Norwalk council approves easement to replace deteriorated Low Street wall under MLK Corridor program

The Norwalk City Council voted unanimously July 14 to authorize a permanent easement and temporary right of entry on portions of 40 and 44 Low Street to permit replacement of a deteriorated block retaining wall.

Council President Josh Goldstein said the project is part of the MLK Corridor Initiative and is intended to replace a block wall that has deteriorated over time. Jim Travers, the city’s director of transportation, mobility and parking, outlined technical constraints: the site sits on ledge that limits footing depth, making a traditional poured wall difficult and prompting a precast modular block solution that the city and MLK Corridor committee judged cost‑effective for the budget available. "We need to have an easement to construct, but also a permanent easement because the wall sits directly on half city property, half private property," Travers said.

Members discussed design and community input. One councilmember urged staff to explore alternative facing blocks with a rock finish and to involve neighboring residents and local artists because a rough block texture can complicate mural work. Darlene Young noted the corridor’s long community engagement process and said the committee had discussed mural opportunities and youth involvement. Travers said the easement is a required first step before sending a package to the state funder (DECD) and returning to the council with bid documents and a construction contract.

The council approved the easement authorization on a unanimous voice vote. The approval allows the city to complete grant packaging and proceed to the bidding phase for the replacement wall; additional design and community‑engagement steps were discussed as next actions.