Rear Admiral Stosz 'overwhelmed' by Norwich visit

Norwich – Rear Adm. Sandra L. Stosz, superintendent of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, spent more than two hours this afternoon having lunch with top city officials and touring the former Shipping Street area for possible academy expansion.

"This land is available," Mayor Peter Nystrom said as they viewed the vacant lots between the New England Central freight rail tracks and the Thames River. "It needs some things done, but it's suitable for any type of development."

The meeting and tour were arranged to discuss possible Coast Guard Academy expansion into Norwich after New London voters rejected a plan to sell a portion of Riverside Park adjacent to the academy to the Coast Guard. While Nystrom is on record supporting the academy expansion in New London, if that can't happen, Norwich wants to be considered.

"Certainly Norwich was kind enough to offer that they are here and there are expansion opportunities here if that can't be accomplished in New London," Stosz said after a private luncheon with city officials and prior to the visit to Shipping Street properties.

Even if the Coast Guard Academy doesn't expand in Norwich, the academy will have a greater presence in the community perhaps as soon as this summer.

Along with expansion talks, the parties discussed bringing the Coast Guard Band to Norwich for a waterfront concert this summer, and for a concert in the new Kelly Middle School Auditorium.

Cadets also might be paired up with local students learning to sail in a proposed sailing program at Norwich Harbor, Stosz said.

And the academy baseball team could play a home game or two at the Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium.

"I'm overwhelmed with the hospitality that has been expressed here today for the Coast Guard Academy," Stosz said as the group prepared to leave Shipping Street for a visit to the Howard T. Brown Memorial Park, where the outdoor summer concerts are held. "I've met a whole new group of people who support us."

c.bessette@theday.com