. What is your view on noise enforcement in Norwalk?
7. The City of Norwalk recently allocated $750k to fund a traffic study for the East Ave Corridor from Exit 16 to Cannon Street – how would your administration work with all stakeholders in this area – from residents, to business owners, to the non profits and houses of worship that are along and adjacent to East Ave?
8. The State DOT has been studying the interchange at East Ave and I95 – how would your administrator work with our neighborhood associations in this area to advocate and work with the DOT and our state representatives for what’s best for residents and businesses in this area?
9. In what specific ways will you build a non-partisan coalition to move Norwalk forward as a collective community, so we avoid the disastrous partisan politics that are taking hold at the national level and bleeding through to state and local.
10. Explain how you would and could stand up to partisan politics if pressure from state and federal constituencies went against what was best for Norwalk citizens.
11. What are two or three initiatives of the current federal government that you support and why, including why you see a positive effect of those initiatives on Norwalk. Conversely, what are two or three initiatives you oppose which would have a negative effect on Norwalk.
12. We all place education as a priority in our community. in what very specific ways would you make Norwalk competitive with its neighboring towns. Not just we want to – but how would you get us there. What bold steps are you willing to take?
13. The city has implemented the Complete Streets initiative by installing sidewalks throughout the city using what many residents feel is a “one size fits all” approach, without considering the unique needs or character of individual neighborhoods. How do you view the Complete Streets policy overall, and if elected how would you address these concerns? What steps would you take to ensure future infrastructure projects are community-driven? How would you reallocate state and federal grant funding already given for these projects to reflect the priorities of tax-paying residents?
14. Commerce Street is constantly covered in cement powder, and sand and grit from commercial properties on the sidewalks and streets. This blows and washes with the rain and the river. Commercial Trucks are regularly parked on the sidewalks on Commerce Street.  What can be done to keep Commerce Street clean and walkable and protect our river?
15. Calf Pasture Beach is off-limits to dogs year-round, even though places like Westport and Fairfield allow dogs on their beaches in the off-season and leash walking in sections year round. Will you commit to expanding access at Calf Pasture and adding more dog parks if elected?
16. What is each candidate’s stance on the potential sidewalk installation planned for Lockwood Lane?
17. Home affordability is one of the most commonly cited concerns among Norwalk residents. Despite this, there is a perception gap between the average voter and the solutions to this issue. For example, many want lower rents and home costs but oppose the construction of new housing supply, the simplest way to lower prices. How would you educate Norwalk voters and get their buy-in to increase housing supply in our city?
18. If we didn’t have larger multi-family buildings – how much higher would taxes have had to gone up?
19. Can you explain how larger multifamily buildings pay a higher tax rate than single family homes
20. Do you think it’s not great that there are basically no eating options in walking distance to city hall….

Cranbury/West Rocks

21. You recently sent out a flyer that stated Vinny aligns with Donald Trump’s opinions and values. So, should we then believe you align with Bob Duff’s values and opinions as well? He floods his PAC fund with lobbyist donations and apparently you are doing the same based on your financials compared to the other three candidates.
22. How many norwalkers have been harmed by apartment construction? If your answer is > 0, gow were they harmed?
23. Norwalk homeowners continue to face rising property taxes, creating real challenges for our community. As Mayor, are there any measures you would support to reduce spending, including in the Education budget, to deliver relief for Norwalk taxpayers?
24. Do you think it’s a waste of tax payers dollars to approve the construction of the West Rocks middle school destroying the existing field?  A $2.4 million  field destroyed for the new building. There must be a better way to plan the new school

East Norwalk

25. If you knew you could only choose to achieve one meaningful change in Norwalk, what specifically would that change be and why? What concrete steps would you take to accomplish that if elected?”
26. If elected, do you plan to continue Mayor Rilling’s “Greenest City” initiative? If so, what do you see as priorities, and if not, why not?
27. If you are elected, what is the first issue you will tackle and how?
28. There is ongoing debate about whether and where new apartment projects should be built. Some say growth is necessary, especially in affordable housing, while others point to the potential impact on schools, traffic and infrastructure and are critical of the planning process entirely. What is your philosophy on new apartment construction?
29. In regards to Manresa, as Mayor, can you assure the people of Norwalk, including those who will be affected by this project, that it’s not a “done deal” already approved in back rooms?  Can you assure us that the plans will be subject to a rigorous and critical public interest review by the agencies responsible for doing so, including but not limited to, the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Harbor Management Commission?  Can you assure us that public comments from all affected communities and constituents, including those who are disadvantaged, will be heard during the review process?  And can you assure us that the people conducting the review will be doing so in the public interest and not in an effort to advance their own interests, including their own careers?  And that last question brings up some issues related to enforcement of Norwalk’s Code of Ethics for public employees but we will save that topic for another discussion.
30. What is your vision for the role of Transportation, Mobility & Parking (TMP) under your administration? What transportation initiatives do you most want to prioritize if elected and why?”
31. How are they going to support East Norwalk and stop all the building that none of us want? To actually listen to what we want and not just give lip service like we’ve been getting.
32. What action would — or wouldn’t — you take if ICE were to show up in Norwalk unannounced? Be specific.
33. What action would — or wouldn’t — you take if ICE notified city officials in advance that they would be coming to Norwalk? Be Specific.
34. Do you anticipate any city staff changes or department reorganizations/eliminations if you are elected mayor?
35. What are your opinions of Norwalk’s Planning and Zoning current regulations and processes?
36. As a long-time resident and property owner in Norwalk I have seen many changes over the years – some good, but many that concern me, and lead me to believe that my best interests are not necessarily a priority for our current administration. Many residents share the same concerns – and this has been communicated ad nauseum to City Hall with limited effect. We feel that we are not heard. My question is – “What is your understanding of the concerns of long-time Norwalk residents and property owners, do you agree that they are warranted, and if so, in what way(s) do you intend to address them”?
37. OUR ROADS ARE IN TERRIBLE SHAPE—CAN WE TABLE THE SIDEWALK PROJECTS FOR A WHILE AND PAVE OUR ROADS?
38. ARE YOU WILLING TO PUT A TEMPORARY HOLD ON NEW APARTMENT PROJECTS AND ENGAGE IN A STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF THE LAST TEN YEARS OF NEW APARTMENT DEVELOPMENTS, INCLUDING THE IMPACT ON THE SCHOOL SYSTEM AND TRAFFIC AND THE MISTAKES BY THE ZONING COMMISSION IN TERMS OF ALLOWING DEVELOPERS TO BUILD APARTMENT BUILDINGS THAT HAVE NO SETBACK FROM HIGHWAYS ,AND THAT DO NOT REQUIRE ENOUGH PARKING SPACES AND COMMON AREAS?
39. East Norwalk was a small community which has been overtaken by greedy developers. It appears that every open space is being taken over by developers who are building huge structures on small plots of land. It seems they’re determined to cover every piece of land with oversized buildings and crowding out any open space left. How much more construction will continue in all of Norwalk?
40. How will you stop the crazy over-development of rental apartments in Norwalk, which is causing huge traffic issues, overcrowding the schools, overwhelming the sewer system, eliminating the historic marine based waterfront, and overburdening the Norwalk taxpayers??
41. Can we please stop building apartment buildings in Norwalk? Citizens who own real estate pay taxes to support our city. Renters are coming in by the thousands and will affect our hospital, our schools, crime and our traffic…all at the expense of taxpayers. Also, we need more low-income housing.
42. What are your detailed plans (including a timeline) for improving roadways for bicyclists/scooters and sidewalks for pedestrians (including with strollers or those in wheelchairs). We’re seeing more pedestrian crosswalks, but have not seen more bicycling lanes. The conditions of sidewalks are deplorable on many streets (mixed materials, uneven pavement – poorly repaired, cracked pavement), causing stress on legs/ankles and feet, and encouraging pedestrians to walk on the street edge for better stability – which is not good!! All streets and sidewalks need to also be checked for proper lighting: are you walking the streets in the evening like commuters and exercisers do?
43. What do you plan to do to curtail all the apartment building in Norwalk – especially East Norwalk?
44. What would your reaction be to ICE showing up in Norwalk?
45. If elected, what would you do to expedite fixing the dilapidated roads throughout East Norwalk, South Norwalk and other areas of Norwalk? (roads having nothing to do with the bridge project)
46. When the early planning began for the Cemetery Street apartment complex, there was a lot of public concern particularly by residents of  East Norwalk, which was voiced at meetings, via email, and to the mayor’s office. Yet none of the residents’ concerns were given serious consideration. Would you have done anything differently than the current administration and if so, what? If elected, what would you do differently to prove that residents concerns are being heard and addressed.

Hospital Hill

47. I’d like to know how the future mayor would manage the repercussions as a result of overdevelopment in Norwalk, such as overcrowding. Despite the overdevelopment, housing remains unaffordable, and there are large numbers of people now living in rented homes, which have also caused overcrowding in neighborhoods, a disproportionate number of commercial vehicles in neighborhoods that have never been seen before, and an increase in accident risks due to overcrowding. When calling City Hall and/or Norwalk Police Department to file complaints or concerns, there is never an answer. In fact, I was told that these are now city wide problems and not much can get done.

Norwalk Green

48. Many small business owners say city regulations and fees make it hard to operate here. Others say strong oversight protects residents and neighborhoods. What is one regulation or fee you would look to change or eliminate, and why? Is there any potential downside to that change that you would be willing to risk?
49. The recent proposal for the O&G site on Smith Street was rejected but the site’s future remains undecided. Residents worry about environmental impact and truck traffic, while others see it as a chance for tax revenue and redevelopment. What is your vision for the site’s future and how would you balance those concerns?
50. Norwalk is facing the twin pressures of rising housing costs and rapid development. If you had to choose between approving a project that delivers affordable housing but increases traffic and density, or blocking it to preserve neighborhood character, which would you prioritize and how would you justify that decision to the residents affected?
51. As the mayor would you be in favor of further large scale apartment developments? If so, what specifically would you incorporate that hasn’t already been done to ensure roads remain efficient.
52. Can you name one policy or idea from one of your opponents that you think has some merit and explain why.
53. What is the candidate’s position and strategy regarding the O&G site ? Would you and your Administration join and lead the legions of stakeholders (to ensure that O&G cannot re-start the asphalt plant or expand its industrial use) – thereby destroying property values and Quality of Life with its pollution and very heavy commercial traffic, while putting boaters and rowers at great risk with more barges on the Norwalk River ?
54. To quote our Plan of Conservation and Development: “History, arts, and culture have proven to be important drivers of revitalization and economic development for cities.” The preservation of our historic buildings and neighborhoods is an important part of carrying out this plan. What will you do as mayor to support historic preservation in Norwalk, while encouraging sustainable development?
55. where do you stand on the revitalization of Wall St/East Avenue/Smith St corridor and it’s current State funded revamping? Will you continue to further the growth of this area, i.e. more pedestrian walkways, contnueing the river walk along Smith St, enviromental safety of the Norwalk River and preventative measures to ensure big industrial doesn’t ruin all of the great work that business owners and homeowners have invested.

Neighborhood Not Provided

56. Federal policies under the current federal administration such as environmental rollbacks, union restrictions, immigration enforcement, and changes to education funding — directly affect Norwalk residents. Do you support these policies, and if not, how would you protect Norwalk’s funding, labor rights, and community protections from their impact?
57. According to studies by the National League of Cities and the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, among other academic research, housing development contributes significantly to municipal revenue and long-term fiscal stability. In a post-COVID economy with shifting corporate and commercial real-estate trends, how would you use development policy to expand the tax base, attract investment, and increase access to diverse housing options?
58. According to Norwalk’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports (FY2013–2024), the unassigned fund balance grew from under $60 million to over $70 million, reserves rose from 9 to 12 cents per dollar spent, debt service was capped at 10 percent and held near 7 percent, and the City maintained a AAA credit rating. Given that record, what specific fiscal policies would you implement to sustain this level of financial discipline while funding essential services?
59. I’d like to know how the future mayor would manage the repercussions as a result of overdevelopment in Norwalk, such as overcrowding. Despite the overdevelopment, housing remains unaffordable, and there are large numbers of people now living in rented homes, which have also caused overcrowding in neighborhoods, a disproportionate number of commercial vehicles in neighborhoods that have never been seen before, and an increase in accident risks due to overcrowding. When calling City Hall and/or Norwalk Police Department to file complaints or concerns, there is never an answer. In fact, I was told that these are now city wide problems and not much can get done.
60. What (if anything) do you think the outgoing administration did well when it comes to developing affordable housing & improving public transit? What would you do differently in these areas?

Rev. Moreland

61. Please tell us what your vision for the future of Norwalk is. What would it look like after a year of your administration and how did we get there?

Riverway Condos

62. How would your administrations advocate to finish the riverwalk along the Norwalk River on the East Ave side?

Silvermine

63. As a resident of Silvermine for more than 20 years, I have noticed a trend: new neighbors move in and immediately clear-cut and level their front yard, taking down mature trees to create a vast lawn. This is gradually changing the character of Silvermine and also reducing Norwalk’s tree canopy. I realize this is not a pressing issue for most Norwalkers but over time it will become problematic. Thoughts?

South Norwalk

64. Current zoning code allows for projects stylistically similar to the historically protected buildings on Washington Street, but still requires approval for such projects. Could – and should – the city make it easier to build in the character of that area than to build much larger apartments and offices there? And how could that be addressed?
65. Another upscale apartment building has been green-lit by the city on Water Street in South Norwalk. I earn just shy of $40,000 a year, about the average in zip code 06854. These new apartments will rent for around $3,500 a month, which is $42,000 dollars a year, more than the average income of the residents in this zip code. Who are these apartments meant to house?

Wall Street

66. As Mayor, how will you address key Wall Street neighborhood priorities, including supporting the growth of Norwalk’s arts community, revitalizing Freese Park through upgrades and maintenance, advancing the proposed library expansion, and tackling garbage collection challenges in quasi-urban areas with limited space?
67. Will you commit to enhancing transparency and community inclusion in City Hall’s decision-making as Mayor, addressing the perceived lack of representation that led to the formation of groups like the four that sponsored this forum? What specific steps will you take to achieve this?
68. How will you support the continued renaissance of Wall Street as Mayor? Will you commit to sustaining the Traffic, Mobility, and Parking (TMP) and Department of Public Works (DPW) infrastructure improvements in the area?
69. What measures will you implement as Mayor to control the Corporation Counsel’s rising legal costs, currently exceeding $1.8 million annually, enhance transparency in settlements and operations, and ensure the office’s structure avoids conflicts of interest, especially with the recent shift to contracting unlimited legal work?