Stamford Operations, Parks & Rec Committee Meeting - January 22, 2026

The Operations, Parks and Recreation committee of the Stamford Board of Representatives met on January 22, 2026 at 7:01 PM to review two agenda items. The primary discussion focused on the Eversource Underground Cable Modernization Project (UCMP), a major utility upgrade to replace aging transmission lines between the Glenbrook and Cedar Heights substations. The committee also heard a resolution to adjust building permit fees for large commercial projects. Chair Representative Sanford presided. A quorum was declared with Representatives Sanford, Bradford, Didalow, Finkel, Gardner, and Zachery present; Representatives Beckham and Silas were excused. Later in the meeting, Representative Zachary and Beckham joined, as well as non-committee members Representatives Morrison, Worse, Adams, and Walson.

Discussion Items

• OPR 32.001 – Eversource Cable Modernization Project Review Representative Didalow introduced the item, noting the project is a five-mile underground transmission line connecting the Glenbrook and Cedar Heights substations. The need arises from two 115 kV lines built in 1968 using oil-filled cable technology that is no longer supportable. The replacement uses solid cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cable. Construction began in December 2025 and is expected to continue through Q2 2028. Key impacts include installation of 26 large vaults (approximately 20 feet by 8 feet each) along the route, which follows streets including Duke Drive, Cedar Heights Road, High Ridge Road, Vine Road, Newfield Avenue, Strawberry Hill Avenue, Colonial Road, Pilgrim Walk, Hope Street, Schofield Avenue, Glenbrook Road, Windell Place, and Hamilton Avenue. The vaults require multi-week excavations, with two to five vaults installed concurrently. Luke Buttonweisser, city transportation planner, described traffic management plans including restrictions on work hours (starting after 9 AM, ending before 3–4 PM), summer scheduling for school zones, and coordination with emergency services. City Engineer Lewis Casolo noted that 46 excavation permits have been issued so far for testing and design work. Monthly coordination meetings are being held. Eversource representatives Glenn McDonald, Stephanie Berrios, Eric Barber, and Carlos Almiron, along with contractor Brendan Parker of United Civil, presented. They highlighted community outreach efforts including door-to-door notifications, mailed letters in English and Spanish, public information sessions, a project hotline, and a bilingual project website. Lessons learned from Danbury and Hartford projects were also discussed, including winter work restrictions and proactive community communication.
• OPR 32.002 – Building Permit Fee Resolution on Commercial Projects Representative Budreau introduced a resolution to reduce building permit fees for commercial projects over $1.3 million from the current rate of $35.26 per $1,000 of construction cost to $25.26 per $1,000. The representative stated Stamford's current fee is the highest among peer cities, comparing to Norwalk ($20.26), Waterbury ($25.26), Hartford ($30.26), Bridgeport (same), and New Rochelle (approximately $17.00). The argument was that high fees increase rents for businesses and tenants, and that reducing fees is a straightforward step within the Board's authority.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments or testimony were recorded.

Key Outcomes

• Eversource Project: No formal vote was taken. The committee received the presentation with appreciation and encouraged continued community outreach. The committee agreed to share the Eversource presentation and hotline information with constituents and board members.
• Building Permit Fee Resolution: The committee took the matter under advisement. No vote was taken on the resolution during this meeting. The committee then approved a motion to enter executive session to discuss pending administrative claims and litigation. The motion was made and seconded, with a vote required to proceed.