Planning panel approves car-rental office inside 200 Connecticut Avenue parking garage

The Norwalk Planning & Zoning Commission on June 17 approved a special permit for a car rental operation inside the parking garage at 200 Connecticut Avenue.

The applicant, represented by architect Paul Lesi of Antonazi Architects and owner representative Alex Gurovich, told the commission the project will convert an existing roughly 200-square-foot room adjacent to the garage into a customer transaction office with a pass-through window and dedicate about 31 existing spaces to the rental company. Lesi said the eight-story building already has 313 parking spaces, more than the 279 spaces the building’s combined uses require, so the change would not reduce available parking for residents and office tenants.

Lesi said the proposal requires minimal physical work and would not alter landscaping, lighting or live-entertainment hours for the property. Commissioners asked how customers would circulate to the transaction window, where employees would park and whether signage would comply with Norwalk rules. Lesi and Gurovich said customers typically are dropped off, sometimes picked up, or park in designated visitor spaces; the rental firm expects one full-time employee and will apply for signage in accordance with city rules.

After questions, commissioners moved, seconded and voted to approve the special permit. Brian (staff) brought up the resolution and the roll call returned all votes in favor.

The commission’s approval allows the applicant to proceed to whatever final permitting steps follow staff procedure. The applicant thanked the commission and left to finalize compliance steps with city staff.