Norwalk’s 125‑acre former power plant is now the focus of a $410 million redevelopment that will blend environmental cleanup with parkland, trails, and cultural venues.
The $410 million commitment covers the costly remediation of decades of coal and oil pollution and the integration of the plant’s historic structures into a public space.
On Friday, the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a special zoning district that will guide the McChords’ design work, though further traffic studies and detailed planning reviews will still be required.
The first stage, known as the Northern Forest, is already under construction; it will feature walking trails, open fields, and outdoor classrooms, with a projected opening in 2027.
Nearby residents, who signed a petition of more than 200 signatures, voiced concerns over traffic, noise, and large events.
In response, the developers eliminated a hotel plan, reduced lighting, capped parking at 200 spaces with a reservation system, and limited events to no more than four per month, with a maximum of 1,000 attendees on busy days.
With the zoning framework in place, the project is poised to turn a former industrial site into a public destination, though residents remain wary of ongoing impacts.