The Harbor Management Commission meeting held on September 17, 2025, in Norwalk City, Connecticut, focused on the acceptance of previous meeting minutes and the review of an application concerning waterfront development.
The meeting began with a motion to approve the minutes from the August 27 meeting, which included minor edits highlighted by Commissioner Doctor Pinto. The amendments clarified details regarding the proposal for improved site conditions and specified the involvement of Norm Bloom from Kops Oyster LLC. The minutes were unanimously approved by the commission.
Following the approval, the commission moved to discuss an application that has been under consideration since 2021. This application involves the remediation of properties at 84 Seaview Avenue and 80 Water Street, which includes the addition of docks. Doctor Pinto recused himself from the discussion due to a conflict of interest related to his membership in the East Norfolk Boat Club. Other members also recused themselves, leading to a brief discussion on how to proceed without their input.
The application has undergone several reviews, and recent correspondence from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) indicated readiness to issue a permit. However, the commission noted changes in the application, including restrictions on vessel docking and conditions regarding the removal of a section of the dock that infringes on the city's riparian rights.
The commission members expressed the need for clarity on the current application details, including drawings and project descriptions, which were not readily available during the meeting. The discussion highlighted the ongoing complexities of waterfront development and the importance of adhering to regulatory requirements.
As the meeting concluded, the commission acknowledged the significance of the application and the need for further review to ensure compliance with local regulations and community interests. The next steps will involve gathering the necessary documentation and continuing discussions in future meetings.