Stamford Planning Board Regular Meeting & Public Hearing - September 27, 2023
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Stamford Planning Board Regular Meeting & Public Hearing - September 27, 2023
The Stamford Planning Board met on Tuesday, September 27, 2023, at approximately 6:40 PM via Zoom. Present were Chair Teresa Dell, regular member Michael Totillo, alternate members William Levin and Stephen Perry. Secretary Jennifer Cozzino and regular member Michael Bacino arrived later. The board approved routine items, heard a detailed presentation on a historic preservation development, and issued recommendations on several zoning board referrals. A previously continued public hearing was postponed again.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes of September 12, 2023: Approved unanimously (motion by Levin, second by Perry).
- License and Use Agreement – Boys & Girls Club of Stamford and Stamford Public Schools: Approved unanimously. The agreement licenses 3,411 sq. ft. of classroom space for the SPS STEPS therapeutic program for high school students with socioemotional/mental health challenges. Term: December 1, 2023 through end of 2023-24 school year; Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.; fee $3,500/month (utilities included). Dr. Michael Fernandez (Associate Superintendent for Student Support) answered questions.
- District Office Lease Agreement – City of Stamford and Hon. James A. Himes: Approved unanimously. Lease of 966 sq. ft. on the 10th floor of Government Center for two years (beginning January 3, 2023, ending January 2, 2025). Monthly rent: Year 1 = $2,094.52; Year 2 = $2,390.05. Chris (city staff) explained the lease covers congressman’s term.
Public Comments & Testimony
- A public hearing for Master Plan Amendment #MP-444 (961 Long Ridge Road & 16 Wire Mill Road) was scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM but was postponed by the applicant (Joseph J. Capalbo, II) due to unforeseen circumstances. Chair Dell announced the hearing will be continued on November 28, 2023, noting that October meetings are reserved for the capital budget process.
Discussion Items
- ZB Application #223-36 – G & T Taylor Street, LLC (12 & 18 Taylor Street): Special Permit, Coastal Site Plan Review, and CRI addition. Applicant proposes to preserve the historic 1890 home at 18 Taylor Street, retain the existing home at 12 Taylor Street, and add 13 new units (total 18 units) with landscaping and site improvements. Density relief from 16 to 18 units; lot coverage of 35.6% (down from originally requested 37%); parking of 24.5 spaces (including 0.5 for EV) in lieu of 30.75 required; reduced side yard setbacks. Two existing Section 8 units will remain; two additional units will be deed-restricted at 50% AMI for the life of the structure (total four affordable units). HPAC, EPB, Harbor Management, and Fire Marshal have supported or conditioned approval. Board discussion focused on open space vs. parking. The board voted to recommend approval to the Zoning Board with a recommendation that two parking spaces be removed to reduce impervious surface and increase usable open space (motion by Levin, second by Totillo; unanimous).
- ZBA Application #024-23 – 46 Kenilworth Drive West: Variance for rear yard setbacks for a second-story addition and deck. Staff recommended approval as the addition stays within existing footprint. Board voted to recommend approval unanimously.
- ZBA Application #027-23 – 1786 Bedford Street: Variance for height and use of an accessory garage. Applicant (architectural firm) wants to convert an existing one-story garage into a three-story, 31-ft structure for office/showroom use. Staff recommended approval for a two-story version only. Board discussed concerns about height and massing; members agreed to recommend approval for a two-story structure only (approximately 20 ft) and to maintain the existing garage footprint. Motion by Levin, second by Bacino; unanimous.
- ZBA Application #032-23 – 81 Central Street: Variance for front and side yard setbacks to expand second story within existing footprint. Staff recommended approval. Board voted to recommend approval unanimously.
- ZBA Application #033-23 – 106 Bouton Street West: Variance for front setbacks for a covered landing and second-story addition within footprint. Staff recommended approval. Board voted to recommend approval unanimously.
- ZBA Application #035-23 – 29 Underhill Street: Variance for front yard setbacks on Underhill and Arlington Streets for a second-story addition over existing footprint. Staff recommended approval due to undersized lot. Board voted to recommend approval unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- All consent items approved unanimously.
- ZB #223-36 recommended to Zoning Board for approval with the recommendation to remove two parking spaces for additional green space (unanimous).
- ZBA #027-23 recommended for approval only as a two-story structure (unanimous); all other ZBA referrals recommended for approval as submitted (unanimous).
- The public hearing for MP-444 (Horn & Hoof Properties) was postponed to November 28, 2023.
- Upcoming meetings: October 10, 17, and 24 (capital budget); October 31 meeting cancelled (Halloween).
- Michael Bacino appointed to represent the board on a committee for West Hill High School.
- Chair Dell reminded members to consider a joint holiday dinner with Zoning Board and ZBA.
Meeting Transcript
Start recording. Yeah, we just have to wait until at least one of them comes. Just never want to forget that. Yeah, I didn't hear from either of them today, so they should be here. No, I don't have anything on anything. Is there a five question? Think under new old business. I'll mention that we really have to have people here on time. Bill Levin is saying he can't get in. I'm gonna tell him to try again. Either try again or try the um the public access link available on the agenda. Do you want me to reach out to is it Michael Pacino and Jennifer Godzina that you haven't heard from yet? Well, Michael Pacino, I heard from remember I said he's going to be late. Okay. Yes. I haven't heard from Jennifer yet. Let's send her a message. Bill is trying again. Okay. I sent him a text. Bill had a trouble the last time too. Lindsay, are we sending to both of his emails the.gov and his personal one? I don't know which Terry sends, which uh Leslie sends it to. I'll have to remind Leslie to make sure she sends it to his personal one too. I know I've told him to please use the government ID, but I think she probably goes with the government one. I would think so. The law department has asked that we've that one. No, I don't apologize to those waiting to start. We are waiting for two members of the board. Bill says he's still trying. Maybe send him a copy of the agenda and tell him to use it. Yep, I'll do that right now. Thank you. And you sent a message to Jennifer. I did send a message to Jennifer. I will I I can CC her on this email. They just in case they're having a problem too. All right, I just sent Bill and Jennifer the public access link. Okay, thank you. You're welcome. I wish there was a way for me to send them. The panelists. Yeah, but I'm not I don't know how to do that. Now is each panelist private. Oh, there's Bill. Yeah, it's a unique link. Okay. Associated with. Okay, well, now that there's four of us, if we'll give Jennifer one more minute. If she's not here, we'll start without her.
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