The Norwalk City Council voted to refer a rezoning proposal for part of the Orchard Hills planned-unit development (PUD) to the Norwalk Planning & Zoning Commission, with direction to consider restricting the remaining northern portion of the parcel to commercial use and to review setbacks to improve developability.

Council discussion centered on a developer proposal to build a three‑story, 50‑unit senior housing project on approximately 2.75 acres in the southern portion of PUD Parcel 1; the developer and city staff said the PUD currently allows either C‑1 commercial or R‑4 residential uses and the developer wants the council to lock the southern piece as R‑4 before development proceeds.

Luke (city staff) explained the PUD contains multiple possible zoning classifications and that the city typically asks applicants to pick a final classification before development. He said the southern portion proposed for development "does currently allow R4 on it, as well as C1" and staff would process an amendment to the PUD to define the final zoning.

Barry Acountas, identifying himself as a representative of Woda Cooper Development, said the developer planned the lot split and that the broker and owner believe "it was or they wouldn't split the lot this way," indicating confidence the remaining frontage could be marketed for commercial uses. The project concept includes townhome units near the water tower and a parking and access plan that staff said will be refined during review.

Council members asked about remaining commercial frontage and buildable depth; staff said the remaining frontage would be about 150 feet. The mayor and council discussed options to preserve commercial development potential on the northern remnant and to include limitations in any PUD amendment to ensure the council retains discretion at later approvals.

Council member Baker moved to refer the rezoning to the Planning & Zoning Commission and direct P&Z to consider limiting the remainder of the lot to commercial use and potential setback adjustments; council member Cool seconded. Roll call recorded Meineke: yes; Baker: yes; Cool: yes. The motion carried.

Staff noted additional technical reviews remain — including fire, access, and final site plan review — and that a P&Z recommendation would return to the council for a final vote. The transcript records no final zoning change at this meeting; the referral begins the formal P&Z review process.