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Norwalk Shellfish Commission plans more transient moorings, hears winter water closures and a dispute over DEP approval
Summary
At its Jan. 9 meeting the Norwalk Shellfish Commission approved routine business, heard a Department of Health report on four rain-related shellfish-area closures in December and discussed harbor plans to add transient moorings and an ongoing dispute with the state environmental agency over a neighboring project.
NORWALK, Conn. — The Norwalk Shellfish Commission on Jan. 9 approved routine minutes and committee reports, heard that heavy December rainfall prompted four shellfish-area closures, and discussed plans to add transient moorings and a dispute over a nearby development approval handled by the state environmental agency.
The meeting began with a moment of silence for the family of Jerry Visegli, and the commission approved the Nov. minutes and accepted committee reports by voice vote.
The Norwalk Department of Health reported 6.05 inches of rainfall in December, compared with 8.17 inches in 2023 and a 1987–present average of 4.01 inches, Danielle of the department said. The rainfall led to four closures in December: Dec. 10 (closure of all areas), Dec. 16 (Cook’s Ground and the CAA area), Dec. 29 (Cook’s Ground) and Dec. 31 (Cook’s Ground and the CAA area). Danielle said no bypasses were reported.
Treasurer Bill Levy reported the commission’s balance remained at $28,322, and that $970 was sent to the comptroller’s office on Dec. 30 for shellfish-permit sales; Levy said the new balance of $29,292 should appear in the next statement for the Feb. 6 meeting.
Harbor-management matters drew the lengthiest discussion. Alan Kibbe, chairman of the harbor commission, said the harbor plans to add additional transient moorings this season after what he described as a successful 2024 season bringing visitors to Norwalk. "We're gonna add a few this year," Kibbe said. He also said the commission has contacted the Recreation and Parks Department about improving harbor-area amenities and policing campsite conditions.
Kibbe and other commissioners also described an ongoing problem with a neighboring project that, they said, had previously been approved by the state environmental agency while the harbor commission continued to review it. Kibbe said the harbor commission spent two meetings reviewing the project without knowing it had already been approved and that the project consultant did not appear for harbor meetings. "We continue to review and take minutes and talk about that project, well, for two meetings following its approval of which we were not aware," Kibbe said. He said the commission plans to pursue the matter in the months ahead and that neighbors may request a public hearing or work with the state agency.
Sergeant Justin of the Norwalk Police Department marine unit said there was no notable activity to report from his unit beyond routine commercial work and complimented new flags in the harbor. "They are, they should be good," Sergeant Justin said of the new flags. He also reported water temperatures around 39–40 degrees Fahrenheit.
The commission had no new business and adjourned after agreeing to reconvene in February; a submission from "Mr. Hiltz" was noted for the next meeting.
Votes at a glance - Motion to approve Nov. minutes — approved (ayes recorded; names not specified). - Motion to accept committee reports as presented — approved (ayes recorded; names not specified). - Motion to adjourn — approved (ayes recorded; names not specified).
