Planning commission approves 24 Belden subdivision and site plan despite traffic and parking concerns

The Norwalk Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve a subdivision and site-plan review for the 24 Belden Avenue property, allowing the roughly 1.428-acre parcel to be divided into two lots and clearing the way for a planned mixed-use redevelopment that includes hotel, residential and commercial uses.

The approval, made during the commission's public meeting, means 24 Belden will be split into two conforming parcels (to be addressed as 24 Belden and 9 Burnell Boulevard) and permits the project’s site plan to proceed under the city’s current CD4 zoning rules. The subdivision motion was moved by Commissioner Chapin and seconded by Commissioner Rowena; the site-plan approval passed by voice roll call with no opposition.

The applicant, attorney Adam Blank representing IJ Group, told the commission the property “functions as two separate parcels already” and that the split will allow each parcel to comply independently with CD4 lot and building standards. Project engineer Vince Hines joined the presentation to answer technical questions.

Why it matters: the site sits next to a major transit hub and a longstanding, partly vacant parcel in North Norwalk. Approval clears the largest regulatory hurdle for a redevelopment that supporters say will bring housing, a hotel and active ground-floor uses to a corridor targeted for revitalization.

Key facts and conditions - Property and proposal: 24 Belden…