Norwalk council approves disposition and development agreement for former California Youth Authority site

Norwalk city council adopted Resolution 24-62 on Dec. 17 approving a disposition and development agreement (DDA) with Lewis Land Developers for the property at 13200 Bloomfield Avenue, commonly known as the former California Youth Authority (CYA) site.

The DDA sets a purchase price of $20,300,000 and requires that “at least 40% of the total number of all residential units” on the site be constructed as affordable housing, city staff said during the presentation. The agreement also calls for infrastructure work to be completed by the developer within 18 months after close of escrow and references previously certified project entitlements and environmental review.

Alex Hamilton, speaking for city staff, told the council the city executed a purchase-and-sale agreement with the state and that the DDA with Lewis runs in parallel, with dual escrows so that developer funds reimburse the city for project costs. Hamilton also said a developer deposit of $200,000 is on file and that escrow will close 30 days after demolition and remediation activities are finished.

The council packet and staff presentation cited CEQA guidance and prior environmental review: staff recommended the council find the DDA and declaration of exempt surplus land consistent with the certified final environmental impact report for the project and identified CEQA guideline exemptions, including Class 12 (surplus government property sales) and section 15061(b)(3).

Public commenters opposed aspects of the proposal. Araceli King of the Higher Wages, Lower Rent Alliance urged the council to halt the DDA, saying the project will add traffic and asking for more community engagement: “We urge the council to vote no on this item and not allow this project to go forward until these issues are addressed,” King said. Christina Sanchez, a member of Unite Here Local 11 and a Norwalk resident, told the council she opposed use of public land for a hotel and urged the city to pursue reuse of existing buildings rather than full demolition.

Council members voted to approve the resolution and DDA. The staff presentation and the council action are consistent with the city’s Nov. 19, 2024 certification of a final environmental impact report and related mitigation and findings, as shown in the packet.

What the council approved tonight advances entitlement and property disposition steps but does not itself finalize all construction details. Staff told the council that a subsequent, statutory development agreement and specific plan implementation steps will return to the planning commission and council for formal entitlements and conditions of development.