Affordable housing is often described as a “crisis,” and for good reason. As a local business owner and resident of Norwalk, I am deeply invested in this community. I believe it’s time we take a thoughtful pause to evaluate Norwalk’s role and responsibility in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for all residents.
Just today, I lost another valued employee, someone who grew up in Norwalk and wanted to stay, but sadly, he could not remain because he simply could not find a reasonably priced place to live here. He relocated to Central Connecticut, hoping to keep his job and commute, but between traffic, gas, and car expenses, he ultimately had to resign and take a job closer to home. Not long ago, another long-term employee, with 20 years of service, made the difficult decision to move to Florida because the cost of living in Fairfield County was no longer manageable.
As a business owner, I work hard to ensure wages are competitive, and I strive to pay above the local standard of living. I recognize the economic realities our workforce residents face with rising housing costs, inflation, and limited affordable options. Yet despite these efforts, the high cost of living in Norwalk and throughout Fairfield County continues to make it difficult for employees to both live and work in the same community.
Affordable housing means different things to different people. It spans a wide spectrum—young professionals starting out, working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and individuals in need of transitional or supportive housing. It’s not just about quantity; it’s about meeting the needs of our current and future residents in a way that reflects the character and values of Norwalk.
The State mandates that every city and town provide a minimum of 10% of its housing as “affordable.” According to the most recent data, Norwalk currently provides approximately 14%. So, what is our goal—15%? 20%? 25%? More importantly, are we building the kind of housing that serves the people of Norwalk, or are we incentivizing development that primarily benefits outside interests?
Norwalk’s current housing mix is approximately 51% homeowners and 49% renters. That balance is shifting. As we continue to approve large-scale rental developments, we must ask ourselves: are we supporting a path to homeownership for those who want it? Homeownership may not be for everyone, but it should remain a viable option, especially for those who have grown up here and want to invest long-term in their community.
We must remember that ownership builds equity, stability, and civic engagement. It contributes to a strong tax base that supports our schools and essential services. My concern is that if we do not address this imbalance, we are sending a message to young people that their future—homeownership, savings, financial security–is out of reach here in Norwalk.
So, how did we get here? Not long ago, Norwalk had a balanced supply of affordable apartments, starter homes, condos, and co-ops. This diversity supported a strong school system and well-funded city services. Unfortunately, changes to state policy that encouraged rapid growth through housing mandates, transit-oriented development, and tax incentives for developers have led to a wave of construction that often fails to meet the true affordability needs of our residents.
Developers today can access tax abatements, enterprise zone incentives, and property tax phase-ins, often in exchange for designating only a small portion of units as “affordable”—units that are frequently priced well above what working families in Norwalk can reasonably afford.
By shifting more zoning power to the state, we risk losing the ability to shape our own future. What’s being built may align with state economic strategies, but it may not reflect the long-term needs of Norwalk residents.
We must take a balanced, resident-first approach. Let’s pause and evaluate the last 10 years of rapid development: rising property taxes, increasing traffic congestion, underfunded schools, and the departure of longtime residents who can no longer afford to stay.
Let’s prioritize quality over quantity. Let’s build a city where young families can lay down roots, where seniors can age in place, and where workers can live in the same community they serve. Let’s make room for growth, but smart growth that benefits Norwalkers first.
We can do this together.
Sincerely,
Vinny Scicchitano
Mayoral Candidate
Editor’s Note: This letter has been lightly edited for grammar. It has not been fact-checked and reflects the views of the author.
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