Dozens of residents told Norwalk’s Public Works Committee on Dec. 2 they oppose a proposed sidewalk on Lockwood Lane and want assurance that longstanding drainage problems are first fixed.

"Your continued attention to this contentious issue demonstrates a commitment to better transparency and responsiveness to our concerns," said Pamela McSoonas of 39 Lockwood Lane after describing months of neighborhood outreach and a unanimous negative reaction at an Oct. 15 public information session. Multiple callers said drains were relocated to accommodate the draft sidewalk and that the change has increased runoff into driveways.

Neighbor Jack Mascunas, who said the drainage project dates back about 17 years, told the committee the latest work had not cured flooding and that the sidewalk appears to be the primary driver of recent design changes. "We're not here to be heard. We're not here to be listened to. We're here to be addressed and for the project to be canceled," he said.

DPW staff and the committee described the next steps. Vanessa (DPW staff) said the consultant is compiling resident comments and preparing revised drawings; the department expects to return to the neighborhood with updated plans in early January or, more likely, in February because committee scheduling and sworn‑in council membership may change. Residents asked for formal notice when that meeting is scheduled and for a more detailed rendering than the initial sketch.

Brian Candela, who answered council questions about the city's Complete Streets ordinance, said city projects are required to follow the Complete Streets Design Guide unless they qualify for an exemption (for example, where compliance is prohibited by law or would have only a de minimis impact) or a formal exception is granted. He described the exception process: anyone may file an exception report, the Complete Streets coordinator (the director of Transportation, Mobility, and Parking) reviews it and the Complete Streets Committee then has 45–90 days to act.

Committee members and staff acknowledged communication shortcomings and urged earlier resident engagement on future projects. Several members said the ordinance creates a standardized review process meant to integrate sidewalks, bike facilities and drainage work so the city does not install piecemeal improvements that must later be torn up.

The committee did not take a final decision on Lockwood Lane at the Dec. 2 meeting. Staff committed to circulating revised design materials and to scheduling a follow-up public meeting once the revised drawing is ready and committee meeting dates are confirmed.

Ending

The conversation closed with council members promising clearer outreach and multiple paths for residents to register concerns — by speaking with elected representatives, filing an exception report under the ordinance, or attending the scheduled neighborhood presentation when a revised design is completed.