Harbor commission finds Shorefront Park dock revision inconsistent with harbor plan after neighbor objections

The Norwalk Harbor Management Commission reviewed a revised application for 26 Shorefront Park on March 26 and recorded that the proposal is inconsistent with the city’s Harbor Management Plan, following objections from the South Norfolk Boat Club and debate about setbacks, dredging alternatives and navigation safety.

The commission’s action came after a public comment from Glenn Persino, who identified himself as chairman of the South Norfolk Boat Club’s marine committee and said his group was concerned the proposed extension would bring larger vessels into the club’s fairway, limit safe maneuvering and encroach on areas historically kept clear for navigation. “I just hope you would take that into consideration before approving the application,” Persino said during public comment.

The applicant, represented by Jim Bajek and consultant John Hiltz, said the original plan — which included a dredging request — was refused by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). In response, the applicant revised the design to extend an existing finger float and move or add pilings rather than dredge. Hiltz described the modified plan as a…