Stamford Planning Board Regular Meeting – May 1, 2024

The Stamford Planning Board held a regular meeting on May 1, 2024 (noting the transcript states the meeting was on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 6:30 PM; the official date provided for this summary is May 1, 2024). Chair Theresa Dell presided. All five regular members were present, along with two alternates and associate planner Lindsay Cohen. The board unanimously approved all agenda items, including licenses, capital project appropriations, a subdivision, and three zoning variance referrals.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (April 9, 2024): The minutes from the previous regular meeting were approved unanimously. Member Michael Totillo abstained as he was absent for that meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• One written public comment was received and distributed to the board regarding Subdivision #4050 (1295 Chapan Avenue). The comment expressed support, noting the two-lot subdivision aligns with the residential character of the area.

Discussion Items

• Family Center School-Based Health Clinic License Agreement – Turn of River Middle School: Catherine Labalbo (City of Stamford) and Dennis Torres (Family Centers) presented a request to authorize a five-year license agreement for Family Centers to use and improve a 1,250-square-foot underutilized locker room space into a school-based health clinic. The clinic will provide medical and mental health services, funded by a federal grant secured through Congressman Himes. Family Centers operates five similar clinics in Stamford schools. The agreement is complementary to existing school services. The board approved unanimously.

• Capital Project Closeouts and Supplemental Appropriations: Anthony Romano (Office of Policy & Management) presented three items:

  1. Closeout of Major Bridge Replacement (CP3320): Two closeouts totaling $1,569,935 (state grant) and $1,779,200 (bond) were approved to reallocate funds to a new Hunting Ridge Road Bridge project.
  2. Julia A. Stark Elementary School Long-Term Facility Plan: Authorization increase of $4,158,249 for a $14,347,081 project (60% state reimbursable). Work includes roof, window, and door replacement, an elevator for accessibility, restroom upgrades, and other deferred maintenance. Approved unanimously.
  3. Lakeside Drive Bridge (CP40012): Authorization increase of $1,317,225 for bridge replacement over the North Stamford Reservoir. 100% funded (80% federal, 20% state) with a private contribution of $363,525 from Aquarion. Approved.
  4. Hunting Ridge Road Bridge (001393): Total authorization of $3,516,878 (45% state, 55% local), including an additional $167,743 from city bond. Bridge in poor condition and scour-critical. Approved.
  5. Citywide Signals (C56174): $342,500 from developer contributions for two signal improvements (Hope Street/Toms Road push-button upgrade and Washington Boulevard/Treasure Boulevard new signal). Both projects completed. Approved.

• Subdivision #4050 – 1295 Chapan Avenue LLC: A two-lot subdivision on a 21,875 sq. ft. lot (minimum 7,500 sq. ft.) in Master Plan Category 2. The property is in the Coastal Area Management Zone; future development will require coastal site plan review. Referral departments had no objections. A conservation easement will govern the 10% open space set-aside. The board approved unanimously.

• Zoning Board of Appeals Referrals:

  1. ZBA 01524 – 16 Towing Terrace: Variances to remove two non-conforming garages and build a single garage with storage. Side and rear setback variances and reduced distance from dwelling requested. Approvals were recommended as the new garage improves the single-family character. Approved.
  2. ZBA 01624 – 482 Pepperidge Road: Variances for a two-side-yard setback reduction (31.9 ft. vs. 35 ft. required, and 15.9 ft. vs. 20 ft.) to add a second-story master bedroom and bathroom within the existing footprint. Approved.
  3. ZBA 01724 – 11 Half Moon Way: Multiple variances to move the house closer to the street to exit the VE flood zone and comply with FEMA regulations. Front yard, side yard, and chimney setbacks requested. Approved as it supports safety and the residential master plan category.

Key Outcomes

• All seven agenda items were approved unanimously by the voting members (Jay Tepper, Jennifer Goodzino, Michael Bacino, Michael Totillo, with alternates William Levin and Stephen Perry participating in discussion but not voting).
• Chair Theresa Dell announced that a consultant has been selected for the new Comprehensive Plan, but the Board of Representatives requires additional financial information. Approval is targeted for the Land Use Committee meeting on May 22, 2024, with full board approval in early June, delaying the start to June.
• A farewell was given to member Michael Bacino, who is leaving the board. Alternates William Levin and Stephen Perry will serve as voting alternates until a permanent replacement is appointed. The next regular meetings are scheduled for May 14 and May 21, 2024.