Commission finds 46 South Beach Drive project consistent with harbor plan after site drainage improvements

The commission on July 22 voted to recommend that a coastal area management (CAM) application for 46 South Beach Drive be found consistent with the Norwalk Harbor Management Plan after hearing from the owner's attorney and the project engineer about floodproofing and stormwater upgrades. Attorney Liz Suchy presented for Plant Court LLC and said the proposal raises an existing single‑family dwelling to meet FEMA elevation requirements (local rule requires two additional feet above FEMA minimum) and adds small, associated additions and site adjustments. She said no work is proposed seaward of the seawall. Engineer Vincent Hines of Redness and Mead said the 0.5‑acre parcel currently drains untreated to the sound via existing area drains and a seawall discharge. Under the proposed plan the project would slightly reduce overall impervious coverage and add water‑quality treatment: two Coltec (subsurface) treatment systems sized to capture the required water‑quality volume, plus improved erosion‑control measures during construction. Hines said the plan reduces runoff and provides treatment that did not exist previously. Commissioner Mike Matthews moved the recommendation; the motion was seconded and the commission approved it. Commissioners conditioned the recommendation on standard construction best management practices for erosion/sediment control.