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Commission approves Orchard Hills PUD amendment for high‑density housing and C‑5 commercial corner
Summary
After a public hearing and comments from residents and the applicant, the Norwalk Planning & Zoning Commission voted Jan. 12 to recommend an amendment to the Orchard Hills PUD to allow roughly 4.4 acres of high‑density residential (mostly 14‑unit buildings) and about 1.2 acres zoned C‑5 for neighborhood commercial; residents voiced opposition to any gas station on the corner and asked about construction hours and timing.
The Norwalk Planning & Zoning Commission on Jan. 12 held a public hearing and approved an amendment to the Orchard Hills planned‑unit development that would allow higher‑density residential buildings on parcels 1A and 1B and reserve a corner parcel for neighborhood commercial (recommended C‑5 zoning).
Staff planner Elliot described the site as an L‑shaped property west of town near the water tower and West North Avenue and said the current application proposes about 4.4 acres for residential development and roughly 1.2 acres for a C‑5 commercial corner. He said most proposed buildings are three stories with flat roofs and that "most of these buildings are projected to contain 14 units" with six buildings of that size and one building identified as 10 units.
Caleb Velthaus, representing VELCO Holdings, told the commission the firm typically "does not add any playground space, but... meet the green space requirements" and that the commercial corner would likely be marketed to an end user rather than developed by VELCO. On trail and park questions staff said parkland dedication was not required because park needs were previously accommodated in the PUD (Warrior Park); the applicant will provide a full trail width along the parcel's northern boundary but a trail gap remains where adjacent parcels are owned by the school.
Residents raised concerns about potential commercial uses on the corner. One commenter summarized neighborhood sentiment bluntly: "No gas station." Resident Cody Stone asked about construction operating hours and possible noise; the applicant said typical hours would be about 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with occasional later paving work. Deanna Fox asked about timing and unit mix; the applicant said the earliest purchase would be mid‑to‑late spring with construction possibly starting in July and an approximate 14–15 month build for a seven‑building scope, and that units would be open to all ages.
After closing the public hearing at 6:10 p.m., commissioners expressed support for the concept and moved to approve the PUD amendment. A roll‑call vote recorded ayes and the motion passed; staff and the applicant noted that final site‑plan review and council consideration will follow as required by local process.
Next steps include the applicant's submission of a formal site plan for P&Z and council review, submittal of building permits, and coordination on trail connectivity with the school and adjacent property owners.
(Quotes and attribution are taken from the public hearing record.)
