Proposal for pier, ramp and floating dock at 46 Shore Haven discussed by Norwalk Shellfish Commission

A representative for a 46 Shore Haven project described plans to install a pier, ramp and floating floating dock for launching small watercraft at a Feb. 6 Norwalk Shellfish Commission meeting.

The presenter, who identified himself as Mr. Hiltz, said the harbor manager and the harbor master boats had reviewed the plan and were “okay with it.” He told commissioners construction access would be via the channel that leads from Bermuda Lagoon and that work would likely require several mobilizations timed to tides; he said piles would be driven and finished at tide, and the pier sections, ramp and floats would be prefabricated and installed over about five or six tides.

Hiltz said the substrate in the proposed area appeared “pretty soft” and that he did not observe oysters except “right at the fringe of the wetlands,” which the floating dock was designed to avoid. He also said the contractor (Gary Whitmore at GMC) expected to work without sitting barges on the bottom behind a nearby island because the area is not sufficiently deep to rest barge spuds safely.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about whether the harbor’s water main or other utilities had been located and whether the harbor master boat had been used by the shellfish commission; Hiltz and harbor staff said the harbor master boat had not been used by the commission and that maintenance runs would be arranged to ensure equipment readiness.

No formal action was taken on the 46 Shore Haven submission; commissioners indicated they planned a site visit in the next few weeks and to follow up with the applicant if further questions arise.

Direct quotes in the meeting record include Hiltz saying the area’s substrate was “pretty soft” and that he “didn't know any oysters except right at the fringe of the wetlands.”