Stamford Planning Board Special Meeting on Capital Budget

On Friday, February 24, 2023, at 12:15 PM, the Stamford Planning Board held a special virtual meeting to consider three capital budget projects proposed by Mayor Simmons under Charter Section C8-20-6. The board unanimously approved all three projects, with recommendations to prioritize community engagement and use of federal ARP funds.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Barry (Stamford Coalition principal and resident of Idlewood Drive) opposed the Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities Implementation project (CP8705) as it pertains to the Pepper Ridge neighborhood. He argued that a hastily called Zoom meeting with minimal notice failed to address residents' real concerns about traffic safety, speeding, and dangerous conditions near a school. He called the project a "waste of money" and requested that any work in Pepper Ridge be brought back to the community for proper discussion before funds are allocated. He also raised concerns about the safety of proposed "bump outs" and lack of follow-up from the city.

Discussion Items

• Project #CP8711 – Traffic/Road Paving & Drainage ($500,000 bonds): Presented by Josie Carpanzano, Deputy Director of Operations. The project would create a dedicated fund to complement utility company restoration payments, enabling curb-to-curb repaving rather than partial restorations that lead to recurring road damage. The board noted past attempts to include this in the budget and supported its necessity.
• Project #C56241 – Traffic Management Studies ($500,000 ARP): Presented by Frank Petise, Transportation Bureau Chief. Approximately $300,000 would fund a comprehensive transportation study for the Cove and Eastside neighborhoods in partnership with the ongoing master plan, and $200,000 would support a Road Safety Audit (RSA) on Washington Boulevard from Point to Station Place, focusing on pedestrian and vehicular safety. The study will take about four months and include public input.
• Project #CP8705 – Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities Implementation ($500,000 ARP): Presented by Frank Petise. The funds would implement safety improvements identified through neighborhood studies in Hubbard Heights (further along) and Pepper Ridge. Public feedback has been gathered, and a draft report exists for Hubbard Heights. The board discussed Barry's objections and the importance of community engagement. Members agreed to approve the full amount while recommending that the city focus on the Pepper Ridge area and hold more formal public meetings before implementation.

Key Outcomes

• Project #CP8711: Motion by Jennifer Gozzino, seconded by Michael Buccino. Approved unanimously. The board recommended that the city explore using additional ARP funds to replace bond funds for this project.
• Project #C56241: Motion by Jennifer Gozzino, seconded by Stephen Perry. Approved unanimously.
• Project #CP8705: Motion by Jay Tepper, seconded by Michael Buccino. Approved unanimously. The board's referral letter to the mayor will include a recommendation to prioritize the Pepper Ridge area and to ensure community engagement before implementation.
• The board will forward its recommendations to the mayor, noting the concerns raised by the public and the board's emphasis on transparency and local input, particularly for the Pepper Ridge neighborhood.