Town credits code enforcement, outlines tow procedure after two junkyard cleanups

The Town of Norwalk announced that recent code-enforcement efforts removed vehicles and equipment from two visible junkyards, bringing the properties into compliance and prompting staff to outline how the town handles impounded vehicles.

"We were able to get a handful of vehicles out of there," Richie said during the town management report, crediting a coordinated effort among code enforcement, a tow service, civil personnel and the sheriff's office. He said the town used a licensed tow vendor with the capacity and equipment required for the work.

Richie described the post-impound process: owners may reclaim vehicles by working with the tow company, or, after 30 days of abandonment, the tow vendor may file to take ownership or sell recovered vehicles. He added that if a property returns to a junk-guard condition, previously waived fines will be automatically reinstated.

Board members framed the cleanups as a message to residents. Richie said the town does not itself take ownership of vehicles; instead, the contracted tow vendor manages removal, storage and disposition. He urged clear communication with property owners to avoid misunderstandings that the town is "stealing" cars.

During public comment a resident expressed concern that taking cars can feel like theft; staff responded that owners have opportunities to reclaim vehicles and that enforcement can escalate only after court orders in persistent cases. Richie said the town maintains a list of properties under enforcement and noted roughly 32 properties remain on that list.

The board did not need a formal vote on the enforcement actions reported; members thanked staff and outside partners for the work and encouraged continued outreach to property owners to minimize conflict and confusion.