A former industrial power plant site in Norwalk is to become a public park and event space after its sale to a corporation backed by a local businessman.
Austin McChord, the founder of cybersecurity company Datto and a Norwalk native, is behind the new plans for Manresa Island, along with his wife Allison.
Manresa Island is a 125-acre parcel at the mouth of Norwalk Harbor on Long Island Sound that for decades was the site of an oil-burning power plant owned by NRG.
The plant was damaged by Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and permanently closed the following year, although the structure remains.
NRG sold the significantly polluted site to Argent Ventures last year for redevelopment. Argent planned a mix of single-family homes and open space, but said it could take up to five years to make progress on the site.
But now, Argent has agreed to sell the site to McChord’s Manresa Island Corp. The purchase price has not been made public.
The shoreline will be restored into a public amenity with swimming areas and a boardwalk, while the former power plant will be made into an event space.
Austin and Allison McChord will host a press conference with Gov. Ned Lamont on Tuesday, Oct. 1 to give more details of their plans.
