Planning & Zoning approves series of coastal and local projects; one coastal addition passed with single abstention

Norwalk — The Planning & Zoning Commission approved multiple routine and coastal matters Wednesday, including an 8‑24 referral accepting pedestrian easements tied to the Pinnacle project, a seawall repair at 25 Commerce Street, a house addition at Five Shore Haven Road, and coastal site plans for 30 and 32 Charles Street.

Key actions: • 8‑24 referral (467 West Avenue): Staff asked the commission to accept public pedestrian easements required by a prior approval for sidewalk widening; the commission approved the referral unanimously by show of hands.

• 25 Commerce Street: John Hilts presented plans to repair roughly 60 feet of deteriorated stone seawall using existing stone with updated drainage and geotextile fabric; staff said the proposal complies with the Coastal Area Management Act and Harbor Management had no issues. The commission approved the coastal site plan with routine sediment and erosion control conditions.

• Five Shore Haven Road (Cassides Engineering): The applicant proposed two single‑story additions, a driveway reconfiguration, and relocation of a municipal storm pipe (applicant to fund relocation and new manholes). The applicant said proposed impervious coverage would rise to about 26% (allowed 35%). The motion to approve passed with one abstention.

• 30 & 32 Charles Street: Paired coastal site plan applications for two‑family detached houses were presented and approved. Commissioners asked the applicants to work with the fire department and public works to ensure addressing and emergency access are coordinated (commission asked staff to add that direction to the approvals); both votes were unanimous.

Each approval included standard staff conditions such as following the submitted plans, installing erosion controls and complying with any additional DPW or fire department comments before permits are issued.