Norwalk and Green Circle Growers partnership a positive

NORWALK — Mayor Dave Light believes the partnership between the city and Green Circle Growers will be positive for the area. "I can't imagine a better working relationship," Light said. "If we asked them to consider something, they would just immediately say yes." Two weeks ago, Light and city officials met with the owners of the property and their architects. Together, they went over aspects of the building and property plans, ensuring everything was in complete compliance with city ordinances and zoning regulations. The accommodations will be quadplexes on Cline Street and Light said the maximum amount of workers that will live there is 300 people. "My guess is you're going to see less than that, especially as they get this going," he said. The Green Circle property will also be building a mound around the property, in compliance with the city's new landscaping ordinance, and plan for a 70-foot setback from other neighboring properties. Light said Green Circle also granted the city an easement to install a sewer line on the west side of the property. By granting the easement, the city will save close to $850,000. "Norwalk is about to undertake the largest sewer project we've had in the history of the city," Light said. "That 48-inch sewer line will come down Fruen Street, and then go right across to the western property line of the Green Circle Growers property." The city mainly operates off of income taxes and Green Circle Growers will be withholding city income tax from the workers to submit to the Regional Income Tax Agency. "If it's minimum wage with 250 workers, you're looking at $85,000 in income tax, but they make a lot more than minimum wage," Light said. "That's going to be a considerable amount of income tax the city will get from that property." Light said there will not be many vehicles on the property, as many of the men working will not have driver's licenses. Light said there will be more foot traffic in the area. "They'll have buses in garages on the property and every morning they'll make the trip over to Green Circle Growers (near Oberlin) and bring them back when they're done," he said. Light said this partnership with Green Circle has been in the works for nearly two years. The city with the chamber of commerce and other local organizations are creating pamphlets for the workers to explain where things are located throughout the city. "It seems like it will be a top-notch facility," he said. "They're building at least two soccer fields, a fishing pond and a recreation building for them."