Stamford Committee Meeting on CMDA and School Demolitions – January 26, 2026

On January 26, 2026, the committee, chaired by Glenn Price and joined by Representative Hughes, met to discuss three major items: opting into the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority (CMDA) and approving phased demolitions for Roxbury School and West Hill High School. The meeting included public comment, discussion, and votes on all three items.

Consent Calendar

• No consent calendar items were present.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dave Adams opposed the CMDA, arguing that gap funding increases developer profit without lowering rents, and that past housing supply increases have failed to create affordable housing and have led to gentrification.
• Christopher Dawson supported the CMDA, stating it would help Stamford stimulate transit-oriented development and address the housing crisis, noting $60 million in capital authorization and $30 million more next fiscal year.
• Megan Catrell, a former Board of Representatives member, expressed caution, stating that past programs like tax increment financing and opportunity zones did not create affordable housing and have facilitated gentrification. She emphasized the need for housing that prioritizes municipal workers.
• Michael Moore (President of Stamford Downtown) advocated for CMDA membership, highlighting the potential for investment near the Stamford Transportation Center to grow the grand list and promote mass transit.
• Gina Calabrisi opposed CMDA, noting Stamford has already added thousands of transit-oriented housing units downtown, leading to gentrification, and questioned the need for state incentives for developers. She called for more single-family homes and starter homes.
• Paula Waldman opposed CMDA, raising concerns about loss of local control, transparency, and mission creep, and urged that strong opt-out provisions and public input be required.
• Junyun Lim supported CMDA, stating that as a downtown resident without a car, he values housing options near the train station and sees CMDA guidance as valuable.

Discussion Items

• CMDA Resolution (LU32.001): Representative Finkel noted that the municipality retains full autonomy over any CMDA suggestions. Representative Fields asked whether the partnership would deliver affordable units and address infrastructure needs. David Corus (CMDA) responded that CMDA works within local regulations and can fund infrastructure, but has no affordability requirement; priorities are set by the municipality through a memorandum of agreement. Representative Boudreau clarified that projects must exhaust traditional capitalization options before using CMDA funds. Director Kagan stated that an initial priority is transit-oriented development and housing, and that the city's existing policy would result in additional affordable housing. Representative Terry Adams questioned whether CMDA would incentivize specific housing types (workforce, senior) and whether affordability requirements would be tied to funding; Corus noted that CMDA does not have its own affordability requirements but would prioritize projects with more affordable units if the city directs it.
• Roxbury School Demolition (LU32.002): Catherine Lobalbo (Director of School Construction) presented a phased demolition plan for Roxbury School to allow the school to remain operational during construction of a new K-3 school. The project, which began in 2022 with a 60% state-funded grant, includes site enabling in summer 2026, construction in 2026-2028, and eventual demolition of the existing building. No questions were asked by committee members.
• West Hill High School Demolition (LU32.003): Catherine Lobalbo presented a phased demolition plan for West Hill High School, noting the project is ahead of Roxbury and bids are awaited. Construction is set to begin in April 2026. Representative Camparelli inquired about plans for a potential new entrance/exit on Long Ridge Road to alleviate congestion. Lobalbo noted that the traffic department is advocating for that connection, but it requires state approval.

Key Outcomes

• CMDA Resolution (LU32.001): Approved by a roll call vote of 8-0-0 (8 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions).
• Roxbury School Demolition (LU32.002): Approved by a roll call vote of 8-0-0 (8 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions).
• West Hill High School Demolition (LU32.003): Approved by a roll call vote of 8-0-0 (8 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions).
• The meeting was adjourned at 8:09 p.m. on January 26, 2026.