The Norwalk Planning and Zoning Commission gave its unanimous approval on Wednesday to the master plan for the Manresa Wilds development, establishing a special zoning district for the 125‑acre peninsula that once housed a coal‑ and oil‑burning power plant overlooking Long Island Sound.

Project scope and community response

Developers Austin and Allison McChord have pledged $410 million to clean up the site and transform it into a public park, event venue, live‑music space, boat‑rental hub and a restaurant or brewpub. The commission’s vote clears the way for the team to finalize designs within the new zoning framework.

While many residents welcomed the prospect of new green space, more than 200 neighbors signed a petition urging the commission to reject the special‑district request, citing concerns about traffic, noise and other disturbances. In response, the McChords have agreed to drop plans for a hotel, reduce outdoor lighting, and cap parking at 200 spaces managed through a reservation system.

Event limits and school‑group considerations

Under the approved rules, Manresa Wilds may host up to four events per month with 150‑400 guests each, and larger gatherings of up to 800 people are limited to four times per year. When multiple events occur on the same day, total attendance cannot exceed 1,000 people.

The commission also debated limiting outings by school groups to Norwalk students, an idea that was ultimately rejected. Commissioner Ana Tabachneck called the approval “a gift to all,” noting that the community will share both benefits and challenges.

Neighborhood input and next steps

Project leaders held several community meetings, receiving more than 4,000 comments on the design. Resident Ed Haas, initially skeptical, said recent meetings and the inclusion of murals and art installations have shifted his view toward support.

Jan Schaefer, president of the Manresa Association, praised the commission for considering neighbor concerns and noted that while traffic remains a worry, the city will address it as future phases move forward.

The first phase—walking trails, open fields and outdoor classrooms known as the Northern Forest—is already under construction and slated to open next year. The next phase, which will renovate the historic turbine hall and administration building, is targeted for completion in 2032.

Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.