Stamford Picks Interim Boatyard Operator

STAMFORD, Conn. — L.N. “Skip” Gardella became the newest character in the ongoing boatyard saga in Stamford on Monday.

The Norwalk resident will run an interim boatyard, where Brewer’s Yacht Haven used to be in the city’s South End, while remediation work is done at the site. The city’s Zoning Board approved the interim yard at its meeting Monday night, after Building and Land Technology announced the hiring of Gardella.

The interim boatyard will provide most of the same services on the site, or at facilities nearby, said a letter from John Freeman, executive vice president of Building and Land Technology, which developed Harbor Point. The hours of operation will be the same as Brewer’s or longer, Gardella said.

In addition to his duties in Stamford, Gardella is president and founder of Norwalk Marine Construction, and his family has operated boatyards in the area for the past 75 years, a Building and Land Technology statement said. Those yards include Norwalk Cove Marina and Rex Marine Center.

Gardella’s agreement with the developer is for 24 months but can be increased or decreased based on the work at the site. Although no definite plans were announced, Gardella said he hopes to open a fully operational boatyard after the work is completed.

“We’re looking forward to a long relationship with the Gardellas,” Freeman said during Monday’s public hearing.

The boatyard will return to the board’s agenda in May when Harbor Point presents a proposal for remediation of the property, Freeman said. He added that a final site plan for the boatyard will come in June. 

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