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PLANNING COMMITTEE MINUTES
For copies
of the previous minutes please contact Sally Johnson at
Phone: 203-854-7810 x 6778 or Email sjohnson@norwalkct.org
CITY OF NORWALK
PLANNING COMMITTEE
PUBLIC HEARING
JUNE 18, 2007
ATTENDANCE: Matthew Miklave, Chair; Carvin Hilliard; Douglas Hempstead; William Krummel; Rev. Phyllis Bolden (8:10 p.m.)
STAFF: Timothy Sheehan, Executive Director; Jack Burritt, Assistant Executive Director
95/7 PUBLIC HEARING
Mr. Miklave opened the public hearing at 8:06 p.m. He announced that he was going to dispense with the formal presentation; this was an opportunity to hear from the public, not the politicians.
Ms. Jennifer Herring, President of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk spoke in support of the project. She said that this was the next phase of a bold redevelopment plan that the City put in place a number of years ago, beginning with The Maritime Aquarium.
Mr. Dick Vicenzi said that he came to Norwalk from Stamford in 1960. He told the Committee that he hoped they were ready to move.
Rev. Bolden arrived at 8:10 p.m.
Mr. John Lombardi, former Councilmember asked about the number of condominium units being proposed for Norwalk. He questioned how to find out what the future of Norwalk was regarding condominiums. Mr. Lombardi said that he was opposed to the law that does not limit affordable housing to Norwalk residents. He said that about 35% of the residents in the Broad River Senior complex moved here from New York. He asked why Norwalk home and condominium owners have to foot the bill for affordable housing.
Mr. Jim DelGrecco, President of the Golden Hill Neighborhood Association thanked Spinnaker and said that they were so glad this project was moving toward a mixed use. He said that he has been looking at the hole in the ground for 20 – 30 years.
Mr. DelGrecco said that transportation was critical to the project. He said that he sees potential for walking and biking. He said that if nothing is done about affordable housing, no one will be left in Norwalk. Mr. DelGrecco said that the Golden Hill Neighborhood Association is in favor of the project and they look forward to a bright future in South Norwalk.
Mr. Steven Cristofer, Norwalk resident voiced his support of the project and said that he couldn’t wait for it to begin.
Mr. Zui Cole, Norwalk resident spoke in support of the project. He said that this project will enhance the area and that he would like to see it move faster.
Ms. Donna Glen, Norwalk resident said that she was thrilled to see something happening and that it will be a mixed use project. She said that she hoped there would be serious linkage with transportation.
Mr. Miklave distributed a letter of support from Mr. Ed Musante, President of the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Miklave asked if there were any other members of the public who wished to speak.
Ms. Jeannette Heart, Norwalk resident said that she is originally from New York City. She said that Norwalk is a wonderful place and that she is in favor of this project. She said that she hoped it was a mixed effort where everyone could benefit.
Mr. Brad Schmidt, Norwalk native said that he watched the development of South Norwalk and it looks great, but the diversity he grew up with seems to be disappearing. He said that he does not see too many minority owned businesses. Young people are leaving because they can not find an affordable place to live in Norwalk. He said that even parking in the area is crazy. Mr. Schmidt said that he hoped this was a middle of the road project that everyone could agree with.
There were no other members of the public who wished to speak.
Mr. Clay Fowler submitted a letter of support from Steven Warren, General Counsel, Albert D. Phelps, Inc.
Mr. Miklave said that the Committee is scheduled to vote on this item on July 16th at 7:30 p.m. If the Committee approves this item, it will advance to the second meeting of the Common Council in July.
The public hearing was closed at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rosemarie Lombardi
Telesco Secretarial Services
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