Historical Commission seeks funding to finish Smith Street jail interior, Lockwood projects and cemetery upkeep

David Westmoreland, representing Norwalk’s Historical Commission, told the Economic Community Development Committee on March 31 that the commission seeks several targeted capital allocations to finish long‑standing preservation projects.

Westmoreland outlined four requests: $375,000 to complete interior restoration and exhibition work at the Smith Street jail (first floor cells, pottery exhibits on the second floor and storage on the third); $150,000 to finish the Lockwood House basement to add classroom and exhibit space as the fifth phase of a multi‑phase renovation; $75,000 for a conservator‑led specification and scope for exterior repairs to the Lockwood‑Matthews Mansion (wood sills, masonry repointing and ornamental replacements); and $10,000 for routine cemetery site work to repair fallen trees and damaged tombstones at city‑owned cemeteries including Pine Island and Mill Hill.

Westmoreland said some Lockwood‑Matthews work will be pursued through grants once a professional scope of work is prepared; he also said the mansion’s interior renovations funded earlier now require exterior conservation planning. Council members asked whether such items should be moved into operating budgets for long‑term maintenance; Westmoreland and staff said the Lockwood‑Matthews items are one‑time conservation/specification costs tied to a larger capital renovation and therefore belong in capital.

Why it matters: The Historical Commission’s projects affect city cultural assets used by residents, school groups and tourists. Westmoreland said several projects are already partially funded and that the commission will seek outside funding for larger exterior conservation work once the scope is defined.

Ending: The committee thanked the Historical Commission for its work and directed staff to keep the commission’s proposals under review as part of the capital process.