Kadeem Roberts

On Thursday, I stood with Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling and other local officials to announce that the City will invest in a Mental Health Gap Analysis of young people in our community. This research will help identify the most pressing issues and will allow us to develop an action plan that benefits everyone.  

While applying the new regulations over the past few months, some matters with the code have been brought to the Commission’s attention. The Commission has evaluated what modifications may need to be revised in the next phase and is hosting this meeting to review these potential changes with the community and gather their input. While these proposed changes will not impact every property in the City, the Commission is ready to address the issues brought to their attention to continue to improve the City’s Zoning code. To review these proposed updates please visit https://www.norwalkct.gov/3607/Zoning-Regulation-Updates.

To learn more about the initial rewrite process, please visit https://www.norwalkct.gov/.../Zoning-Regulation-Update.

DEEP announced that they are launching Round 2 of our E-bike voucher program on Sept. 17th at 12pm. This round will remain open until October 1, 2024. As you know, DEEP’s eBike Incentive Program provides Point-of-Sale (POS) incentives to Connecticut residents who purchase a new qualifying eBike from a participating "brick and mortar" Connecticut eBike retailer. The eBike incentive, which must be applied for on-line and obtained before purchasing an eligible eBike, is intended to provide additional electrified transportation options and improve air quality, especially within Environmental Justice (EJ) and disadvantaged communities. 
 
There are two voucher amounts: the Standard Voucher is $500 and the enhanced “Voucher+” is $750. The vouchers are ‘stackable’ so income qualified Connecticut residents and residents in EJ or disadvantaged communities will be eligible for a $1,250 incentive.  
  
The DEEP has incorporated feedback from advocates, bike shops, and other key stakeholders to better prioritize equity goals within this program.  Below are a few of the key updates: 

• New this year, a lottery system will be established to prioritize vouchers for income qualified applicants, followed by residents of an Environmental Justice or Distressed Municipality.  Vouchers will be awarded within each tier until funding is exceeded and then a lottery will be utilized to distribute vouchers through each successive Tier until all vouchers are issued.  
• Vouchers will be available for 240 days from the date of issuance to provide consumers adequate time to shop for the best eBike price and for bike shops to order an eBike if necessary.  
• If you received an eBike voucher last year, you are not eligible to participate in this Round.   

For more information, please visit https://portal.ct.gov/deep/air/mobile-sources/cheapr/electric-bicycles?fbclid=IwAR3r_1dZAlZ89-Isw9gycOXyJgPvNXAif8aeVFwKSwLrpPTPCuuligN0rDU

The City of Norwalk will host its annual Touch-a-Truck and Open House event on Saturday, September 28th, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Norwalk Public Works Operations Center. This free, family-friendly, hands-on experience will include demonstrations, fun giveaways, and wastewater treatment plant tours. Children and adults will have the opportunity to explore the City’s vehicles, learn about the services the City provides and meet City officials. Visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items in support of the Open Door Shelter in Norwalk, such as peanut butter, jelly, tuna, macaroni & cheese, pasta sauce, soup and kid-friendly snacks.