Commission approves three easements for Eversource gas infrastructure near William, Calf Pasture Beach and Marvin streets

The Norwalk Planning and Zoning Commission voted on three companion referrals on April 2 to provide easements to Eversource Gas for infrastructure and access at locations on Williams Street (behind Nathan Hale Middle School), Calf Pasture Beach Road (near Marvin School), and Marvin Street (near Ludlow Park).

Wilbur Duran, permit engineer for the Department of Public Works, presented the three requests on behalf of the city. He said the Williams Street site would host an expanded regulator station moved from the school front to a rear location; Eversource has agreed to screening plantings and canopy to reduce visibility. The Calf Pasture Beach Road installation was described as a small pressure-monitoring station, roughly 10-by-10 feet, sited to avoid tree removal. The Marvin Street installation behind Ludlow Park was presented as a temporary regulator station to remain about two years while Eversource completes an underground main upgrade.

Commissioners asked technical and operational questions. Staff and Eversource representatives said the regulator boxes do not emit gases and that Eversource would extend mains as needed; residents would be able to request service connections to any newly installed main. Darren Callahan, corporation counsel, told the commission that compensation to the city had not yet been addressed and that final easement execution remains subject to corporation counsel review.

Members also discussed the encroachment permit and restoration obligations: if excavation is required, Eversource must obtain an encroachment permit and will be responsible for restoration, with higher restoration requirements if work impacts a road in good condition. The Marvin Street easement was identified as temporary; staff said the easement will be drafted to revert the property to the city after removal of infrastructure.

Each of the three easement referrals was moved and voted on separately; roll-call votes recorded unanimous approval for all three items. The commission recorded the approvals and directed staff and counsel to finalize the easement agreements before execution.

The record shows continued staff review and counsel approval are required before signatures; the compensation question remains open and will be addressed in the final agreement.