Stamford Planning Board Regular Meeting – May 24, 2023

This was the regular meeting of the Stamford Planning Board, held via Zoom webinar. The board approved minutes, several capital project appropriations, zoning text changes, and zoning board of appeals referrals. A discussion on cannabis regulation was tabled to June 13. Extensive discussion on proposed charter revisions affecting land use boards took place under New Business. Note: The agenda lists the meeting date as May 23, 2023, but the provided metadata specifies May 24, 2023. This summary uses the given date.

Consent Calendar & Unanimous Approvals

• Minutes of May 9, 2023 – Approved unanimously.
• Park Amenities Upgrade (CP0122) – Acceptance of $25,000 private donation from Terra Green, LLC for Cubeta Stadium bleacher removal and seating power‑washing/painting. Unanimous.
• Supplemental Capital Project Appropriations (all approved unanimously):
  • Harbor Boat Lodge (CP01345) – $20,000 state grant for a feasibility study on a public boat launch.
  • Cummings Marina Restoration (CP3348) – $197,427.29 state grant for engineering and permitting for marina replacement (post‑Hurricane Sandy).
  • Citywide Dredging (CP0231) – $1,595,520 state grant for Cove Marina channel dredging (post‑Hurricane Sandy).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No oral public testimony was taken on any item. Letters regarding the cannabis text change were received but not distributed to board members in time; they will be reviewed before the June 13 discussion.

Discussion Items

1. Zoning Board Referral – Cannabis / Marijuana Text Change (ZB #223‑17(MOD)) – The board discussed proposed regulations for adult‑use cannabis, including a 1,000‑foot buffer from public schools, a cap of one dispensary per 20,000 residents, and new rules for smoke shops (special permit, same buffers and signage restrictions). Members expressed concerns about excluding private schools, the 1,000‑foot distance, and the 2,000‑foot distance between cannabis stores (reduced from 3,000 feet under medical marijuana rules). After extensive debate, the board voted to table the matter to the June 13 meeting to allow review of public letters and to formulate specific recommendations.
2. Zoning Board Referral – Substantial Renovations Text Change (ZB #223‑22) – A proposal to create a uniform definition of “substantial renovation or alteration” (50% of structure value over 5 years) triggering requirements for sidewalks, electric vehicle charging (increased from 5% to 10% of parking spaces), bicycle parking, BMR units, etc. Approved unanimously.
3. Master Plan Amendment #MP‑442 (91 Hope Street) – Continued from March 28 and April 25; the applicant could not complete the zoning map change application. Continued to June 27.
4. Zoning Board of Appeals Referrals (all approved unanimously):
   • Young Israel of Stamford (63 & 69 Oaklawn Ave) – Variances and special permit for a new synagogue with 22 on‑site parking spaces (up from 18), a 10‑foot planted buffer on the east side, and phased construction to allow continued worship. Revised plan addressed neighbor concerns. Unanimous.
   • Rocco Longo (69 Turn of River Road) – Variances for a second‑story addition and garage on a corner lot, with reduced front yard setbacks along Gerik Road. Unanimous.
   • Conor Hickey & Suzanne Marsalisi (168 Stamford Ave) – Variances to legalize existing non‑conforming outdoor fireplace, barbecue, and generator on a corner lot. Unanimous.
   • Donald Broggi (736 Den Road) – Variance to allow a 15‑foot side yard setback (instead of 25 feet) for a two‑story addition on a lot constrained by wetlands and a conservation easement. Unanimous.

Key Outcomes

• All votes were unanimous; several approvals were granted.
• Cannabis text change discussion tabled to June 13, 2023, with board members to send recommendations to the Zoning Board.
• Master Plan Amendment continued to June 27, 2023.
• Board formulated positions on the proposed charter revisions (to be presented at a public hearing on May 24, 2023 at 7:00 PM). Key positions included:
  • Opposition to joint public hearings; each board should hold its own.
  • Support for maintaining board discretion on same‑day decisions after public hearings.
  • Recommendation that petition signatures to overturn land‑use decisions be limited to adult residents within a half‑mile radius of the project, with a 30% signature threshold (rather than 300 citywide landowners).
  • Clarification that condominium owners and renters should be eligible as residents.
  • Opposition to a mandatory 24‑month refiling ban; 12 months preferred.
  • Concern about vague charges for proposed new commissions (housing, diversity) without defined duties.