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Small-business owners, arts groups and librarians urge BET to preserve events, business development and library funding
Summary
At the March 25 hearing, event producers, business owners and library leaders told BET that community events and Business Development & Tourism programs generate substantial economic and social returns and that library services are "running as lean as they can" and need modest funding to continue services.
A wide array of business owners, event producers and library leaders told the Board of Estimate and Taxation on March 25 that cuts to the Business Development & Tourism department, community events or the Norwalk Public Library would have outsized local consequences.
Event producer Dan Getz said community programming represents "approximately 1/10 of 1% of the city's annual budget" but yields major returns in foot traffic, revenue for small businesses and community identity. "For that investment, Norwalk gets a Halloween event, two full holiday celebrations, a summer concert series, and much more," he said.
Small-business owners described direct benefits from city programs. Beth Ivenelli, owner of Milk Street Lactation Support Center, said the Business Development and Tourism staff and programs helped her expand services and hire employees. Jared Allen and other producers cited strong event attendance and urged BET to preserve staffing that supports festivals and markets.
Arts and cultural leaders warned that cuts to events staffing would undercut long-building momentum in Norwalk's cultural economy. Mark Allen, a member of the Arts and Cultural Commission and Wall Street Neighborhood Association, said community events generate civic engagement and help local businesses.
Library leaders asked for full funding to sustain core services and overdue raises for part-time staff. Moyna Noor, president of the Norwalk Public Library Board, listed services that depend on the library budget (150,000 items, laptops, STEM kits, homework tutoring tied to student IDs) and said the library's $3.8 million request is modest relative to its public value.
Speakers across categories urged creative funding tools such as partnerships, sponsorships and stronger enforcement to recover revenue rather than cutting programs that support local businesses and residents.
The hearing ended with no decision; BET will consider the public record as it moves toward budget adoption.
