Norwalk Shellfish Commission tables application to extend dock at 26 Shortfront Park

The Norwalk Shellfish Commission on Feb. 6 tabled consideration of an application to extend a residential dock at 26 Shortfront Park so regulators and a neighboring boat club can be consulted.

The application, presented by attorney John Casey, would add a 3-foot-by-20-foot float extension and one pile to an existing inner finger pier already within the applicant’s riparian line. Casey said the change is “totally within the footprint and the shadow of the existing dock” and that the modification replaces a prior dredging proposal that is no longer being pursued.

The commission’s decision to delay action followed questions about whether the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) had reviewed the updated plans and whether the South Norwalk Boat Club had been contacted. Casey said he had met on site with DEEP staff, including Sue Jacobson and Julia Kenderski, and that DEEP staff had advised a longer finger slip as a possible solution. Commissioners said they had not received substantive comments from DEEP in the packet and wanted confirmation and a direct response from the boat club before voting.

Casey told commissioners the proposed extension would move the boat berth into slightly deeper water — “into minus 2 and minus 3 area” on the plans — which his client says reduces risk of scraping the bottom on low tides. He also noted that the applicant’s actual vessel is a 2021 Solera 24-foot center walkaround with a 2-foot-8-inch draft and that a larger boat drawn on the submission was an error.

Commissioners discussed prior enforcement history at the property, including a 2018 notice of violation tied to a contractor’s movement of rock in tidal wetlands; Casey said that matter was addressed by the client. After public discussion and a request to verify notices to adjacent interests, a commissioner moved to table the item; the motion was seconded and carried with commissioners voting “Aye” and no recorded opposition or abstentions.

The commission asked staff to seek DEEP’s formal comment and to confirm whether the South Norwalk Boat Club has concerns; the applicant is expected to present to the Harbor Management Commission later in the month as part of the continuing review process.

Votes at a glance: Motion to table consideration of the 26 Shortfront Park application — passed (motion moved and seconded; commissioners recorded “Aye”; no opposing or abstention votes recorded in the meeting transcript).