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Planning staff reports zoning rewrite delay, CDMRA zone work and draft waterfront plans including potential boat-launch move
Summary
City planning staff reported delays to the zoning regulations rewrite, presented an outline for a municipal redevelopment (CDMRA) zone around the transportation center, and described a preferred waterfront plan that could move Brown Park boat launch to the viaduct parking lot and expand park amenities.
Planning staff updated the Norwich Commission on the City Plan on Sept. 16 about several ongoing planning initiatives: the city’s zoning-regulation revisions, work on a Connecticut Municipal Redevelopment Authority (CDMRA) zone, and a waterfront planning effort that includes a proposal to relocate Brown Park’s boat launch to the viaduct parking lot.
Staff said the full zoning rewrite will not reach the city council before December as earlier hoped and that staff capacity constraints (including an administrative resignation) have slowed the schedule. Staff presented an outline for a CDMRA/municipal redevelopment zone around the downtown transportation center intended to unlock redevelopment funding programs similar in concept to an opportunity or enterprise zone.
On waterfront planning, staff described a preferred alternative under a CIF grant in partnership with the Norwich Community Development Corporation. The concept discussed would move the public boat launch from its current Brown Park location to a new ramp in the viaduct parking lot, add parking and trailer maneuvering space, expand green space and add amenities such as an elevated band stage, improved canoe/kayak launch points and a multi-use ice/splash loop where mini-golf existed. Staff noted substantial permitting would be required if the boat-launch relocation moves forward and that negotiations with private property owners regarding potential pedestrian/trail connections remain unresolved.
Staff emphasized these were planning concepts and that many items (permitting, state approvals and easements) still require negotiation. Commissioners asked questions about traffic and parking impacts, canoe/kayak launching and easement negotiations with private landholders. Staff said the proposals are intended to increase waterfront public space and improve pedestrian and bike connections downtown.
