Stamford Planning Board Regular Meeting & Public Hearing - June 28, 2023

The Stamford Planning Board convened a regular meeting and public hearing on June 28, 2023, via Zoom webinar. Chair Theresa Dell presided, with members Michael Cotillo, Jay Tepper, William Levin, Michael Pacino, and Stephen Perry participating. Jennifer Gazzino was absent. The board approved minutes, three grant-funded capital projects, and a zoning variance referral, then held two public hearings on master plan amendments and companion zoning map changes.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: June 13, 2023 minutes approved unanimously.
• Supplemental Capital Project Appropriations (all 100% state grant-funded, no city match):
  • Cummings Pond Area Flood and Ecological Resilience Plan: $481,125 for hydraulic/hydrological analysis and concept plans. Approved unanimously.
  • DEEP Resiliency and Climate Adaptation Implementation: $210,750 for tree inventory, heat monitoring, and coastal flood resiliency planning. Approved unanimously.
  • Toilsome Brook Flood Resilience Plan: $598,125 for analysis and concept-level plans to address recurrent flooding. Approved unanimously.

Zoning Board of Appeals Referral

• ZBA Application #021-23 – 282 Selleck Street: Variance request to rebuild a fire-damaged two-family residence with an attached one-car garage, including a side yard setback of 0.6 ft (vs. 0 or 4 ft) and expansion of a non-conforming use. The existing structure was 1,937 sq ft; proposed 2,022 sq ft plus a 393 sq ft deck. The board approved the referral unanimously.

Public Hearings & Discussion Items

Master Plan Amendment #MP-442 and ZB #223-23 – 91 Hope Street

• Applicant (Joseph Capalbo, attorney) proposed changing the Master Plan designation from Category #2 (Residential Low Density Single-Family) to Category #3 (Residential Low Density Multifamily) and rezoning from R-7½ to RM-1. The illustrative plan showed 27 townhouse units (down from an earlier 44-unit concept), with two-car garages per unit and a preserved existing house. The applicant emphasized the site as a transitional zone between single-family and multifamily areas.
• Public comments: Shelley Michelson (111 Idaho Drive) suggested waiting for the new Master Plan; Joanne Cornacki (neighbor) supported reducing units to 25 for more green space; Francis Lane (public trustee on the Stamford Affordable Housing Trust Fund) stressed the importance of BMR homeownership; Laurie Constantine (3 Howes Avenue) opposed the height and density, citing neighborhood character.
• Board discussion: Members expressed support for the concept but urged reducing units to 25, adding recreational space, and addressing affordability (committing to three on-site BMR units rather than a buyout). The board voted unanimously to approve both the Master Plan amendment and the zoning map change, with recommendations for these modifications.

Master Plan Amendment #MP-444 and ZB #223-29 – 961 Long Ridge Road & 16 Wire Mill Road

• Applicant proposed changing the designation from Category #2 to Category #3 and rezoning from R-10 to RM-1 for a 2.6-acre corner property. The plan showed 19 townhouse units (likely 17–18), retention of existing commercial buildings, and a natural wetland buffer. Traffic studies indicated no impact on level of service, but many residents disagreed.
• Public comments (numerous, all opposing): Rick Furman (387 Wire Mill Road) cited dangerous traffic and speeding; Paula Waldman (110 Old North Stamford Road) opposed precedent and safety; Michael Kelleck (4 Hunting Lane) raised wetland and traffic concerns; Joanne Manjone (50 Lochern Ave) cited increased school bus times; Helen Coven (56 Wire Mill Road) said the community was not notified; Gus Papa Demetrio (23-year resident) noted lack of outreach; Barry Michelson (Stamford Neighborhood Coalition) urged denial; Amy Fishkow (17 Hunting Lane) warned of traffic and property values; Carol Baer (via Paula Waldman) detailed daily congestion; several others echoed these concerns.
• Board discussion: Members expressed skepticism about the location, traffic, and density. Chair Dell suggested a postponement to allow the applicant to meet with neighbors and refine the proposal. The board voted unanimously to continue the public hearing to August 29, 2023.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes from June 13, 2023.
• Approved three supplemental capital project appropriations totaling $1,290,000 (all grant-funded).
• Approved ZBA referral for 282 Selleck Street.
• Approved Master Plan Amendment #MP-442 and ZB #223-23 for 91 Hope Street, with recommendations to consider 25 units, more green space, and three BMR units.
• Postponed Master Plan Amendment #MP-444 and ZB #223-29 for 961 Long Ridge Road/16 Wire Mill Road to August 29, 2023, to allow further community engagement and revision.
• Noted no meetings in July; next regular meeting August 15 (if needed) and August 29 (regular & public hearing).