Norwich Harbor with new lessee; Howard Brown Park work continues

Matt Grahn, Norwich Bulletin
Updated ·2 min read
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The harbor in Norwich will soon be in the hands of a new lessee.

At the city council meeting on Sept. 18, the council approved the transfer of the lease from JCM Norwich Marina Acquisitions LLC to Patten Marina Holdings, which will take place before the end of October, according to the minutes.

The resolution also states that there may be changes to the Marina Ground Lease and Marina Development Agreement to include essential items and timelines for needed improvements, including adding a fueling station, upgrading the restaurant, and addressing safety concerns.

The restaurant is expected to become a year-round facility, Nystrom said.

Some boats docked at The Marina at American Wharf.
Some boats docked at The Marina at American Wharf.

The parts of the city in and around the water are “prime real estate,” and can attract people to the city, Nystrom said.

Patten’s finances was reviewed by the comptroller, city manager, and city attorneys, and it was determined that the company has the financial wherewithal for the city to approve the lease transfer, Norwich Mayor Peter Nystrom said.

Patten had discussions with JCM before approaching the city to take over the lease. The city first met with Patten last year, and is focused on this new business relationship, Nystrom said.

“We’re hopeful for a new start,” he said.

Harbor Commission Director Tucker Braddock said he didn’t know much about the lease transfer, as it was decided in executive session and he wasn’t involved, calling the discussion a “closed circle.” He hopes the new lessee is able to bring progress to the harbor.

A crane at Howard Brown Park, installing ADA-compliant docks.
A crane at Howard Brown Park, installing ADA-compliant docks.

Happenings at Howard T. Brown Park

The large red crane on a barge at Howard T. Brown Park is there for a pair of important jobs. The crane's owner, Terry Construction Company from Long Island, NY, is in Norwich to install new ADA–compliant docks, and retrieve a car that plunged into the Shetucket River.

Norwich has been working on getting ADA-compliant docks for Howard Brown Park since 2017. The improvements include ADA compliant ramps, replacing docks, and adding safety rails, The Bulletin reported in 2021. The dock project was supposed to be finished last year, but it was found the city had to replace deteriorating underwater pilings first, The Bulletin reported in May 2022.

The car was submerged in the river in June when a man drove his car off the Water Street Bridge early in the morning. The driver was able to escape the car and was taken to Backus Hospital for non life-threatening injuries, according to the Norwich Police.

Even though it wasn’t a huge concern to DEEP and the Coast Guard, Braddock noted, “Out of principle, I said, ‘This is not a parking lot.' We’re going to take that car out of the river."

Nearby the harbor is the Norwich Public Utilities Wastewater Treatment Plant. Bonding for $199.2 million was approved at the city council meeting for the sewage treatment plant renovations, Nystrom said.

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Norwich Harbor with new lessee; Howard Brown Park work continues