Harbor Management Commission Plans & Recommendation Committee

Norwalk Harbor Management Commission Plans & Recommendation Committee Special Meeting P&Z Conference Room, Norwalk City Hall Tuesday, February 13, 8:30 a.m. MINUTES Attendees: Bill Gardella, John Romano, Joseph Parella (ex officio), Jan Schaefer (Chair), Geoffrey Steadman (consultant) Meeting called to order at 8:35 a.m. 1. Review the draft vision document from the Plan of Conversation and Development (POCD) and discuss comments to be provided on behalf of the Norwalk Harbor Management Commission There was discussion about the draft vision and principles statement provided by Stantec, consultant to the city, since there was an opportunity to provide comments on this two-page overview draft document. Plans and Recommendations (P&R) Committee members said that the draft did not adequately address the value and significance of Long Island Sound and the coastal attributes of Norwalk. P&R Committee members agreed to provide suggestions for the draft, and the following statements were agreed upon and submitted on behalf of the P&R Committee of the Norwalk Harbor Management Commission:  At the beginning of the document, insert “of Long Island Sound” after the word “coast” in the third line.  Add a separate bullet to read: A major center of recreation boating, commercial and recreational shellfishing, and other water-dependent activities on Long Island Sound. Norwalk Harbor, known as the jewel of Long Island Sound, provides vital economic, environmental, and cultural values and opportunities.  Add a section to the Principles area to read: Conserve and enhance the natural environment. Protect land, water, and air resources for the benefit of future generations. 2. Discussion of the broader Coastal Vision document There was discussion about the POCD Vision document and the need to include more information about the coastal attributes of Norwalk. A draft “Proposed Coastal Vision” document, prepared by Geoff Steadman, was discussed. P&R Committee members 1 agreed that this draft should be shared with the POCD Committee, suggesting that the information be integrated into their Vision document so Norwalk would be appropriately represented as a coastal community. Mr. Romano raised questions about who is supporting the POCD plan, and specifically how the plan will guide the Redevelopment Agency. He expressed concern about who will implement the POCD plan. These recommendations of the P&R Committee will be presented to the Norwalk Harbor Management Commission at the Commission's February 28 meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 a.m. 2