Norwalk code enforcement gives owner 30 days to clean up one building and to file demolition plans for another

Norwalk City code-enforcement staff told a property owner identified in the hearing as Harvey on April 1 that he must provide a mailing address, meet with city staff and either proceed with demolition paperwork or make visible repairs to two downtown properties to avoid renewed daily fines.

Code-enforcement staff member Emma Dignati administered an oath to the owner and led the hearing. Dignati and other city staff repeatedly advised Harvey to give a physical mailing address as well as an email so the city can document notices. Harvey gave a PO Box — PO Box 1265, Darien, Connecticut 06820 — during the hearing.

The hearing covered two separate properties owned through different entities: the corner storefront building on Ely Avenue (referred to in hearing materials as 3 Ely) and a neighboring structure (referred to as 5 Mulvoy). City staff said an assessment record shows about $11,100 in fines tied to one property and roughly $10,750 tied to the other; Harvey said he had not received mailed notices and only received emails from planning staff.

City staff told Harvey to make an in-person appointment to discuss intent-to-demolish paperwork if he plans to tear down the structure at 5 Mulvoy. Planning staff member Steve Kleppin was named during the hearing as the city contact with whom the owner had been meeting about potential redevelopment plans and parking requirements. Staff warned that filing an intent to demolish could trigger administrative timelines: a building official said a demolition could be delayed up to 120 days while the city processes the paperwork.

For the building on Ely Avenue, code-enforcement staff said they would open a 30-day compliance period for visible repairs. Staff described the work expected during that 30 days as removing graffiti, repairing broken windows and cleaning outdoor storage visible from the road. The hearing officer said inspectors will return at the end of the period to confirm progress and, if work is not completed, the city would resume fines.

Staff discussed daily fine rates during the hearing. One city official described the rate for vacant commercial property as $150 per day; other references to earlier, lower rates and grandfathered assessments also appeared in the record. City staff said the existing assessments continue to accrue until violations are corrected and said the city could institute retroactive fines if warranted.

Harvey told staff he has sought demolition bids and that demolition of the corner property would likely take place in one to two months, while the other building would be renovated rather than demolished. He said he would return to Norwalk, update records with the assessor’s office, provide a mailing address, and meet with planning and building staff to present an updated plan.

City staff closed the hearing by directing Harvey to deliver a concrete mailing address and to set an in-person appointment with code enforcement and with Steve Kleppin to go over demolition intent and redevelopment plans. The city will re-inspect the Ely Avenue property near the end of the 30-day period and will expect visible progress on graffiti removal, broken-window repair and exterior cleanup.