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Norwalk accepts temporary easement from Costco to enable future sidewalk along Route 1
Summary
The committee authorized the mayor to accept a temporary construction easement from Costco for sidewalk construction on Connecticut Avenue (Route 1); staff said the easement supports a larger Route 1 corridor study with WestCOG and that construction timing is not yet set.
The Norwalk Public Works Committee on Oct. 7 authorized the mayor to accept a temporary construction easement from Costco for sidewalk work along Connecticut Avenue (Route 1) at 779 and 789 Connecticut Ave.
Staff said the easement was a condition of planning and zoning approval for the retailer’s multi-level garage and tire center and will help the city secure right-of-way needed for a future sidewalk gap on a busy commercial corridor. Ben (staff member) and Vanessa Valadero explained the easement is intended to preserve the city’s ability to construct sidewalk as part of a larger WestCOG Route 1 corridor study that spans from the Darien town line to Van Buren.
Why it matters: The stretch lacks continuous pedestrian access and includes a crossing near the Route 1 bridge over the Five Mile River. Committee members said having an easement now, while Costco is engaged with city legal staff, makes future construction easier. "There's a full 20 feet of width between the curb and their property line, and then this easement gets us another 10 feet to play with," staff said.
Timeline and next steps: Staff said there is no fixed construction schedule tied to the easement; actual sidewalk construction will depend on the outcome of the Route 1 master plan and capital-budget prioritization. Committee members asked staff to explore a covered bus shelter at the Costco frontage because a bus stop is located nearby.
Vote: The motion to authorize the mayor to accept the temporary construction easement passed unanimously.
Ending: Staff will keep the committee updated as the WestCOG corridor study progresses and will evaluate bus-stop and shelter options in coordination with regional transit providers.
