Austin and Allison McChord are planning to convert a deserted industrial area into a sustainable waterfront park as a donation to Norwalk.
Manresa Island, located on a peninsula in Long Island Sound, is a 125-acre tract of land that has been abandoned since the closure of a decommissioned oil-fired power plant in 2013. The site offers stunning views of the Connecticut coastline and features a diverse ecosystem including salt marshes, grasslands, and wildlife such as egrets, ospreys, and wild turkeys.
The energy company NRG, which owned the power plant, had struggled to find a buyer for the site due to the high cost of demolishing the plant and cleaning up pollutants. However, a local couple, Austin and Allison McChord, have stepped in with a plan to revitalize the island and turn it into a destination park for the city of Norwalk.
Through their nonprofit organization, the Manresa Island Corp., the McChords are purchasing the site and funding the cleanup, design, and construction of the park. Their proposal includes restoring the landscape and shoreline, creating beaches and boating facilities, and repurposing the power plant into recreational spaces, a community event hall, and educational facilities for shoreline studies.
The couple’s vision for the park is to provide a space for the community to enjoy nature, engage in outdoor activities, and learn about the environment. They also plan to partner with local institutions to support research and education initiatives on the island.
The announcement of the McChords’ proposal is set to take place at a news conference in Norwalk, where they will be joined by local, state, and federal officials to discuss the project and its potential benefits for the community. Overall, the transformation of Manresa Island into a vibrant park is a promising opportunity to revitalize a neglected area and create a valuable resource for residents and visitors alike.
Source: The NY Times
