Nicole Eaddy: Candidate for Common Council District C

Candidate for Common Council District C

Party Affiliation: Democrat

What inspired you to run for Common Council? 

My path to the council was unique. Some years ago, curiosity about how Norwalk’s government worked led me to attend District C meetings, city committee meetings, and connect with leaders and stakeholders. Guided by colleagues, I felt a responsibility to seek answers and share important information with my community so they wouldn’t feel left behind. 

Last year, I was honored to be recommended and sworn in to fill an unexpected open seat on the Common Council for District C in July 2024, and it was truly one of the greatest honors of my life. 

I am inspired to continue my service on the council to help administer many of the city’s upcoming feasible plans and projects including but not limited to its sustainability and livability initiatives which I have already contributed to. 

I will continue to represent District C with passion and openness, while listening, learning, and ensuring that community voices remain at the center of decision-making as I bring a unique perspective on how city policies affect residents. 

What began as curiosity has grown into a meaningful journey that feels both purposeful and planned, and I am prepared to continue earning the District’s trust and representing them further. 

What in your background shows that you understand the needs of Eastern Norwalk? 

I am a lifelong Norwalk native who has lived and worked across the city, giving me a deep understanding of its diverse communities. I recognize that residents want a seat at the table in decisions that affect their quality of life and deserve to be heard when challenges arise. While I acknowledge that change is often necessary but not always easy, I see my role as bridging the gap between leaders and residents to find solutions that serve everyone. I understand that compromise is sometimes required, and there are moments when we may face a loss, and other times when we may achieve a win. What matters most is finding common ground and striving for solutions that serve the greater good of our community. . 

What are your top three council priorities for the next year? 

My top three priorities are: 

• Increasing Housing Inventory for Middle-Income and Senior Households – Creating diverse, attainable housing opportunities allows residents to stay and invest in Norwalk while supporting generational economic growth. 
• Supporting Schools and Community Centers – It’s essential to invest in our children’s social, physical, and mental health by expanding access to the resources they need to thrive as they grow. 
• Advocating for Sustainability and a Healthy Environment – Advancing the city’s environmental initiatives strengthens public health, improves quality of life, and ensures a more sustainable future for all. 

With the new bus network hub at East Norwalk Station, what rider experience improvements will you advocate for? 

I am excited about the new and improved bus network hub at the East Norwalk Station, along with the other hubs. This change is providing a major convenience for both residents and visitors while making the city more accessible. Although I haven’t ridden the “Wheels Bus” in quite some time, I do recall the later hours and weekend access was a gamechanger. We are looking forward to doing a bus tour and hope you join us! 

What specific outcomes should residents expect to see regarding streets/sidewalks, housing, and small businesses by this time next year? 

Norwalk is committed to making strong progress toward more walkable and bike-friendly streets through improvements such as lane widening, stormwater drainage, and the construction of new ramps, raised sidewalks, and restrooms for ADA accessibility. The city is also expanding green spaces and advancing its 30-year Tree Master Plan, which calls for planting 64,000 trees with a focus on neighborhoods most affected by flooding, poor air quality, and heat. In addition, through an Urban Forest Equity Grant, a new Microforest will be created in Meadow Street Park alongside the rebuild of the Meadow Gardens housing development. Also, pushing to include a small community garden. 

At the same time, Norwalk continues to attract new and small businesses, organizations, and social groups like the Silent Book Club of Norwalk that bring vibrancy to our community. In District C, we welcomed Dippin’ Chicken and Manifest Coffee + Community, a mobile café, which has recently opened, and we are also proud to be home to a local author and illustrator of children’s puzzles and books at IggyBiggyBuggy.com.

As for housing, we all see the development and redevelopment happening across our city, but it also brings affordability challenges. Our goal must be to maintain affordability and quality of life while pursuing smart, balanced development. The final draft of Norwalk’s Affordable Housing Plan gives us the data and strategies needed to address these challenges, both short- and long-term, with action items such as expanding inclusionary zoning and adjusting workforce income limits. 

I look forward to supporting creative and cost-effective initiatives that increase housing inventory for working-class and senior households, while collaborating with city departments to explore new strategies. Most importantly, we want the families who helped shape and contribute to Norwalk to be able to remain here and continue to thrive. 

What should District C residents keep in mind about you when they vote? 

My service on the Common Council has not been taken lightly and has come with some sacrifice, but I am fully vested in our community. During the past year, I have tried to respectfully represent our District with integrity and sincerity by staying engaged and acclimated with the council and city processes and procedures while building stable relationships with our city teams, our leaders and our neighbors. I am grateful for all of the support and encouragement to forge ahead in this capacity. 

How can Norwalk residents reach you? 

NicoleEaddy51@gmail.com and Nicole4Norwalk