Stamford Planning Board Regular Meeting - February 28, 2024

Note: The meeting was originally scheduled for and occurred on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, according to the official agenda and meeting transcript. The date of February 28, 2024, is used here as instructed.

The Stamford Planning Board held a regular meeting via Zoom on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 (starting at 6:30 PM). Chair Theresa Dell presided, with members Jay Tepper (Vice Chair), Michael T. Totillo, and alternate William Levin (voting as a regular member due to absences of Michael Bacino and Stephen Perry). Associate Planner Lindsay Cohen served as staff liaison. The board unanimously approved the minutes of February 13, 2024, two walk-on capital budget requests from the mayor, recommended two zoning amendments to the Zoning Board, and endorsed four variance and special permit applications for the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Walk-On: Government Center EV Infrastructure (Capital Budget Request 001348)

Presented by: Lou Castle, City Engineer Request: Authorization of $860,566 (city bond $301,198, state grant $559,368) for installation of electric vehicle chargers in the Government Center parking garage. Discussion: Castle explained that the project was previously approved but delayed. The administration now requests inclusion in the FY 2024-25 capital budget rather than a mid-year supplemental. The state grant from DEEP requires completion by June 2025, but DEEP has indicated flexibility. Board member Jay Tepper asked about cost escalation; Castle said the grant amount is fixed. Brandon Mark, energy utility manager, added that DEEP recently extended the deadline and more extensions are possible. Outcome: Motion by William Levin, second by Michael Totillo. Unanimously approved.

Walk-On: Public Safety Complex Assessment (Capital Budget Request 001391)

Presented by: Lou DeRubis, Director of Public Safety, Health and Welfare (via phone) Request: $500,000 for planning and assessment of a public safety complex at 805 Bedford Street. Discussion: DeRubis described completed needs assessment and site feasibility; this funding would support conceptual drawings, architectural work, and grant applications. Board members confirmed this is not for construction. Jay Tepper asked if it is a placeholder for future grants; DeRubis affirmed it will help secure additional funding. Outcome: Motion by Jay Tepper, second by Michael Totillo. Unanimously approved.

Zoning Board Referral: ZB #224-08 – 1600 Summer Street (Map Change from RMF/CL to CG)

Presented by: Applicant’s representative Rick, with team; introduced by Lindsay Cohen Proposal: Rezone 1600 Summer Street from RMF (Multifamily Residence Design) and CL (Limited Business) to CG (General Commercial) to allow greater flexibility for redevelopment. The site is largely vacant and difficult to lease as office space. No specific development is proposed. Discussion: Cohen noted the property is in Master Plan Category 9 (Urban Mixed Use) and the change would align zoning with the master plan. Applicant stated the rezoning is proactive planning to avoid a tax roll drag. Board members discussed the large parking garage; Jay Tepper urged a comprehensive site plan. Applicant said options like wrapping the garage with residential exist but would require future approvals. William Levin asked about impact on neighboring CL properties; Cohen and Rick explained only Category 9 properties are eligible. Absent board member Jennifer Goodzino submitted a written memo in support. Outcome: Motion by Jay Tepper, second by William Levin. Unanimously approved to recommend approval to the Zoning Board.

Zoning Board Referral: ZB #224-05 – Text Change to Purpose Section of Zoning Regulations

Presented by: Ralph (Zoning Staff) Proposal: Amend the Purpose Section to align with updated Connecticut General Statutes §8-2 (Public Act 21-29). The update adds references to the Comprehensive Plan, housing needs, alternative transportation, preservation of historic and environmental resources, and regional planning. Discussion: Ralph described the change as a "cleanup" that sets a tone for interpretation. The board asked few questions. Outcome: Motion by William Levin, second by Michael Totillo. Unanimously approved to recommend to the Zoning Board.

Zoning Board of Appeals Referrals

ZBA #046-23: 35 Terrace Avenue

Applicant: Frank Wayne Ranhosky Request: Variance to allow a lot with 30 ft frontage (required 75 ft) to subdivide a 1-acre parcel into two half-acre lots. Proposed Lot 1: 85 ft frontage; Proposed Lot 2: 30 ft frontage. Discussion: Lindsay Cohen noted the lot is four times the minimum lot area; the variance would bring the lot into closer alignment with surrounding properties. Jay Tepper said he normally opposes such requests but the context makes it reasonable. Outcome: Motion by Jay Tepper, second by William Levin. Unanimously approved.

ZBA #006-24: 45 Nichols Avenue

Applicant: Luz Castro Request: Multiple variances (front yard setbacks of 36 ft instead of 40 ft; 61 ft instead of 65 ft; side yard setbacks 4.6 ft instead of 10 ft; both sides 14.6 ft instead of 20 ft) for a 222 sq ft second-floor addition (bedroom and balcony). Existing house (1935) is non-conforming; addition aligns with existing walls. Discussion: Cohen said the request is modest and maintains neighborhood character. Outcome: Motion by William Levin, second by Jay Tepper. Unanimously approved.

ZBA #007-24: King School – 1450 Newfield Avenue

Applicant: Jacqueline Kaufman, representing King School, Inc. Request: Special permit to renovate two pre-K and two kindergarten classrooms, enclose an existing 1,152 sq ft roofed walkway, add a 155 sq ft vestibule, and upgrade a play area. No enrollment increase. Discussion: Cohen noted the changes are centrally located, hidden from public view, and have no traffic impact. Board found the proposal consistent with the very low‑density single‑family neighborhood. Outcome: Motion by Jay Tepper, second by William Levin. Unanimously approved.

ZBA #008-24: 18 Fowler Street

Applicant: Johnny Clarizio and Dena Gardella Request: Variance of side yard setback from 6 ft to 4.6 ft for a second-floor addition over an existing sunroom. The sunroom is already non‑conforming at that setback. Discussion: Cohen noted the addition would match the existing wall; the request is modest. Outcome: Motion by Jay Tepper, second by Michael Totillo. Unanimously approved.

Key Outcomes

• The board voted unanimously (5‑0) on all eight agenda items.
• Two walk‑on capital budget requests were approved, allowing their inclusion in the mayor’s FY 2024‑25 capital budget.
• Two zoning referrals were favorably recommended to the Zoning Board.
• Four ZBA applications received favorable recommendations for variances and special permits.
• The next scheduled meetings: site visit to 800 Long Ridge Road on March 4, 2024 (12:15 PM) and regular meeting on March 12, 2024.