Wall Street has finally arrived
Norwalk’s Wall Street corridor is finally emerging, and residents have a unique opportunity to shape its future. After decades of inaction and stalling on what was once a vibrant urban corridor ahead of the 1955 Flood, we made the revitalization of the Wall Street corridor a top priority and are moving forward.
Norwalk is unique, and people are noticing and investing in our city. Recently, With the support of state Sen. Bob Duff, Norwalk secured several million dollars from the state to begin construction of the design that will improve the area’s public infrastructure around Beldon Avenue, West Avenue, Wall Street, Burnell Boulevard and Main Street. This means that the intersections, bike facilities, crosswalks, sidewalks, lighting, facilities and other parts of the “streetscapes” will be upgraded, and we are ready to seize the moment. In 2018, my administration created the city’s Transportation, Mobility and Parking Department to take the necessary steps to help bring projects just like this one to fruition. We’ve done the work, we’ve secured critical funding and now, we need input from the community.
This Tuesday, June 14, from 4-8 p.m., we are inviting everyone to come to our Wall Street Design Kick-off event at the Wall Street Theater. It will be an interactive, open-house style event where residents can hear and share design plans. We are also planning a “Taste of Wall Street” where you will be able to sample food from different restaurants in the area, as well as a special exhibit of images where residents can learn more about the rich history of Wall Street.
Growing up in Norwalk, I remember my parents talking about how lively the Wall Street corridor once was and how it served as a central downtown area for the community. As they put it: “it was the place to be.” They were able to experience the grand residences lining Wall and Belden Streets that were put in place in the 1920s. They often talked about how the early 20th-century commercial buildings filled the blocks, bringing shopping and a lively entertainment center for the community. Of course, the 1955 Flood had a devastating impact on the area, demolishing buildings and ravaging the riverfront. Throughout the decades, various investments were made to Wall Street. Yet, none addressed the core components of roadway, sidewalk, and public space infrastructure that are core to creating real and sustained growth and opportunity. The renewed interest in the Wall Street corridor, combined with my administration’s commitment to finally get these smart infrastructure projects off the ground, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it’s time.
We are committed to modernizing the streets and sidewalks, making the Wall Street corridor the vibrant location it once was, and incorporating the community’s new ideas. We want to invest in wider sidewalks and create pedestrian-friendly crossings that keep people safe and support economic development with increased foot traffic. The business community knows that Norwalk is a special place to start and grow a business and even consider planting roots. In the last few years, we’ve welcomed several successful independent businesses that have established themselves here. Business owners are attracted to Norwalk’s worldclass public transit and school system, our incredible beaches near the Long Island Sound, and everything that is uniquely Norwalk. Additionally, they know that the Wall Street corridor has a vibrant and active arts community that continues to make the area brighter and inspiring.
Together — we have an opportunity to build upon and create something wonderful for Wall Street. Join us this Tuesday! It’s your chance to share input on what the future of Wall Street will look and feel like. Come be part of the future of Norwalk.
For more information on the project, go to www.norwalkct.org/WallStreetNorwalk