A Somber Past
The former site of the Southern Youth Correctional Reception Center and Clinic has the potential for a fresh new future. The youth correctional center stopped operating in 2011, and now the City of Norwalk is taking steps to redevelop the property. Norwalk city officials are seeking to rezone the property for new development with both mixed-income housing and commercial uses. The new project is named Norwalk Transit Village due to its proximity to the Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs Metrolink Station.
A New Future
All current buildings would be completely demolished, and new construction could then begin on the site. Some of the proposed developments include the following:
- new neighborhood commercial center
- 150 room hotel
- residential blocks containing up to 770 residential units with a mix of apartments and townhomes
- 3.6 acres of new public and private open spaces including a 1.56-acre central park and 2.06 acres of linear parks
Plus, each residential block will feature up to 3,500 square feet of commercial use and up to 13,500 square feet for community use like childcare and local community services. Additionally, one of the best parts of the proposal is the inclusion of affordable housing in the village. The Norwalk Transit Village plan would require around 40% of housing to be used for low-income and very low-income households. This would mean that of the proposed 770 housing units allowed 308 units would be reserved for affordable housing.
The City of Norwalk is aspiring to build a true community center with a local village feel. The project requires a general plan amendment, a zone change, and a development agreement in order to be fully approved. However, once the project has been given the green light, the Norwalk Transit Village could be fully completed by 2030.
Read more about the project here on the City of Norwalk’s website.