Stamford Planning Board Regular Meeting – March 13, 2024 (Note: Transcript states March 12, but meeting metadata indicates March 13)

The Stamford Planning Board held a regular meeting on the evening of March 13, 2024 (though the transcript opens with "Tonight is Tuesday, March the twelfth," creating a date discrepancy). Chair Teresa Dell presided. The board considered five applications: three zoning board text changes, one site plan/special permit for a large mixed-use redevelopment, and one variance referral. The board also approved minutes from prior meetings and discussed upcoming comprehensive plan issues.

Consent Calendar

• Regular Meeting Minutes (Feb 27, 2024) – Approved unanimously.
• Special Meeting Minutes (March 4, 2024 – 8:45 AM) – Approved unanimously by the four members present.
• Special Meeting/Site Visit Minutes (March 4, 2024 – 12:15 PM) – Approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

• ZB Application 2238 – 800 Long Ridge Road LLC – Redevelopment of the former Xerox headquarters (25.26 acres, vacant office) into four buildings with 354 apartments (186 one-bedroom, 148 two-bedroom, 23 three-bedroom) and 9,394 sq ft of commercial space. Applicant seeks special permit for multifamily use (allowed in CD zone) and exemption from a 6-foot sidewalk requirement due to site constraints (steep slopes, pond, utilities). The board and staff noted alignment with the 2015 Master Plan (policies 3b2, 6A1, 6C2). Neighbors submitted ~80 letters, mostly opposed. Board members expressed mixed views: some concerned about height (4 stories), density (15 units/acre effective), and commercial character; others supported the project as a better alternative to townhome sprawl and needed housing. A traffic study showed net reduction of 206 AM trips and 185 PM trips compared to full office occupancy. Board voted to recommend approval with conditions: (1) improved sidewalks for full pedestrian access to Long Ridge Road, and (2) commercial uses restricted to those primarily serving residents (e.g., daycare), not destination retail.

• ZB Applications 22401 & 22402 – 31 Maple Tree LLC – Text change to Section 7.3 (parking standards for historic preservation) and site plan for a historic home (built 1921‑22) plus rear addition of four 3‑bedroom apartments (total 6 units). The home would be preserved as two 2‑bedroom apartments. Density consistent with R5 zone; height under 40 ft but requiring a fourth story (allowed under preservation incentives). HPAC recommended simplifying the addition’s dormers. Board voted to recommend approval for both applications, with condition to follow HPAC’s architectural simplification recommendations.

• ZB Application 22406 – Senior Housing Text Change – Proposed update to zoning regulations: replace “elderly” with “senior,” reduce minimum age from 62 to 55, add definitions for independent living, residential care facilities, continuing care retirement communities, and senior/disabled day services. Also reduces parking for assisted living and memory care. Board supported unanimously, noting the need for affordable senior housing.

• ZB Application 22407 – Zoning Regulations Reorganization – Consolidates sections (e.g., approvals moved to Section 2, historic preservation to Section 8) and updates cross‑references. No substantive changes. Approved unanimously.

• ZBA Application 00924 – 619 Fairfield Avenue – Variance request to allow an access way for three single‑family lots (replacing a non‑conforming two‑family dwelling) in an R7.5 zone. The site is ~1 acre, landlocked behind existing houses. The proposed access way would serve five lots total (two existing, three new). Fire marshal approved a hammerhead turnaround design. Concern over visitor parking and neighbor notification. Board voted to recommend approval with condition that the access way follow the fire marshal‑approved plan and that neighbor input be solicited during the later subdivision approval.

Key Outcomes

• 800 Long Ridge Road: Motion to recommend approval (passed unanimously) with conditions on sidewalks and commercial use restriction.
• 31 Maple Tree (text change and site plan): Both motions to recommend approval passed unanimously, with condition to adopt HPAC design recommendations.
• Senior Housing Text Change: Motion to recommend approval passed unanimously.
• Zoning Reorganization Text Change: Motion to recommend approval passed unanimously.
• 619 Fairfield Avenue: Motion to recommend approval passed unanimously, with the condition that the access way design match the fire marshal‑approved hammerhead plan.
• Next regular meetings scheduled for March 26, April 9, and April 30, 2024.