Norwalk hearing draws large turnout as Manresa Wilds zoning proposal advances; applicant removes lodging, trims amphitheater

The Norwalk Planning & Zoning Commission continued a public hearing July 29 on application 2026-41, which would create the SDMW special district and allow a multi‑phase master plan for Manresa Island. Chair opened the meeting and said the commission would take applicant remarks, commissioner questions, and public comment before resuming the hearing on Aug. 19.

Applicant counsel Liz Sachi told the commission the team submitted a staff memo announcing two changes: lodging uses (hotel, bed‑and‑breakfast and other overnight stays) will be marked “not permitted,” and planned amphitheater seating has been reduced from 150 to 100 seats. "We have decided to eliminate the hotel, the bed and breakfast, and the lodging use," Sachi said, and she said the memo will be posted on the project page. Doug Adams, speaking for Manresa Wilds, said the applicant had already provided an ~80‑page traffic memorandum and would submit fuller traffic reports as each phase comes forward.

Public comment stretched for hours. Supporters described the plan as a rare opportunity to remediate a contaminated industrial site, expand public access to Long Island Sound, and create educational and research partnerships; Jason Patless, president and CEO of the Maritime Aquarium, said Manresa could serve as a "natural classroom" for regional schools. Opponents urged the commission to require independent, peer‑reviewed traffic and environmental studies before granting permanent zoning rights, noting the applicant's own planning materials project roughly 800,000 annual visitors. Several speakers also pressed for legally binding conservation easements or deed restrictions to ensure long‑term public access and to address perceived governance and conflict‑of‑interest risks.

The commission recessed for an 8:00PM break and reconvened at 8:11PM to continue comments. Chair closed public testimony at the end of the session and confirmed the hearing will continue Aug. 19 (virtual). The commission did not take a vote on the proposal at the July 29 meeting.