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Commission approves finding to acquire pedestrian easement on long-used Gilbert Hill footpath
Summary
The Norwalk Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a referral finding that the city may acquire a 9.5-foot pedestrian easement over a long-used footpath between Woodbine Road and Hunt Street, a move staff said could resolve recurring maintenance and access disputes and would be pursued by easement acquisition, potentially by eminent domain.
The Norwalk Planning and Zoning Commission on July 1 unanimously approved a referral finding that the city may acquire a 9.5-foot pedestrian right-of-way easement across a remnant paper road on Gilbert Hill Road to formalize public pedestrian access.
Darren Callahan, assistant corporation counsel in the city's law department, told commissioners the narrow footpath has provided a decades-long pedestrian connection between Woodbine Road and Hunt Street and helps residents reach the Rowayton Metro without a long detour. He said the parcel is titled to a century‑old corporate holder that has been dissolved, and that the city plans to acquire an easement—and, if necessary, pursue eminent domain—because no private owner can be readily negotiated with.
Resident Tammy, who said she used the trail for more than 30 years, urged the commission to approve the referral, calling the path a "very valuable asset" for the six taxing district. Callahan said there is no current plan to pave or otherwise significantly improve the path; the proposal is intended primarily to place clear maintenance and public‑use rights with the city.
Commissioner Tammy made the motion to accept the referral and the seated commissioners voted in favor in a roll call that produced a unanimous approval. Staff noted the survey cited in the packet is dated September 22, 2025 (a year-date typographical error in the draft resolution was flagged during the presentation) and described the narrow easement depicted on that survey.
Next steps identified by staff include formal eminent domain filing procedures if required, the deposit of required appraised funds, and notice to adjacent property owners prior to any court filing. Callahan said staff would keep the commission apprised of procedural milestones.
The commission took the action as a referral finding under its review procedures; no construction or physical improvements were authorized at the meeting.
