Crews in the City of Norwalk have started building a new home for Cranbury Elementary School -- right next door.

The city held a groundbreaking Thursday on site, marking its first new school construction in 50 years.

It's part of Norwalk's plan to invest $500,000 into its schools.

Mayor Harry Rilling says this new facility and future renovations are needed as older locations become outdated.

"The schools that are here are starting to crumble. A lot of them don't have air conditioning and you know, a lot of them don't have the new amenities that young people could use," said Rilling.

The new Cranbury Elementary School is set to open its doors next school year.