Norwalk Commission Approved New Housing Development

Officials greenlit an 11-unit housing project to replace a former deli site at Van Zant and Rowan Streets.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Construction

Isometric editorial illustration of clean, minimalist building volumes representing a residential housing project on a plot of land. — The Norwalk Planning and Zoning Commission approved an 11-unit housing development at 65 Van Zant St., replacing a former deli site. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Norwalk Planning and Zoning Commission has approved an 11-unit housing development located at 65 Van Zant St. and 28 Rowan St. The project, which replaces a former deli site, was scaled down from an original 22-unit proposal to meet zoning requirements.

Why it matters

The reduction in project size reflects significant concerns over site constraints and financial feasibility for the developer. This adjustment aims to balance new housing needs with the specific logistical limitations of the coastal property.

The development will feature five two-bedroom units, six three-bedroom units, and 19 parking spaces. One unit within the building, situated 1,140 feet from Norwalk Harbor, is designated as affordable housing.

The players

Norwalk Planning and Zoning Commission

This municipal body is responsible for reviewing development proposals and enforcing zoning regulations within the city of Norwalk.

The details

The site will consist of three townhouses facing Rowan Street and an eight-unit apartment building facing Van Zant Street. The previous structure at the location, formerly home to Jimmy's Deli, was demolished in May 2025 to clear the land for the new construction.

Jimmy's Deli closed in 2023.
The deli building was demolished in May 2025.
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the project on October 7, 2026.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2027.

Market Landscape

The project's status as a coastal site plan follows protocols established by the Connecticut Coastal Management Act, ensuring development aligns with environmental protections for the harbor. This development reflects a broader trend of repurposing vacant retail sites into high-density residential housing in urban areas.

Local residents will see the transition of a former retail lot into an 11-unit residential site, impacting neighborhood density. The inclusion of one affordable unit provides a specific housing option, though the project's scale remains limited by site constraints.

The takeaway

Smaller, scaled-back developments often become the viable path forward when developers face strict zoning and site-specific environmental regulations. This project highlights how previous commercial sites are being re-evaluated for residential potential in growing municipalities.