57-624: South Norwalk is a neighborhood in Norwalk, Connecticut which corresponds to the city's Second Taxing District. Often referred to as SoNo , the neighborhood was originally settled as Old Well, then chartered as the city of South Norwalk on August 18, 1870. The cities of Norwalk and South Norwalk were incorporated on June 6, 1913. South Norwalk underwent major redevelopment during the early 21st century, with many new apartments being constructed, often in close proximity to South Norwalk station , and generally more expensive than existing housing. South Norwalk
114-471: A coastal city, Norwalk is home to a great many water sports, including competitive swimming , recreational boating and fishing , sailing , windsurfing , and kayaking . The Norwalk River and inner Norwalk Harbor host rowing events and organizations. Norwalk resident Daniel Walsh won a bronze medal in Beijing with the U.S. Olympic rowing team in the 2008 Summer Olympics . Three golf courses are in
171-578: A compromise, Norwalk allowed for South Norwalk, East Norwalk, and Rowayton to join Norwalk as taxing districts, allowing them to largely maintain their own municipal services while within Norwalk. In 1935, South Norwalk's trolley system was discontinued, and replaced by a bus service. South Norwalk began suffering from a period of deindustrialization in the 1950s, as many industries, including Norwalk's sizable hat industry, either went into decline or relocated out of New England . This industrial decay led to
228-435: A local well referred to as the "Old Well", where sailing ships would refill their water casks . Said well was in service since at least 1738, when a deed referred to nearby Washington Street as "the highway that leads to ye landing place called Ye Old Well". The well's location was depicted as east of Water Street, and about 75 feet South of Washington Street in a 1867 map by American cartographer Frederick W. Beers, although
285-761: Is U.S. Route 7 , which is an expressway throughout most of the route in the city. The expressway section ends at Grist Mill Road in Norwalk from where Route 7 resumes northbound along Main Ave. Other state routes include Routes 53 , 123 , and 136 . Public transport bus service within Norwalk is provided by Norwalk Transit District . Norwalk Transit District operates fixed-route public bus service in Norwalk and Westport with evening and Sunday shuttles (serving South Norwalk, Main Avenue, and Connecticut Avenue) and commuter shuttles. Access to other cities through bus services Milford , Danbury , and Stamford. All fixed-route buses meet at
342-604: Is a diverse neighborhood both from a socioeconomic and racial perspective. The neighborhood hosts the annual SoNo Arts Festival, an event that showcases local artists, businesses, and musical acts. The annual Norwalk Oyster Festival , sponsored by the Norwalk Seaport Association, is held at Veteran's Memorial Park, across the Norwalk Harbor in East Norwalk . The area of present-day South Norwalk developed out of
399-447: Is a neighborhood of Norwalk, Connecticut , located mostly in Norwalk's third taxing district with segments of its northernmost area within the first and fifth taxing districts. As one of the earliest settlements of Norwalk, it was so marked with a block of 'suitably inscribed' 'native granite' formally located on the corner of Fitch Street and East Avenue. East Norwalk is the location of Norwalk's original colonial settlements. The land
456-617: Is also the site of the assembly of the annual Memorial Day parade. The land, formally named Duffy's Field, was also once a dumpsite that was never environmentally tested. Dumping continued until the 1960s. Veterans Park was built before the state Department of Environmental Protection had a permitting process for old dumpsites. The Norwalk Oyster Festival is an annual festival located in Veterans Memorial Park, held in September each year. • Public transport bus service within Norwalk
513-575: Is bordered by Route 1 (locally signed as Connecticut Avenue) to the north, and the Norwalk Harbor and the Norwalk River to the east. The neighborhood's southern border runs from Windsor Place to Neptune Avenue, up against the Norwalk River, and the neighborhood's western border runs from Windsor Place up to Connecticut Avenue. All of South Norwalk is represented by the 06854 ZIP Code , which also includes some areas to its south and west. As of 2020,
570-538: Is dominated by its coastline along Long Island Sound, the Norwalk River and its eastern and western banks, and the Norwalk Islands . The highest elevation is 315 feet (96 m) above sea level on the fairway of the 16th hole of the Silvermine Golf Course, and the low elevation is sea level on Long Island Sound. As of the census of 2010, 85,603 people, 35,415 households, and 21,630 families resided in
627-828: Is on the Danbury Branch. Metro-North provides commuter service for all four stations. The structure at 47 Wall Street was formerly the Wall Street station of the Danbury Branch, which operated from 1896 to 1936. The city's trolley system barn also operated on Wall Street. Norwalk is within reasonable distance of 11 airports - four general aviation, two regional, and five international. Electric power and natural gas in most of Norwalk are provided by Eversource Energy . The districts purchase wholesale power and arrange for its delivery to, and distribution within, their respective districts. Power lines and meters in East Norwalk , South Norwalk , and parts of Rowayton are maintained by
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#1732852589804684-601: Is represented in the United States Congress by one congressional representative (Democrat Jim Himes ) in the United States House of Representatives , and along with the rest of Connecticut, by two U.S. Senators (Democrats Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy ) in the United States Senate . Norwalk Public Schools operates public schools, while the community also has various private schools. Norwalk
741-640: Is the law-writing body of the City of Norwalk. Norwalk's common council consists of fifteen council members, five elected at-large and ten elected by district , two from each district. Norwalk is represented in the Connecticut General Assembly by five House representatives corresponding to five Connecticut legislative districts and one senator from one Connecticut Senate district. Norwalk, which lies within Connecticut's 4th congressional district ,
798-647: The Algonquin word noyank , meaning "point of land", or more probably from the Native American name "Naramauke". The Battle of Norwalk took place during the Revolutionary War, and led to the burning of most of the town. In 1836, the borough of Norwalk was created, covering the central area of the town. In 1853, the first ever train disaster in the United States happened over the Norwalk River . During
855-719: The Financial Accounting Standards Board are also based in Norwalk. Norwalk has voted Democratic for president since 1992 , when the city voted for Bill Clinton . However, between 1928 and 1992, the city only voted Democratic twice: 1936 and 1964 . The City of Norwalk currently has six taxing districts. The First, Second, Third, and Sixth taxing districts are political entities with their respective voters electing officers, holding annual business meetings, approving budgets, and considering other matters, as specified in each of their charters. Election of Taxing District Commissioners and Treasurers by voters from
912-609: The New York metropolitan area and the Bridgeport metropolitan area . Norwalk was originally settled in 1649, and is the sixth-most populous city in Connecticut . According to the 2020 United States Census , it has a population of 91,184. Roger Ludlow purchased the areas east of the Norwalk River from Chief Mahackemo of the Norwaake (or Naramauke) Indians in 1640. Norwalk was settled in 1649, incorporated September 1651, and named after
969-520: The Norwalk Harbor , an electric trolley system, its own water company, electric company, and well-developed school system. Despite the industrialization of South Norwalk, various economic forces pressured the city South Norwalk to merge into Norwalk, as both cities were often too small independent of one another to host large industries. South Norwalk was hesitant to consolidate into Norwalk, due to South Norwalk's industry surpassing that of Norwalk. South Norwalk, alongside East Norwalk , even tried to leave
1026-501: The football , basketball, soccer , and field hockey teams in the fall, as well as lacrosse , baseball , and softball teams in the spring. Brien McMahon High School's football team won the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference and Class M State Football championship in 1994. McMahon High School's boys' lacrosse team won the state division 2 lacrosse championship in 2000. Norwalk
1083-455: The 1800s, industrialization started to take place--large factories manufacturing goods such as firearms, buttons, shoes, cloth and hats were increasing in Connecticut and in Norwalk. Workers came up from Chesapeake , Maryland , to work as oystermen. Wealthy owners and managers of businesses lived on Golden Hill overlooking South Norwalk. Immigrants came into Norwalk from many places. One of
1140-404: The 19th and early 20th century, Norwalk was a major railroad stop for the New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad . The city of South Norwalk and the remaining parts of the town of Norwalk were both combined in 1910 to form the current city. The Ku Klux Klan had a brief presence in Norwalk during the 1920s, but quickly fell apart due to internal issues. In 1955, multiple hurricanes hit
1197-485: The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th districts take place in odd-numbered years. The Fourth and Fifth districts are not counted as separate governments, as they constitute the city proper. Each taxing district has its own property tax rate reflecting the mix of services each receives from the city. Secondly, municipal elections of mayor, common council, board of education, and other positions are also held in odd-numbered years at 13 polling places within five voting districts around
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#17328525898041254-423: The 35,415 households, 27.9% had children under 18 living with them, 47.1% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.4% were not families. About 33.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size in the city was 2.55, and the average family size was 3.16. The age distribution
1311-629: The American Revolution (DAR) and Norwalk-Village Green Chapter. The Norwalk Police Department is located at 1 Monroe St. near the heart of SoNo. The Norwalk Fire Department currently operates two Fire Stations in or near South Norwalk: Norwalk, Connecticut Norwalk is a city located in Western Connecticut , United States, in southern Fairfield County , on the northern shore of the Long Island Sound . Norwalk lies within both
1368-496: The Boston Post Road, but the completion of the line is hoped to help provide additional power to lower Fairfield County. In addition a high-voltage undersea line runs from Manressa Island to Long Island to help provide electric power to Long Island Power Authority customers. In 2008 the city government of Norwalk started initial investigations of whether the city might resume generating power for sale to electricity customers in
1425-587: The Interstate. Today the East Norwalk Neighborhood Association area is Calf Pasture Beach north to Interstate 95 and Norwalk River and Harbor east to Westport. Residents of postal zip code 06855 are automatically members of ENNA. Norwalk's neighborhoods do not have official status, and as such are boundary deficient. Nonetheless, East Norwalk's location within the city of Norwalk can be roughly described as being south of Interstate 95 , east of
1482-758: The Norwalk Historical Commission reopened the Norwalk Historical Society Museum at the Lockwood House at 141 East Avenue. The archives, genealogy and unframed photographs was placed with the “History Room” at the Norwalk Public Library Main branch (1 Belden Ave, Norwalk, CT). It includes items from the four collections: City of Norwalk, Lockwood family, Norwalk Historical Society and the Connecticut Daughters of
1539-719: The Norwalk Little League team won the Little League World Series in 1952 . The 14-year-old Babe Ruth League team won the championship in 2008. In 2010, the 12-year-old Norwalk all-star team made it to the Cal Ripken League World Series and placed third in the country. In 2011, the Norwalk Senior American Legion baseball team won the Connecticut state championship. This had not been accomplished by any other Norwalk Legion team in
1596-402: The Norwalk River, north of a line from the Norwalk River along 5th Street to Gregory Boulevard, west of a line along Gregory Boulevard to Emerson Street then along Stanley Street then along Strawberry Hill Avenue back to Interstate 95. One prominent local institution in the neighborhood is Overton's , a 60-year-old "landmark food stand" that closes down in the colder months. The owner also owns
1653-628: The Third Taxing District installed 3 diesel powered generators at the Norden complex on Norden Place that were initially licensed only for emergency power supply. By summer 2008 the generators, with a combined capacity of 6 Megawatts, had been upgraded to allow licensed operation as regular power providers for the grid (not just emergency power). In 2007 and 2008 the construction of the Middletown-Norwalk transmission line disrupted traffic along
1710-548: The Town of Norwalk altogether in 1902, with South Norwalk's mayor Mortimer M. Lee touting that South Norwalk had "a large water system, a splendid electric light plant, a separate sewer system, a public library and a library building and schools second to none". In 1903 the Connecticut State Legislature passed a bill to create an independent Town of South Norwalk, but it was vetoed by then-governor Abiram Chamberlain . As
1767-496: The Transportation Hub. The Metro-North Railroad 's New Haven Line runs through and stops in Norwalk. The train goes west and east, with Grand Central Terminal and New Haven Union Station being the final stops. The Danbury Branch runs from South Norwalk to Danbury, CT . Four stations are in Norwalk, three of them on the main line which is: Rowayton , South Norwalk and East Norwalk . The fourth station, Merritt 7 ,
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1824-531: The ZIP Code has an average family income of $ 74,597, slightly below the Connecticut average of $ 79,855; the poverty rate is 14.5%, higher than the Connecticut total of 9.8%; 34.2% of the population has a Bachelor's degree or higher, below the state total of 40.0%; the ZIP code has an employment rate 65.4%, higher than the Connecticut total of 61.7%; 22.0% of the population lacks health care coverage, significantly higher than
1881-611: The buildings added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. In 1988, the Maritime Aquarium was opened in a disused factory building. During the 21st century, South Norwalk has seen a period of redevelopment centered around the construction of new apartments, many of which are located near South Norwalk station. Administratively, the Norwalk Second Taxing District, synonymous with South Norwalk,
1938-692: The city of Norwalk: Shorehaven Golf Club is a private club in East Norwalk, the Silvermine Golf Club is a private club in Silvermine (part of the course lies in the town of Wilton), and the Oak Hills Park golf course is a public course in West Norwalk. The cross-town rivalry between the city's two largest high schools, Norwalk High School and Brien McMahon High School , is fierce, particularly for
1995-551: The city, causing flooding in Norwalk Harbor . During the 1970s, efforts were taken to historically preserve South Norwalk, resulting in the creation of the Washington Street Historic District . According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 36.3 square miles (94 km ), of which 13.5 square miles (35 km ) (37.24%) are covered by water. Norwalk's topography
2052-674: The city. Norwalk Police Department serves as the city's police department , and Norwalk Fire Department serves Norwalk's fire protection district. Norwalk is served 24/7 by Norwalk Hospital and Norwalk Hospital EMS, a 911 paramedic service. The service consists of hospital-based paramedics and EMT-Is who serve Norwalk as well as New Canaan, Wilton, Weston, and Westport. Full-length features and documentary films, filmed or set in Norwalk: Partially or entirely recorded in Norwalk: East Norwalk East Norwalk
2109-477: The city. Voting districts are not the same for state and federal elections, which are held on even-numbered years at 12 polling locations. Norwalk's municipal government is a weak-mayor form of a mayor-council government with the mayor of Norwalk elected by its voters. The city's charter gives certain administrative powers exclusively to the council and others jointly to the Council and Mayor. The Common Council
2166-403: The city. The population density was 2,358.2 inhabitants per square mile (910.5/km ). The 35,415 housing units had an average density of 975.6 per square mile (376.7/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 68.7% White, 14.2% African American, 0.4% Native American, 4.8% Asian, 9.1% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 24.3% of the population. Of
2223-479: The districts. Both the second (SNEW) and third (TTD) district electric departments belong to the six member Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative which pools their wholesale power purchasing to obtain lower rates for their customers. Connecticut Light and Power (now Eversource Energy) operated a power plant, Norwalk Harbor Station on Manresa Island , from 1960 to 1999 when it was acquired by NRG Energy , which then began its deactivation in 2013. In 2004
2280-437: The enactment of various urban renewal projects beginning in the 1960s, namely, the demolition of older buildings and factories along western Washington Street to build new offices, a shopping center, and low-cost housing. The Norwalk Redevelopment Agency planned to continue this effort in the 1970s, with plans to replace the older buildings along eastern Washington Street, but were thwarted by local residents, who successfully got
2337-414: The exact location is unknown, though presumed to be near the site of Donovan’s Tavern, since sailors are said to have frequented the tavern. The area evolved into a settlement named Old Well. after the well, and was involved in coastal trade, manufacturing, and shipbuilding, as well as having many farms with diversified crops. “Old Well was scarcely a village in those days, but rather a group of farms, and
South Norwalk, Connecticut - Misplaced Pages Continue
2394-424: The inspiration for the song " Yankee Doodle ". " Veteran's Memorial Park and Marina " is situated on 35 acres, and includes a marina and boat launch site, a playground, bicycle and jogging paths, basketball courts, soccer, hockey, and football fields, baseball diamonds, visitor docks with full power available, a boating center and marina. The park also includes a walk esplanade overlooking scenic Norwalk Harbor." It
2451-509: The largest [group] to come here in the early 1900s was the Hungarians ; there were also many Eastern European Jews and Italians , among others." Horse-drawn trolleys began serving South Norwalk in the 1860s, until being upgraded to electric trolleys in 1894. Industrialization in South Norwalk resulted in the city becoming a center for local industry, hosting its own railroad station ,
2508-579: The neighboring Harbor Lights waterfront restaurant and the East Side cafe. The food stand was founded by Willis Overton in 1948 and sold to the Gavrielidis family in 2000 because the Gavrielidises were the only potential buyers who promised not to tear it down, according to Willis' son, Neil. The burial location of some the first settlers of Norwalk including Governor Thomas Fitch, IV , and Thomas Fitch, V ,
2565-640: The state total of 5.1%; 22.5% of the population is under 18 years old, slightly higher than the state total of 20.6%; the average household size is 3.25, slightly higher than the state total of 3.08. The SoNo Collection is a 700,000 square foot mall located next to Interstate 95 and Route 7 that was opened in October 2019. It was built by Brookfield Properties and is the fourth mall in the Fairfield County . It features southern Connecticut’s only Nordstrom and Bloomingdales’s. The Norwalk Historical Society along with
2622-462: The storied 83-year history. The team defeated Branford, Connecticut, in the championship game. The girls' Norwalk Pride fast-pitch softball team won the Connecticut state championship in 2005, 2006, and 2007. The Norwalk Biddy Basketball All-Star team Won the state and regional titles and then went on to the world championships in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1986 and placed seventh in the world. Being
2679-483: The well which gave the place its name was on Water street, near the corner of Haviland street, on the property of Eliakim Raymond, a patriarch of several Norwalk lines. His house stood at the corner of Washington and Water streets before the Revolution and was burned with rest of the town." " Norwalk was made a borough in 1836, and the village of Old Well, named from an ancient well where vessels were supplied with water,
2736-669: Was 22% under 18, with 7.3% from 18 to 24, 31.7% from 25 to 44, 31.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.8% were 65 or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.2 males. The median income for a household in the city was $ 76,161, and for a family was $ 103,032. The per capita income for the city was $ 43,303. About 5.7% of families and 8.4% of the population were below the poverty line , including 10.2% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over. Booking Holdings , Datto , FactSet , Pepperidge Farm , Priceline.com , Terex , Ventus , and Xerox have headquarters in Norwalk. The Financial Accounting Foundation and
2793-478: Was established in the 1670s was located near the Ludlow Square area of East Norwalk (near the former Roger Ludlow Junior High School). Baseball and softball are popular amateur sports with active leagues across many age groups in Norwalk. Four baseball fields and 16 Little League fields are in the city. Several of the fields, including Calf Pasture Beach , are illuminated for nighttime play. The fields at
2850-720: Was founded in 1910 and "rebranded" as the East Norwalk Association in 2013. The association has been active in East Norwalk continuously for more than 100 years and founded its East Norwalk Association Library in 1915." • East Norwalk Neighborhood Association (ENNA) : Formerly the Eastern Norwalk Neighborhood Association which began in 2001 as 'VZSHAN', Van Zant to Sunset Hill Association of Neighbors formed to address zoning, development, traffic and other “quality of life” concerns shared by residents in neighborhoods along East Avenue on both sides of
2907-534: Was granted a town charter by the Connecticut General Court in 1651. On May 29, 1678, town records mention the establishment of community-supported teaching activities with a passage that reads: "'At a town meeting... voted and agreed to hier a scole master to teach all the children in ye town to lerne to Rede and write; and that Mr. Cornish shall be hierd for that service and the townsmen are to hier him upon as reasonable terms as they can." The school that
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#17328525898042964-483: Was incorporated into a city in 1868, and named South Norwalk two years afterward." "South Norwalk, formerly called "Old Well" was organized a city August 18, 1870, under a charter granted by the Legislature of Connecticut , July 5 of the same year". In 1873, the City of South Norwalk was incorporated within the Town of Norwalk, although it maintained its city status and retained control over its own assets. "The 1870 charter
3021-523: Was left standing and in the 1950s it was moved to the Mill Hill Historic Park to make way for the construction of the Connecticut turnpike (I-95). In 1913, East Norwalk combined with the Town of Norwalk , the City (formerly Borough) of Norwalk, and the city of South Norwalk into the present day City of Norwalk. East Norwalk is now within the city's third taxing district. • East Norwalk Association : " The East Norwalk Improvement Association
3078-597: Was once the home of the Connecticut Wildcats , part of the American National Rugby League , from 2003 to 2015. Norwalk is the home of National Havoc Robot League , a robot combat competition which holds tournaments six times a year. News sources in Norwalk include News 12 Connecticut , a regional news channel for southwestern Connecticut and based in Norwalk. The Hour was an independent daily newspaper based in Norwalk and founded in 1871, which
3135-513: Was purchased by Hearst Communications on April 12, 2016. NancyonNorwalk.com is a self-published, nonprofit news site founded in 2010 that covers local issues. Interstate 95 and the Merritt Parkway lead through Norwalk, with several exits within the Norwalk city limits, and are the major thoroughfare through the city. U.S. Route 1 goes through the center of the city, mostly following local streets. The major north–south corridor in Norwalk
3192-707: Was purchased from the Norwalke Indians by Roger Ludlow in 1640. Historical markers in the neighborhood include the Founding Monument on East Ave and the First Settlers Monument inside the East Norwalk Historical Cemetery. British forces under General William Tryon arrived on July 10, 1779, at Fitch's Point and destroyed most of Norwalk by fire; only six houses were spared. A portion, of then former Governor Thomas Fitch's house
3249-589: Was revised by the Legislature April 19, 1882, and the city continued its existence under this revised charter until May 27, 1897, when the Legislature approved a revised and amended charter, under which the city has since continued and worked." Around this time, Norwalk had refused to share its water system with South Norwalk, contributing to a sense of ill will between the two cities, which would compete for economic development throughout subsequent decades. "In
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