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| PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES |
CITY OF NORWALK
PLANNING COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
AUGUST 28, 2008
DRAFT COPY OF MEETING MINUTES
PRESENT: Torgny Astrom, Chair; Frances DiMeglio; Walter Briggs; Walter McLaughlin; Donald Nelson; Steven Ferguson; Joel Zaremby; Victor Cavallo
STAFF: Mike Greene
Mr. Astrom called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm. He reiterated the reason for holding the Special Meeting, which was for Commissioners to select and discuss priority items from the new Plan of Conservation and Development.
Mr. Zaremby discussed the development of Norwalk’s waterfront resources, particularly the emphasis on Norwalk as a seaport (A.6.3.3). He pointed out that the Water Street area between the Maritime Aquarium and Rex Marina should be pedestrian-friendly. Mr. Zaremby also brought up the idea of managing Norwalk’s islands. The Commission discussed boardwalks, agreeing that a waterfront revitalization should be a priority for the City.
Mr. Ferguson stated that the City needed to support the Enterprise Zone Act (A.1.2.8), as a means of maintaining the City’s workforce and putting forth a “friendly face” with not-for-profit agencies. There was a discussion of the railroad initiative, as seen in New Britain.
Mr. McLaughlin said that he would like to see the City prioritize proper drainage, using capital budget funds to do so (B.3.1.3).
Mr. Cavallo discussed the importance of parking and transportation, particularly that involving !-95 and Route 7 (Section E, Transportation). He also emphasized the waterfront area, stating that a premier dining establishment on the waterfront would be an asset. Mr. Astrom pointed out that land-ownership is an issue for the waterfront, with owners being very reluctant to part ways with their land.
Mr. Zaremby brought up the notion of maintaining as a regular service a terminal serving the New York airports (E.2.1.9). There was a brief discussion of a commercial heliport. Mr. Greene pointed out that a commercial heliport was approved in the past, but was not successful.
Mr. Zaremby asked about fee-in-lieu of parking (E.5.1.6). Mr. Greene explained how it functions. Mr. Cavallo asked about the role of the Parking Authority in fee-in-lieu of parking. Mr. Greene discussed when and why the Parking Authority would get involved.
Mr. Briggs stated that the consolidation and digitalization of the City’s databases should be a priority (F.1.1.4). He said that he would ideally like to see the two-year time frame sped up.
Mr. Nelson brought up the importance of community policing (D.5.1.1), stating that the City needs more policemen overall and more assigned to community policing in particular.
Ms. DiMeglio discussed the importance of the City’s physical and electronic gateways (F.4.5.2 and F.4.5.1). She stated that Exit 16 off I-95 was in need of improvement..
Mr. Zaremby brought up the idea of expanding the City’s recycling program (B.6.2).
Mr. McLaughlin raised several issues, including cardiac care at Norwalk Hospital (D.6.2.3), fire hydrants and city water (D.4.1.6), the fire house (D.4.1.1), and overall support for Norwalk Hospital (D.6.2).
Mr. Ferguson emphasized the importance of community services and safety issues in relation to youth (D.3.1.4).
Mr. Nelson discussed implementing an intern program as part of the tree-planting program (F.4.4).
Mr. Briggs pointed out the importance of using capital budget funds for affordable housing sites (A.2.4.2).
Mr. Zaremby discussed the idea of appointing a volunteer for the position of Officer of Cultural Affairs (D.7.1.6).
The Commission discussed the need for “Super 7” to be connected to improve traffic flow in Norwalk.
Mr. Greene reviewed the priorities discussed by the Commissioners and agreed to create a list of how to proceed on the various items.
** MR. ASTROM MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN.
** MR. ZAREMBY SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:58 pm.
Respectfully submitted by Charlene Smith.
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