5.6 Guilford Point to Madison Town Line Existing Resources This region extends from Guilford Point to the Madison town line. Named places include Grass Island and the East River. Residential, commercial, industrial, and marina uses characterize this region, and public access and water-dependent land uses are relatively abundant as compared to other parts of Guilford. Faulkner's Island is also included in this region. Grass Island Coastal resources include most of those recognized by the State of Connecticut, although some are limited in extent and rocky shorefronts are absent. Tidal wetlands, beaches, and developed shorefronts dominate this region. The Guilford marina Coastal Issues in the 21st Century Issues facing this region include the status of the Sluice Creek tide gates, various tidal wetlands, and locations of public access: With regard to Sluice Creek, many people believe that the tide gates at the marina should be left open year-round. Improving the quality of the Sluice Creek estuary and reversing the invasion by Phragmites are important goals that may be achieved by opening the gates for longer periods of time than presently occurring. Tidal wetlands along Seaside Avenue are suggested for Phragmites removal.
Jacob's Beach supports multiple amenities including a picnic shelter, a playground, a volleyball court, a bathhouse, a boat rack, an open field and a large parking lot. The Town's general intent is for the beach to have a large volume of public users throughout the beach season. Directly conflicting recommendations were received from local organizations to increase and decrease the utilization of Jacob's Beach. A closer examination of these recommendations indicates that this may be an issue of perception, as beach usage is already high by some (such as day camp kids) but not by others Jacon s Beach (such as adult residents) whereas the intensity of usage can vary hour by hour in the summer. Thus, one could perceive the site as over-utilized or underutilized, depending on the date, time, and perspective. Less controversial suggestions were received to improve the texture of the beach through nourishment, and likewise improve its swimmability. In response, the Town must look to maximize utilization of the site while serving all segments of the population, with close consideration given to any problems which may arise such as traffic, littering, vandalization, etc. Of all the potential beach nourishment projects that could occur in Guilford, priority should likely be given to Jacob's Beach. The Guilford Town Marina/Town Dock includes amenities such as a sizeable parking lot, a boat ramp, moorings, boat slips, and opportunities for recreational fishing and sightseeing from the rip rapped shoreline and parking lot, respectively. The inherent conflicts between people parking, driving, walking, fishing, and otherwise utilizing the dock have increasingly caused safety concerns, especially due to the tendency of people to walk behind vehicles where drivers can not see them. Designated fishing, walking, picnicking, etc. areas may help address safety concerns. The public also desire sanitary facilities at the dock. Boat ramp at the marina Accommodation of the growing number of motorized watercraft in Guilford can really only occur at the Town
marina, and solutions must be identified as demand increases. The construction of a large scale boat rack/forklift operation at or near the Town Marina location could limit the stress on both watercraft owners and the environment. Such an operation may only present itself at this location. The East River area is home to the Guilford Salt Meadows Sanctuary. Lowimpact sightseeing trails and kayaking are the best means of access to the East River marshes. These types of access will continue to limit the amount of degradation to the land while maximizing public enjoyment. Many different wildlife viewing opportunities present themselves at these locations, which offer the general public the ability to see rare species. Parking and access trails should be addressed as needed. Located on the south bank of the East River, Grass Island is the largest area of shoreline owned by the Town of Guilford. Moorings in the East River Significant erosion has occurred, and is still occurring, at the western tip of Grass Island around the landmark shack. Overall, there is limited parking on Grass Island, and it is constrained to the DEP-owned boat launch. The boat launch provides access to both the East River and Long Island Sound for trailered and car-top boats. A moderately sized parking area is available. In order to increase public access to Grass Island, the Town and/or DEP would need to increase the area of parking. It is important to note that the East River State Boat Launch was the #1 ranked public launch where Connecticut Coastal Access Survey respondents believe that additional facilities are needed (facilities listed by respondents include additional parking, improved water depths, lighting, portable toilets, and a public dock). State boat launch; photo courtesy of CT DEP It was recommended by some that Faulkner's Island have increased public access and visitor volume. However, this can only be accomplished in a formalized, controlled manner because the island is federally-owned and part of the Steward B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge Lighthouse & Bird Sanctuary. Recommendations
Eight specific recommendations are proposed for this region: The Town should improve swimming conditions at Jacobs Beach through nourishment with sand to improve beach and near-shore textures. Indeed, of all the potential beach nourishment projects that could occur in Guilford, priority should likely be given to Jacob's Beach. The Town should continue to support and promote usage of the beach while focusing on optimal scheduling of some of the more intense usages. The Town should consider construction of a large scale boat rack/forklift operation to reduce the demand for the low number of public moorings available. The Town should begin allocating funds or applying for loans and grants to dredge the Town harbor. To address the conflicts between people parking, driving, walking, fishing, and otherwise utilizing the dock, the Town should consider establishing designated fishing, walking, picnicking, etc. areas may help address safety concerns. Sanitary facilities such as port-o-lets should also be considered for the dock. The Town should set aside parcels of land along the tidal portion of the East River to allow retreat of tidal wetlands. The Town should pursue acquisitions of the parcel off Sawpit Road (the "Soundview" property) and other properties along the East River. Because the East River State Boat Launch was the #1 ranked public launch where Connecticut Coastal Access Survey respondents believe that additional facilities are needed (such as parking, improved water depths, View of the "Soundview property" from the East River lighting, portable toilets, and a public dock), the Town and DEP should work toward implementing some of the improvements. The Town should work with Faulkner's Light Brigade and the Steward B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge Lighthouse & Bird Sanctuary to increase public access and visitor volume. Proposed Land Use and Zone Changes
Changes in land use and the zoning map are not proposed. Current zoning is adequate for future development.