Darien Board Of Finance To Weigh $617K For Great Island Early Access Project

DARIEN, CT — The Darien Board of Finance is scheduled to consider a $617,250 appropriation and bonding authorization to fund planning and design work for early public access improvements at Great Island during its regular meeting Tuesday night.

The request would appropriate and bond funds for contract design drawings and related services tied to the Great Island early access project, including engineering, permitting and bid-ready construction documents .

According to the resolution materials, the funding would cover planning, architectural and schematic designs, construction documents, permits, bidding and procurement, along with administrative, legal and financing costs.

The work is intended to support improvements needed to safely open portions of the property to the public.

An accompanying memo from Selectman Monica McNally says the proposed scope focuses on "safe vehicular access, parking, and ADA-compliant circulation," and does not include construction at this stage .

Elements may include roadway and traffic-circle modifications, parking areas, drainage and stormwater work, pedestrian access, lighting and landscape design.

The recommended appropriation breakdown lists $468,481 for design services, plus contingency, construction management, consulting, legal and bond-related costs, totaling $617,250.

Also under discussion and action, the board is expected to review plans for an April 2026 bond and note issue.

Separately, the board is scheduled to discuss and take action on a request to transfer $18,516 to various part-time salary accounts to support wage adjustments for town staff .

The meeting is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, at Darien Town Hall, Room 206 .

Public comment is listed on the agenda. Residents may speak in person for up to three minutes during the designated period or submit written comments by email prior to the meeting.

View the full agenda and associated materials here.