As communities evolve, planners must understand how population growth and changes and socioeconomic issues affect people’s needs, behaviors, and access to resources. Inaction can result in vulnerable populations being overlooked. Addressing ongoing population changes requires planning focused on safety, equity, and inclusive design.
Norwalk, one of Connecticut’s most dynamic cities, offers residents and visitors access to historical, social, recreational, and economic resources. Recognizing the opportunity to encourage neighborhood and economic growth around a major transportation asset, the city and the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency embarked on the South Norwalk Station Area Study, with a focus on equity and inclusion.
The community-based plan balances preservation of Norwalk’s rich historical and cultural roots with enhancing the walkable. livable station-area community; improving transit access; expanding affordable housing opportunities; and connecting the community to the larger South Norwalk neighborhood.
The agency and city successfully leveraged the study to position themselves for state and federal funding for affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, and sustainability enhancements. Recently, Connecticut awarded the city $6 million to support development and boost community livability around the station.
NPC Peer Reviewers assigned this presentation a learning level of Foundational. For more on learning-level descriptions, visit our General Information Page.
Learning Objectives:
Identify best practices for incorporating equity and inclusion in TOD planning.
Obtain community buy-in through a robust and highly interactive public engagement approach.
Leverage your plan to secure state and federal funding.
