Norwalk Historical Commission hears public comment on proposed demolition delay ordinance

At a public hearing, the Norwalk Historical Commission heard multiple residents and commissioners debate revisions to a proposed demolition delay ordinance intended to protect buildings of historic or architectural significance.

Rich Stein, a subcommittee member who helped draft the ordinance, opened the hearing by stressing the commission’s preservation mission and asking for concise public input: "This public hearing is your opportunity to affect public policy in your community, and your input is critical," he said.

Among the speakers, Noreen Delskegner, who said she remains a city council member for "about 20 days," argued the draft ordinance “is not currently serving the best interest of housing affordability in Norwalk” and urged narrowing the ordinance to properties of clear historical significance. She proposed the commission create a registry of designated properties so buyers would know in advance which parcels are subject to delay, and suggested a fixed look‑back date (she suggested about 1940) rather than a rolling years-based cutoff.

Tanner Thompson said he "second[ed]…