Urban Core Neighborhood Reconnection (UCNR)
Norwalk's RDA is leading a federally funded planning project to reconnect neighborhoods divided by I-95 and Route 7.
About the Project
Norwalk Redevelopment Agency (RDA), in partnership with the City of Norwalk, has initiated the Urban Core Neighborhood Reconnection (UCNR) Planning Project, funded through the federal Neighborhood Access and Equity (NAE) Planning Grant. The project will address longstanding barriers created by I-95 and Route 7 and improve connections between neighborhoods and destinations throughout Norwalk’s urban core.
The West Avenue / Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Drive corridor is a critical connection between Wall-West and South Norwalk but is constrained by highway overpasses, complex ramps, unsafe pedestrian and bicycle conditions, and auto-oriented roadway design. The corridor connects residents to South Norwalk Station, Norwalk Hospital, transit, parks, businesses, cultural destinations, the Norwalk River Valley Trail (NRVT), and thousands of nearby homes.
Parallel to the corridor, Crescent Street and connections to the NRVT provide another important route that faces similar safety and connectivity challenges.
The project will develop a plan and preliminary designs for safer streets, better walking and biking connections, improved public spaces, environmental resilience, and stronger connections between Norwalk’s neighborhoods and key destinations.
Help Shape A More Connected Norwalk
Join a Public Design Workshop to Reimagine a More Connected Norwalk
The Norwalk Redevelopment Agency and the Transportation, Mobility and Parking Department have kicked off the Urban Core Neighborhood Reconnection (UCNR) Planning Project which will address barriers created by I-95 and Route 7 and improve connections between neighborhoods and destinations throughout Norwalk’s urban core.
We invite you to join us for two days of public workshops and tours to learn about the project and help shape what you’d like to see in your community.
Join us on a walking tour of the project area to experience the corridor firsthand and/or participate in a public design workshop to explore creative solutions for the Belden Avenue/West Avenue/Dr. MLK Jr. Drive and Crescent Street/NRVT corridor.
You’re also invited to attend a public meeting on Nov. 10 where we’ll present what we heard from the community and share ideas.
November 9
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Public Walking Tour: Wall Street to West Avenue, Exploring Neighborhood Connections
The tour will be led by the RDA, the City’s TMP department and our consultants, IMEG. Wear comfortable, weather appropriate shoes and clothing.
Meet at the Norwalk Transit Wheels Hub at 10 Burnell Blvd and end at The SoNo Collection
(Registration is required. Spaces are limited so we can easily navigate the city streets. Spots are filled in the order registrations are received. If a tour is full, we’ll contact you and add your name to the waiting list. If you register and find you can’t attend, please notify Katie at KOleary@norwalkct.gov so your spot can be given to someone on the waiting list.)
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Open Public Design Workshop (Drop-in Session)
Stop in at your convenience to view displays, give your opinion on possible solutions, share your comments, ask questions and learn more.
Magnificent Room, The SoNo Collection, 100 N Water St, Norwalk, CT
Parking: Attendees will be given a parking discount code that can be used in The SoNo Collection parking garage.
November 10
12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Public Walking Tour: Crescent Street and NRVT, Exploring Alternative Pathways
The tour will be led by the RDA, the City’s TMP department and our consultants, IMEG. Wear comfortable, weather appropriate shoes and clothing.
Meet at the Allison Wyatt Playground at 100 N Water Street (Oyster Shell Park) and end at The SoNo Collection
(Registration is required. Spaces are limited so we can easily navigate the city streets. Spots are filled in the order registrations are received. If a tour is full, we’ll contact you and add your name to the waiting list. If you register and find you can’t attend, please notify Katie at KOleary@norwalkct.gov so your spot can be given to someone on the waiting list.)
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Open Public Design Workshop (Drop-in Session)
Stop in at your convenience to view displays, give your opinion on possible solutions, share your comments, ask questions and learn more.
Magnificent Room, The SoNo Collection, 100 N Water St, Norwalk, CT
Parking: Attendees will be given a parking discount code that can be used in The SoNo Collection parking garage.
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Public Meeting
Hear what we have learned from the public and possible solutions.
Magnificent Room, The SoNo Collection, 100 N Water St, Norwalk, CT
Parking: Attendees will be given a parking discount code that can be used in The SoNo Collection parking garage.
Community Meeting #1 • October 6, 2026
Slide Deck
Click on the button below to open the slide deck presented at the October 6th meeting.
Recording
Click the button below to start the recording of the first Urban Core Neighborhood Reconnection community meeting on October 6, 2026. (The presentation starts at about 8:50.)
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