Commission Reviews 20 Hendricks boardwalk presubmission; finds it consistent with harbor plan

The Harbor Management Commission reviewed a Coastal Site Plan Review presubmission for 20 Hendricks Ave and moved that the referral was consistent with the Harbor Management Plan.

Emily Wechtman, representing the applicant and Norwalk Redevelopment Agency, described a proposed approximately 950‑foot elevated boardwalk built on helical piles to bridge a gap between adjacent boardwalk segments and improve public access. She said the design places most of the boardwalk above regulatory lines in the floodplain and includes upgraded outfalls and erosion and sediment‑control measures intended to minimize future runoff to the Norwalk River.

Commissioners asked whether the project would affect critical habitats or shellfish beds and whether additional plantings were planned. Wechtman said a wetland assessment by SLR was forthcoming and that the team intends minimal disturbance with a top‑down construction method; additional plantings are not in the current plan set but remain a possibility in coordination with adjacent owners. “Most of the boardwalk itself is above the CJL line,” she said, and the design uses helical piles to reduce permanent impacts.

The commission then moved and seconded a consistency recommendation to Planning & Zoning; the motion was carried by voice vote. Commissioners asked staff and the applicant to return with more detailed ecology and stormwater information as required during subsequent permitting and referrals to the Shellfish Commission and other agencies.