Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Heart of Norwalk Plan?

 The Heart of Norwalk Plan will present the community's vision for the future of the Heart of Norwalk Specific Plan area, including the Front Street Historic District, the Town Square District, and the Triangle District. Community engagement revealed the community’s desire for the revitalization of underutilized corridors such as San Antonio, Firestone, and Front Street. The community desires new commercial and residential development within the three framework districts, while prioritizing placemaking and open space. The Plan will also establish regulations and implementation strategies that will enable the development of the community's vision for the area.

Has the City already decided what will be changed?

Yes. Based on an extensive community engagement process, the City has received clear direction for the Heart of Norwalk Specific Plan. See the City Council Presentation from February 20th, 2024 linked on the "Info" page of this website to view the direction for the Plan.

When will proposed improvements and projects be built?

The Heart of Norwalk Specific Plan will lay out a vision for the Front Street Historic District, Town Square District, and Triangle District. Full implementation will probably occur over a period of several decades, although some changes could be seen in the short term. The timeline is uncertain because development on private land is dependent upon the timeline of that landowner, while changes to public land (streets, plazas, publicly-owned land) will happen as resources and circumstances permit.

How will proposed improvements and projects be paid for?

Once the Specific Plan is adopted, a number of different sources can be used to pay for the proposed improvements and projects. Since one of the project’s goals is to strengthen the City’s tax base so that resident services can be improved, the plan will mostly rely on outside funding. Private development projects will be paid for by private developers. Pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure can largely be paid for by state grants. Affordable housing will likely be paid for by federal tax credits and other state and federal subsidies. Maintenance, security and lighting in the area may be paid for by commercial property owners through a Business Improvement District.

How is the Heart of Norwalk Plan being funded?

In the past, this project was funded by the Southern California Association of Governments’ Sustainable Communities Program. Now, this project is funded by the City of Norwalk.

Who are the consultants working with the city on this project?

SCAG and the City selected The Arroyo Group, a planning and urban design firm located in Pasadena, California, to prepare the Plan. For over forty years, The Arroyo Group has created award-winning land use and design plans in the western United States that have been, and are continuing to be, successfully implemented.

How do I get more information about this project?

Sign up at the bottom of the page to receive updates when community meetings are held and check this website regularly to learn about the latest project news, or use the buttons at the top of this page to follow us on Instagram. If you cannot find the information you need on this website or have additional questions, you may contact the City of Norwalk’s Planning Division at planning@norwalkca.gov.

Will this plan lead to a change in zoning? How would a change in zoning designation affect the value of my property?

Property values could be affected by changes in zoning in a variety of ways subject to the real estate market. Depending on its size and location, a particular underutilized property could become more valuable under a new zoning designation that provides for more development options or greater densities. However, in the end, the effect that a zoning change may have on property value is speculative and hence, cannot be predicted.