Harbor Management Commission

HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING The Harbor Management Commission Special Meeting of September 15, 2008 commenced in the City Manager’s Office and proceeded to Falls Avenue. Mr. Aliano called the meeting to order at 5:07 p.m. Attendance was as follows: MEMBERS PRESENT Ron Aliano, Chairman Alderman Mark Bettencourt Alderman Pete Desaulniers Alan Bergren, City Manager James Paulsen Edward Seder Richard Benoit OTHERS PRESENT Geoff Steadman, Harbor Management Consultant Claire Bessette, The Day 1. Determination of Quorum It was determined a quorum was present. 2. Purpose of Meeting Mr. Aliano informed the Commission that the purpose of the meeting was to walk the proposed site of the Norwich Intermodal Transportation Center (NITC) and to formulate recommendations for submission to the Commission on the City Plan and the DEP. Mr. Aliano reported that the Commission on the City Plan will postpone their public hearing until October 6, 2008. The DEP is waiting to review recommendations from the Harbor Management Commission and must then forward their comments to the Commission on the City Plan. The public hearing is to address the transportation center plans in regards to flood plain issues and proposed use of the waterfront development property. Mr. Aliano reminded the Commission that city officials had obtained approvals to build a public walkway along the river beneath the Route 82/Main Street Bridge to the Marina site on the other side of the bridge; however, the plans were ultimately rejected by state officials. As the members convened under the bridge, Mr. Aliano stated that an 8-12 ft. wide sidewalk could be constructed and that the steel bulkheads would have to be replaced. The sidewalk would provide direct access from the transportation center to the ferry dock at the Marina. Further discussion continued and the following four motions were unanimously recommended by the Commission to be incorporated into a letter to be drafted by Mr. Aliano to the Commission on the City Plan. Harbor Management Special Meeting Page 2. September 15, 2008 On a motion by City Manager Bergren, seconded by Alderman Bettencourt the members unanimously agreed that the NITC project should include well-designed public areas and amenities to provide safe and enjoyable public access to and along the Yantic River, including public walkways to enable pedestrian access from the NITC to the City’s ferry dock and other public areas and facilities on Hollyhock Island south of West Main Street. The feasibility of constructing a waterfront walkway from the NITC along the west shore of Hollyhock Island and under West Main Street, similar to the Heritage Riverfront Walkway under West Main Street along the east bank of the Yantic River, should be properly evaluated. If deemed feasible, such a walkway should be incorporated into the project plans. On a motion by Alderman Desaulniers, seconded by James Paulsen, the members unanimously agreed that NITC’s public areas and amenities should be designed and constructed in a manner to enable the future connection of those areas and amenities, as the opportunity may arise, with any public areas and amenities that may be developed on the northern part of Hollyhock Island in the future. On a motion by Alderman Bettencourt, seconded by Alderman Desaulniers, the members unanimously agreed that all stormwater treatment systems and technology for the NITC should be properly designed, operated, and maintained to significantly reduce the potential for non-point source pollution from the project site to enter the Yantic River and Norwich Harbor. On a motion by Alderman Bettencourt, seconded by City Manager Bergren, the members unanimously agreed that the final design of the NITC should be in accordance with the highest architectural design standards to enhance the scenic character of the City‘s waterfront. The Commission will provide comments on the final project design as that design may affect waterfront scenic quality. 3. Adjournment On a motion by Alderman Bettencourt, seconded by Alderman Desaulniers, the Special Harbor Management Commission Meeting of September 15, 2008 was adjourned at 5:40 p.m.