The Maritime Aquarium is about to unveil its master plan.
The plan, scheduled to be unveiled Oct. 17, includes a three-phase, multiyear, multimillion dollar expansion to the Maritime Aquarium’s building, educational programs and environmental outreach initiatives, particularly the conservation of Long Island Sound.
“This began when Jennifer Herring took over as our president and CEO three years ago,” said Tim Gagne, publicist for the Aquarium. “She started to meet with staff, and we all started talking about how we could build from the future, and the plan really grew from there.”
Gagne was mum about the details of the expansion, saying that the board needed to see the final plan before it was discussed in public but said that it would include growth to the actual structure.
I hope Gagne as no relation to Eric Gagne, but I digress. So they want to do some actual structure growth. I guess they mean build something. Like an addition. But shhhh. It’s secret because the board doesn’t know about it yet. Which is surprising since the board should have been kept in some sort of loop regarding long range plans long before the unveiling of a master plan. Thankfully they have hired thinc design to work on the details. Quality exhibit work will go a long way to increasing gate receipts, but what of the infamous busses?
Before they get too far ahead of themselves with planning the future, an assessment of the current might be in order. More exhibits means more time at the aquarium which means more busses.
Which brings us to the delightful news that the Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs Council Committee, otherwise known as the Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs Council Committee, will hold some public participation meeting to discuss the object of so much recent comments, Vets Park.
“I think it’s about time they take some feedback,” Santella said.
In May, a proposed miniature golf course slated for the area was killed by Mayor Richard A. Moccia following neighborhood opposition to the idea.
In July, residents were angered that an amphitheater was discussed, and a feasibility study conducted, when an updated master plan was not available.
Another issue that recently raised the ire of Seaside Avenue-area residents — the noise emanating from July’s Colombian Independence Day Festival — will not be addressed at Wednesday’s meeting.
Soon after this summer’s festival generated music and traffic complaints, Democratic Councilman Fred Bondi, who represents East Norwalk, called for the festival not to be brought back for another year.
At the time, Mocciae said the festival would likely be reviewed in September after organizers filed an application for a 2008 festival.
An application was not filed in time for discussion on the item to make Wednesday’s agenda, Mocciae said.
It will likely be discussed in October, he said.
Director Michael Mocciae should be commended for raising the awareness of this meeting, and for encouraging the public’s participation.
And in Stamford, the SWRPA panel on transportation centric development yielded:
In order for such developments to succeed, however, she said, they need a good working relationship of public and private partners, including federal and state agencies, developers, municipalities, and chambers of commerce.
Mark Gordon, a former real estate director for New Jersey Transit who has helped establish transit-oriented developments in that state, said the ridership at the train station in South Orange, N.J., more than doubled after mixed-use development was established nearby in the late-1990’s. The South Orange development, which took what once were empty storefronts in the downtown area near the station and created new retail spaces for new tenants, also gave new life to the neglected downtown, he said.“Ten years ago South Orange was considered edgy for Starbucks — now it has a Starbucks, and it’s a symbol of revitalization,” Gordon told the crowd.
Also among the day’s speakers was Ted Ferrarone, vice president of Anteres Investment Partners, which is working to transform 80 acres just south of the Stamford train station into a mixed-use development. Once finished, the development will offer six million square feet of residential space, Ferrarone said, including 4,000 housing units, a number of stores and restaurants and a hotel.
“Our goal is to build a 24-hour live, work and play destination,” he told the conference attendees.
Some of the other transit-oriented developments in the early stages in the state include three in Norwalk — Wall St., West Ave., and the Reed-Putnam project in South Norwalk — and one on the former Gilbert & Bennett wire mill site in Georgetown.
Well, it looks like here in Norwalk the Wall Street, West ave and Reed Putnam areas will all be competing for that edgy Starbucks.
source: The Hour, Maritime Aquarium’s ‘Master Plan’ calls for multimillion expansion, By JILL BODACH, September 19, 2007
source: The Hour, Public to get chance to weigh in on renovations at Veterans Park, By AMANDA PINTO, September 19, 2007
source: The Hour, Agency promotes transit oriented development to planners, officials, September 19, 2007
28 responses so far ↓
1 Member of the Maritime Authority // Sep 20, 2007 at 8:55 am
Turffie jumps to conclusions. The Board has been seeing presentations for this plan for many months. Gagne likely said the final plan had to be brought to the board (which is the Trustees and the Authority). Because of budget restrictions the plans were being scaled back to a more realistic cost. Nothing about these plans is a secret to the board. We have had input all along the way.
“Gagne was mum about the details of the expansion, saying that the board needed to see the final plan before it was discussed in public but said that it would include growth to the actual structure.”
Being mum does not mean it is a “secret”, it means that the details of the “final plan” will be presented for approval to the board first. Don’t kill the messenger!
2 #13 of the Miserable 25 // Sep 20, 2007 at 9:36 am
There had better be some master planning by the Maritime board, to park buses in another location then in the middle of a park in the busiest section of town, how about on their own property? Parking in Veterans Park was supposed to be a temporary situation granted by the council at the early stages of the centers development. They are now taking advantage of the situation. They had better take a look at sections of Oyster Shell Park that could “HIDE” 200 buses and never be seen, No residential area, Thruway above, tracks on the right, brush filled land on the left, and the City Waste Disposal Plant at the front. No problem with noise or pollution going directly into the sound, via storm drains in Vets Park, and the buses could be keep running all day, as the thruway is above and not a residential neighborhood that is forced to inhale the fumes. I see a problem with Bus parking being a “Park Purpose” in any sense of the legal term. EXPANSION, EXPANSION, EXPANSION, by the Maritime Aquarium, Reed Putnam /95-7, Downtown Norwalk, West Ave, and where the hell are all these visiting buses going to park? Someone had better get a handle on this “REAL FAST” or there are going to be some problems in the future of Norwalk. The legislators refused to keep the thruway weigh station in Greenwich open, and there was a huge accident, one of many possible resulting from faulty equipment. It is not IF but WHEN an accident involving buses will take place in Norwalk or Veterans Park, with possibly tragic results, because they are running all over town and then routed through a well used park with many young children playing sports. Then who will be wringing their hands and saying “OH God, how could we have prevented this, why didn’t someone warn us about this problem.” Well, you have been warned.
3 anonymous // Sep 20, 2007 at 10:34 am
Dear Member of Maritime authority:
This expansion sounds interesting unless the city is expected to pay for it. We tax payers are still waiting for you to take responsibility for the original $30M bonds. My understanding is that the Aquarium has not paid a dime of the interest on the bonds as well as some operating expenses every year since the bonds orginated.
4 longtimer // Sep 20, 2007 at 2:36 pm
Turffie may be jumping on the messenger because this expansion is news to me, if not the rest of the public. Since we are using public money, or aren’t we becomes the question of utmost importance. I’d like to see some ball park statement of intensions before we find this proposal on some committee’s agenda for approval.
5 #13 of the Miserable 25 // Sep 20, 2007 at 2:51 pm
expansion is news to me,
Could be, but it is plastered all over the Hour and the Advocate, and I am sure the Norwalk Citizen when it comes out.
6 Anonymous // Sep 20, 2007 at 3:32 pm
#4 maybe you are unaware of the value of the Maritime Aquarium as the anchor of the SoNo business district. Maybe you are not a member and never go there. Maybe you don’t understand how much education is part of their mission and how many in town, out of town families and students partake of the programs. Maybe you don’t know how much effort goes into fundraising by the Maritime Board.
Once again, agreeing with first post – Look before you leap. Learn a bit about what you are talking about and be aware that there may be some things that happen in the clear light of day but you aren’t paying attention.
The Board of Trustees and Maritime Authority have a great responsibility for the Aquarium and its programs and they take it very seriously. Norwalk is lucky to have this asset. It needs to be maintained and kept up to date. You get nothing for nothing. In order to increase attendance and keep the place fresh and current, it can cost money every so often. Proper upgrades and maintenance will profit the Aquarium and the surrounding businesses. Try not to attack without knowing what you are saying.
7 Chad Lematt // Sep 20, 2007 at 3:52 pm
I think what he is saying is that everyone is profiting but the taxpayer.
8 Mr Greenpeace // Sep 20, 2007 at 3:58 pm
I know about the good the aquarium does for my children and my friends in downtown SoNo but what about the rest of the city like the bakery down near wall st that actually pays for spots in the city parking garage for his employees maybe some angle parking would help there but back to your corner of the world we are all focussed on.
Has the board ever talked to the pissed off drivers who take bus loads there?
They are given a map to a parking area chained or gated shut when they get there and told to fend for themselves , suppose they are just the people to turn off from coming back with their families or friends but what do you care,,its the numbers not the failures in communication that turns a profit is it?
Tell me more about your place we have had a family membership for years , my kids enjoy Mystic and Bob Ballards place at Woods hole where by the way we drive 200 miles to find such a novel thing called a free parking space,,how do they do it?
Ok so much for my rant, but why would anyone belong to something unless they didn’t take it seriously please lets talk the issues give us some facts , numbers ad some detail on how we as a city will be in your way of progress if we ask for the bus parking to be corrected or at least managed by serious people who effect us serious people who also pay taxes and can’t park anywhere in town unless we pay as well..
We are not attacking we are defending our own turf the very same people who paid for yours,,through membership and local support, without us you would say what we didn’t need local support after all?
where are the public bathrooms or are they included in your new plans, be nice for somewhere to go instead of the bushed by the parking lot wouldn’t you say?
Oh I’m sorry was that being rude of simply not paying attention?
Try again to address some issues we know your great for Norwalk but so isn’t the mayor and Corda and we have problems with them too.
9 AnonymousAlso // Sep 20, 2007 at 4:13 pm
It is one thing to recommend serious consideration of the parking issue, including buses. It is another thing to pretend that everything is being done without full disclosure. The taxpayer is always considered because the taxpayer uses the facility, supports the facility and profits from its existence.
Some people on this blog think that they should complain all day long (perhaps some need to get a job). If our muncipal assets are not kept up, they will deteriorate and die out. How about some enthusiasm for a forward looking group who cares about our Aquarium. How about some rational thought here?
Once again, look before you leap. You who sit at home all day and b*tch can pick up the phone and call the aquarium and get the numbers…now there’s a novel idea!
10 here we go again // Sep 20, 2007 at 4:16 pm
wow a scholar , do you give the weather too!
11 Mr Greenpeace // Sep 20, 2007 at 4:28 pm
all of can’t sit at home we are way too busy picking up city trash in parks and talking to pissed off bus drivers.
I figure your rsponse was not directed on my rant but if it was please explain,,
I just read a 30 million dollar bond whats the deal there I hate rumors myself can anyone explain that in more detail?
There are those who complain and there are those who educate I’m sure on other threads they educate but to suggest its not a job to complain well I disagree the blog has become a information highway of sorts in Norwalk and lets the public know details not always available to the public
like the trailor that just become detached from its tractor here in Norwalk who gets that kind of information from the Advocate or the Hour so fast my freind? Only on the blog correct?
With what transpired this morning thats news isn’t it?
12 anonymous // Sep 20, 2007 at 4:45 pm
I am the one who remembers that the Maritime Center bonds were originally proposed for $23M back in the 80’s, and escalated to $30M by end of project. Not unusual, and of course it was to be the anchor for the fabulous SONO redevelopemnt. No one will argue with that, but all of this was proposed with the understanding that the Maritime Center would become self-sustaining in due course, paying off not only the interest but the bonds themselves. This has not happened, and our taxes reflect it.
No one is attacking the Aquarium, and if my facts are wrong, please set us straight. I happen to know that the Authority planned to ask for the bonds to be excused entirely and I would guess that is still the case, although maybe the plan has changed to ask for the city to pay for the new expansion in addition to carrying the original bonds ad finitum. This is not a reasonable request.
SONO has exceeded all expectations and the Maritime Aquarium needs to begin paying the city back, not borrowing more money.
13 Mr Greenpeace // Sep 20, 2007 at 5:10 pm
now thats what I am talking about, no digs no attacks no finger pointing no unreal expectations it was explianed and with a disclaimer what was wrong with that?
I’ll still take my kids to the aquarium this weekend like I always do have a great time and will not feel any worse by saying no to everything untill this is cleared up or explained by a maritime member ..is that fair way for me to react?
14 Ed Rogers // Sep 20, 2007 at 5:23 pm
OH! Stop your complaining, our taxpayers pockets are bottomless.
Kids who are now 6 years old will still be paying the tax increases for this Center when they are seniors.
They will also have money trees growing in their backyards, like we do.
15 Roton Homeowner // Sep 20, 2007 at 5:29 pm
Isn’t it time we get out of this small town mentality and understand that our tax dollars need to go for things like the Aquarium which brings tourists and their money to Norwalk? Additionally, a little perspective is in order. Our taxes are high due to the increasing costs of education our youngsters. We can lay blame with the BOE but the reality is all the technology, school buildings and personnel aren’t cheap. Education, and the Aquarium are investments in our community. We need businesses as well as homeowners to make our fair city run. Before we all jump on the bandwagon of withholding tax dollars, maybe those that are so opposed should explain what they prefer their tax dollars be used for.
16 anonymous // Sep 20, 2007 at 5:36 pm
Here is a link to the FOI decision explaining the Maritime Center bonds history. Yes, I’m afraid that the authority was secretive about their business in those days:
“It is found that in 1986 the MCA issued 30 million in bonds guaranteed by the city of Norwalk for the development and operation of a maritime center by TMC. …”
http://www.state.ct.us/foi/1990FD/19900124/FIC1989-088.htm
17 curious mouse // Sep 20, 2007 at 5:58 pm
Does anyone know if the bonds have been paid?
18 Mr Greenpeace // Sep 20, 2007 at 6:00 pm
#15 Roton maybe you should get a city mentality and realize in one school alone cost from installing radon equipment and making room for 440 students from 380 in 2005 may of cost the Rowayton some increase, yes the things you listed in the schools cost more including special programs but what about student enrollment does that reflect in adding teachers as well?
Not defending the BOE or the schools just the facts
I’m curious where do you lay blame on a population increase?
Its simple pay my half for me while I sit and learn some more on the blog,,deal?
19 Mr Greenpeace // Sep 20, 2007 at 6:07 pm
thats school
20 anonymous // Sep 20, 2007 at 6:19 pm
The city paid the MAritime Center bonds off in the early 90’s, and the Authority is hoping that all the taxpayers have forgotten that the debt is stilled owed.
21 Mr Greenpeace // Sep 20, 2007 at 6:52 pm
oh like wimpy with popeye on tuesdays when it came to burgers ?
so why not you all come over for a duck dinner..
but you bring the ducks
Elsie was not the bondwriter on this one trust me
I don’t have to explain where I want my money to go unless when we need a firefighter or a police officer and we can call the Aquarium.
22 Anonymous // Sep 20, 2007 at 7:54 pm
We need to start saying no to developers and builders who make everything look so rosy only to end up costing the city and taxpayers money they werewn’t prepared to spend. Why would the taxpayers want to fund more money to the Maritime Aquarium when they still owe the city a back debt? Why are we always expected to compromise our AAA bonding for projects that benefit others? When is someone going to stand up and ask the right questions before we are bound to new projects? Mr. Greenpeace, how do you cook your duck?
23 Mr Greenpeace // Sep 20, 2007 at 7:59 pm
without the feathers and I drink plenty of sauce
24 Anonymous // Sep 20, 2007 at 8:06 pm
What time is dinner???
25 Ed Rogers // Sep 21, 2007 at 7:14 am
Take and prepare a fresh wild duck, put in a big stone, cook the duck at 375 for 2 hours, then throw away the duck and eat the stone.
26 AnonymousAlso // Sep 21, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Your “small town” mentality keeps norwalk a small-minded place to live and do business. Time to crawl out of your caves big guys!
27 here we go again // Sep 21, 2007 at 7:30 pm
whats small about not paying back 30 million dollars before you ask for more Oliver?
28 BFG // May 30, 2008 at 3:35 pm
It is right and ethical for the Maritime Center to pay the taxpayer back.