Wetland delineation finds no wetlands for Lewis/Bishop site; commission approves development with buffer planting requirements

A wetland delineation report for S25‑658 (38 Lewis Street and 1 Bishop Street) concluded there are no wetlands on the property, staff told the Norwalk Conservation Commission and Inland Wetland Agency on Aug. 26. Alexis, staff member, said the requested delineation had been received and she prepared a staff report and stamp for the commission to review; commissioners then discussed and approved the application with buffer conditions.

Why it matters: Staff’s investigation removed a prior uncertainty about the presence of wetlands on the parcels. Even so, staff recommended — and the commission adopted — conditions to establish an enhanced vegetated buffer along the development’s northern and eastern edges where developed elements currently abut the property line.

Conditions and plantings: Alexis described two special conditions that were adopted: (1) establish a buffer that is not maintained as lawn but allowed to reestablish as natural vegetation with management to prevent non‑native invasive species from dominating; and (2) enhance the buffer with the planting of 40 native shrubs and seeding with a native seed mix. Staff said the area for enhancement is roughly a 90‑foot total strip between the development and the property line, including space currently occupied by a small parking area, a set of stairs and part of an existing building.

Applicant response and vote: An applicant representative identified as Miss Sochi told the commission she had discussed the conditions with staff and said the applicant had no issue with the condition. A motion to approve S25‑658 was made and seconded; commissioners recorded an affirmative vote. Staff said the applicant’s team had no objections to the buffer and planting requirements.

Follow up: Staff will finalize the conditions in the approval documents and will monitor compliance with the enhanced buffer and planting plan.