Stamford Planning Board Regular Meeting - September 14, 2023

Note: The transcript and agenda state the meeting was held on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, but the provided date for this summary is September 14, 2023. This discrepancy is noted.

The Stamford Planning Board held a regular meeting via Zoom webinar, starting at 6:30 PM and adjourning around 9:30 PM. Chair Terry Dell presided, joined by members Michael Buccino, Jennifer Godzino, Secretary, and alternates William Levin and Stephen Perry (voting as regular members due to absences). Associate Planner Lindsay Cohen was also present. The board reviewed three zoning board referrals, a subdivision extension, and a zoning board of appeals variance request. No public hearings were held; public comment periods will occur at later zoning board meetings.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the August 29, 2023 meeting were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public testimony was taken, as this was a discussion meeting. However, Chair Dell noted that numerous letters were received regarding the 900 Long Ridge Road application (some for, some against) and were made part of the record. A late letter from Paul Arvoy was also entered into the record for the Nautilus Botanicals application.

Discussion Items

• ZB Application #223-32 – Nautilus Botanicals Hybrid Cannabis Retail (1110 East Main Street): The applicant, represented by Lisa Feinberg, proposed a hybrid cannabis dispensary in a vacant building in the C-N zone, approximately 3,700 feet from the nearest existing dispensary. The project includes removing two drive-throughs, adding parking (total 6 spaces, plus 8 off-site employee spaces), and modest facade updates. The board discussed parking adequacy, with Chair Dell expressing concern that 6 spaces were insufficient based on observations at other dispensaries. She suggested adding a recommendation for online ordering to speed customer turnover. Staff (Lindsay Cohen) recommended approval, noting the use aligns with the master plan and similar approvals (e.g., CuraLeaf). The board voted unanimously to recommend approval to the Zoning Board, with a condition that the applicant consider implementing online ordering at the start of operations. The issue of additional parking was not added as a condition but was discussed.
• ZB Application #223-34 – 900 Long Ridge Road Redevelopment (508 apartments, 20,000 sq ft non-residential): Applicant Richard Redniss presented plans to convert an underutilized office campus into a multifamily residential development with 508 apartments (56 studios, 235 one-bedroom, 202 two-bedroom, 15 three-bedroom), 51 affordable units, and publicly accessible nature trails. The board discussed traffic impacts (finding that the proposed use would generate less peak-hour traffic than fully occupied office), unit mix, potential for transit (limited), school children generation (low), and tax benefits. Member Michael Buccino voted against, citing a desire for a more holistic review of office park conversions citywide before approving individual projects. Other members supported the project, noting it aligns with master plan goals. The board voted 4-1 to recommend approval, with recommendations that the applicant consider a sidewalk on the access road and incorporate security measures for the trail system.
• Subdivision #4046 – Extension of Time for Final Map (29 Intervale Road, 131 & 139 Turn of River Road): The applicant requested a second extension to December 20, 2023, to file the final map for an 11-lot subdivision. Staff noted the final map was under review. The board approved unanimously.
• ZBA Application #029-23 – Variance at 36 Rutz Street: Applicant Roselyn Vassilatos sought a variance to expand an existing porch from 9 ft x 8 ft to 12 ft x 22 ft, requiring a rear yard setback of 7.8 ft (required 30 ft). She presented photos showing the steep grade, large rock, and limited usable backyard space. Staff initially recommended against the variance but changed their position after hearing the applicant's explanation that the full landscape plan would not be feasible. The board approved the variance unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• ZB #223-32 (Nautilus Botanicals): Motion to recommend approval with online ordering condition passed unanimously (4-0, with one abstention? Actually all four voting members approved).
• ZB #223-34 (900 Long Ridge Road): Motion to recommend approval passed 4-1 (Michael Buccino opposed).
• Subdivision #4046 (Extension): Approved unanimously.
• ZBA #029-23 (36 Rutz Street): Variance approved unanimously.
• Next Meetings: September 26, 2023 (regular meeting with public hearings), October 10, 2023 (capital budget meeting). The board also agreed to consider an additional Wednesday meeting in October for regular business if needed.