Committee agrees to public hearing on naming Police Headquarters plaza for Harry W. Rilling

The Norwalk City Land Use and Building Management Committee voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing on a proposal to name the Police Headquarters plaza at 1 Monroe Street in honor of retired police chief and former mayor Harry W. Rilling.

Chief Walsh read a letter into the record describing Rilling’s long service to the city, including work to strengthen police-community relations, accreditation of the police department and leadership on the construction of the current police headquarters. “I’m writing to respectfully request that the city council consider the naming of the public plaza in front of police headquarters … in honor of retired police chief and mayor Harry W. Rilling in recognition of his exceptional service, leadership, and lasting contributions to the city,” Chief Walsh read.

Chair Colin Hostin noted the city’s naming ordinance ordinarily prohibits naming buildings or parts of them after living people and said the proposal would require an exception that needs a 0.667 vote of the full council. Committee members expressed support for moving the item to a public hearing so the community can weigh in; the committee approved the motion to send the naming proposal to public hearing without objection.

A public hearing will allow residents and stakeholders to comment before the council considers any final action.