Aerial Views of Norwalk Harbor and the Norwalk Coastal Area Management (CAM) Area

Prepared for:

Norwalk Plan of Conservation and Development Oversight Committee

Prepared by:

Norwalk Harbor Management Commission Norwalk City Hall 125 East Avenue Norwalk, Connecticut 06851

January 31, 2018

Contact:

Anthony Mobilia Chair, Norwalk Harbor Management Commission [email protected]

(203) 820-3840

The view south over the Norwalk River, Harbor, and CAM Area from the Wall Street and Norwalk Center area to Long Island Sound. The Norwalk River flows south for about 20 miles from Ridgefield to the harbor and Long Island Sound and drains a watershed of about 64 square miles in parts of seven towns.

Norwalk Center area adjoining the Upper Harbor, including view of East Avenue (to left) and West Avenue (to right). The pending Norwalk Center Neighborhood Plan proposes zoning changes that would affect much of the Upper Harbor waterfront. 3

The view north over the Upper Harbor to Wall Street, including the Norwalk Wastewater Treatment Plant, Oyster Shell Park, and the Yankee Doodle (I-95) Bridge. In 2018, the CT DOT is preparing plans to refurbish the bridge which carries an average daily traffic volume of 150,000 vehicles.

“SoNo Collection” mall site under construction near Oyster Shell Park on the Norwalk River in the Reed Putnam Urban Renewal Area; Route 7 “connector” extends north from I-95 to the left. 4

Norwalk Wastewater Treatment Plant on the Norwalk River; Walk Bridge (Norwalk River Railroad Bridge) and Stroffolino (Rt. 136) Bridge at top of photo; CT DOT’s planned Walk Bridge replacement project is considered the most impactful infrastructure project in Norwalk since I-95 construction.

The view over the Walk Bridge toward the west side of the Norwalk River and Harbor; The Maritime Aquarium’s IMAX Theater on left (south) side of bridge and The Maritime Aquarium, southwest CT’s principal tourist attraction, on right (north) side of bridge. 5

The view east over the Washington Street historic district (SoNo area), the Walk and Stroffolino bridges, and the Liberty Square area. The Liberty Square waterfront is identified as a major redevelopment opportunity area in the City’s Mid-Harbor Planning Study.

The view south over the Walk and Stroffolino bridges, Veteran’s Park, and the Norwalk Inner Harbor; Calf Pasture Point at top of photo.

Water Street Marine Commercial District, the most concentrated area of water-dependent businesses, including marinas and commercial fishing businesses, on Norwalk Harbor. The South Norwalk Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Redevelopment Plan includes part of the CAM Area west (right) of Water Street.

South Norwalk CAM Area, including Water Street Marine Commercial District, looking north toward Veteran’s Park and upstream on the Norwalk River. A federal navigation channel extends from Long Island Sound through the Inner Harbor to the harbor’s “head of navigation” at Wall Street. 7

Veteran’s Park, including the Norwalk Visitor’s Docks and boat launching ramp at the David S. Dunavan Boating Center, the City’s focal point and central facility for public boating activities; Stroffolino Bridge in foreground; East Norwalk Basin at top of photo.

The view east over the South Norwalk coastal area, Veteran’s Park, and the Norwalk Inner Harbor to East Norwalk. In 2018, Eversource Energy is preparing plans to relocate currently elevated electric transmission lines under City streets, the harbor, Visitor’s Docks, and Veteran’s Park in this part of the CAM Area. 8

East Norwalk Basin, including the City Marina, on east side of Veteran’s Park. The East Norwalk Mill Pond drains into the basin under Seaview Avenue. The East Norwalk Basin is served by a federal navigation channel and anchorage.

Norwalk Inner Harbor and Veteran’s Park during the Norwalk Oyster Festival; Metro-North rail line in foreground. 9

Calf Pasture Point in East Norwalk, including Calf Pasture Beach Park and Shady Beach, the City’s principal beach recreation areas, and Norwalk Cove Marina, Norwalk’s largest marina; Charles Creek and Gregory Point in foreground.

Canfield Marsh east of Calf Pasture Point, one of the largest tidal wetlands in the CAM Area and a highly productive natural environment supporting large numbers of varieties of marine life and nesting areas for migratory birds. 10

Rowayton CAM Area including Five Mile River Harbor and waterfront (to left) and Wilson Cove (with moored boats to right). Sixth Taxing District Beach (Bayley Beach) and historic Roton Point Club at lower right. The Five Mile River Harbor is managed by the Five Mile River Commission, a joint commission with members from Norwalk and the Town of Darien.

Bell Island and Farm Creek; Wilson Cove to right.

Wilson Cove and Wilson Point in the Rowayton CAM Area; Farm Creek and Bell Island in foreground.

The view south over Wilson Cove and Wilson Point in the Rowayton CAM Area to Norwalk’s Outer Harbor and Long Island Sound.

Village Creek, tidal wetlands, and the Norwalk Islands; Deactivated Norwalk Harbor Power Station on Manresa Island to left.

Harborview neighborhood (to left); deactivated Norwalk Harbor Power Station on Manresa Island; and the Norwalk Islands. The ongoing Manresa Island Reuse and Economic Impact Analysis Study conducted by city agencies and concerned neighbors is considering opportunities for beneficial reuse of the power station property. 13

The Norwalk Islands looking east, including the larger islands of Sheffield (in foreground), Shea, and Chimon. Chimon Island and part of Sheffield Island are owned by the federal government as part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. Grassy, Shea, The Plains, and Little Ram islands are owned by the City of Norwalk. Other islands are privately owned. The Norwalk Islands are exceptional coastal resources of the CT shore.

Sheffield Island including Sheffield Island Lighthouse Park owned and operated by the Norwalk Seaport Association, and the Sheffield Island Unit of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. The lighthouse, built in 1868, is one of Norwalk’s most significant historic resources. 14

The Norwalk CAM Area and Harbor provide significant environmental, economic, and cultural opportunities and benefits. In 2018, the harbor is a major center of recreational boating, commercial shellfishing, and other water-dependent activities in western Long Island Sound. Numerous points of public access to the harbor and Sound include large waterfront parks and City boating facilities. In addition, the harbor is Norwalk’s most important natural resource; its coastal resources provide irreplaceable ecological functions and values. The environmental quality of the CAM Area and harbor is an important determinant of the City’s quality of life.

Norwalk CAM Area and Harbor on the Norwalk River and Long Island Sound in Southwest Connecticut.