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Great Island design team reaches 30% milestone; committee favors permanent parking and dark‑sky lighting
Summary
At a May 14 special meeting, Darien’s Great Island Parking Design Committee heard that Reed Hilderbrand has reached the 30% design milestone for the Great Island parking project and will seek regulatory approvals by the end of July; the committee signaled a preference for permanent parking spaces and reviewed materials, gates, stormwater and tree plans.
The Great Island Parking Design Committee met May 14 at Darien Town Hall to review progress on the Great Island parking project and next steps toward regulatory approvals. Chair Monica McNally called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and confirmed a quorum.
Ms. Beka Sturges, of Reed Hilderbrand, reported that the full design team has been mobilized and that the project has reached the 30% design milestone; she said the team expects to begin pursuing regulatory approvals for project components by the end of July. The committee’s discussion focused on circulation, accessibility, materials, stormwater, lighting, and tree management.
Ms. Sturges reviewed proposed vehicular and pedestrian circulation and described accessibility provisions, responding to committee questions about how pedestrians, drivers and bicyclists will move through the site. She presented a comparison of options for boardwalk, road and parking materials, noting differences in cost, durability and maintenance; the committee members expressed a preference that parking spaces be designed as permanent rather than temporary.
On infrastructure, Ms. Sturges recommended stormwater management measures and outlined a lighting approach that prioritizes a "dark sky" strategy while providing minimal near‑term lighting for safety. She said porous asphalt on roadways and parking areas would reduce the scope and cost of stormwater features and that transformers required for the lighting would be sited in discreet locations to minimize visual impact.
Ms. Sturges also presented tree‑condition recommendations, proposing removal of dead, damaged or invasive trees and replacement with species selected for hardiness and diversity to support a healthy ecosystem. She presented a map showing three proposed bicycle rack locations and reviewed plans to install new vehicular gates on the north and south causeways and to replace an existing rusty gate for safety.
The meeting included routine business: Committee member Jenny Schwartz moved to approve the minutes of the April 16, 2026 special meeting; Dan Kolakowski seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Later, Ms. Schwartz moved to adjourn; Mark Adiletta seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m.
Next steps: Ms. Sturges said she will provide additional information on the lighting plan at the committee’s next meeting and will supply further materials data as requested.
