Norwalk reports results of neighborhood and residential rehabilitation programs: roofs, paint and accessibility work completed

City staff on Aug. 19 presented final results from two locally funded housing rehabilitation initiatives that targeted low‑income and senior homeowners.

The 1 Ways Neighborhood Rehabilitation Program concluded after distributing the $2 million the council allocated in July 2022. Staff reported the program assisted 93 residents: 64 roof repairs or replacements, 10 fences, one junk-removal case and 18 exterior paint jobs. Program outreach included door‑to‑door contact, three community meetings, a windshield survey and coordination with code‑compliance staff to identify high‑need properties. Staff showed before‑and‑after photos of roofs and yard repairs and said many roofs required replacement of damaged plywood and structural wood that was not visible from curbside.

Moises Mata, who led the presentation for the housing division, said average costs for the two most common services were about $25,970 for roof work and about $11,860 for exterior paint—the kinds of projects that might have been unaffordable for many households without the program.

Separately, the Residential Rehabilitation Program (a general‑fund variation of a previously CDBG‑funded program) completed 29 projects using the $600,000 allocation approved by council. Staff said the program removed restrictive eligibility rules tied to CDBG funding so the city could operate the program citywide; the completed work included accessibility modifications (ramps and walk‑in showers), electrical panel upgrades, mini‑split air conditioning installations, patio and roof repairs, and other safety improvements.

Staff said there was no additional fiscal impact for either program; both were completed using previously approved allocations. Councilmembers praised the work and the contractors for outreach and workmanship and said the projects supported neighborhood pride and housing safety.