Letter to the Editor: Yes to Darien’s Great Island, but what about Norwalk’s Manresa Island?
From: https://www.darientimes.com/opinion/article/Letter-to-the-Editor-Yes-to-Darien-s-Great-17300679.php
July 13, 2022
Gov. Ned Lamont has committed to zero carbon by 2050, as has the president of the United States.
Hearst Connecticut Media reported on the decision by Darien to purchase Great Island. This is 60 acres of invaluable property. Interestingly, in Norwalk there is the 144-acre Manresa Island, which has a decommissioned power plant owned by NRG, that has been available for sale since June 2013.
Norwalk has done nothing to acquire this invaluable property, whereas Darien within a number of weeks made this momentous decision. The possibilities for Manresa Island are first, a 22-acre solar facility, which could ensure energy to both Norwalk and Darien during increasing weather catastrophes.
The remaining acres are seen as a possible waterfront park, a marina on the dockside, and conservation areas for flora and fauna on the wetlands. Darien, in considering how to use its 60-acre island, should consider the effects of climate change, the commitment to zero carbon, and to dedicate as many acres as possible to a solar facility.
Both Norwalk and Darien elected officials have a responsibility to the health and safety of their residents. It is more than time for us to meet the realities of today’s world in providing renewable energy for the future to preserve our planet and our way of life.
Roma Stibravy, president of NGO Sustainability, a Norwalk-based nonprofit that promotes sustainable living
