Stamford Planning Board Regular Meeting & Public Hearing - May 22, 2024

The Stamford Planning Board held a combined regular meeting and public hearing on May 22, 2024, via Zoom. Chair Theresa Dell presided, with members Jay Tepper, Michael Totillo, Stephen Perry, and William Levin (both acting as regular members due to absences). The meeting began with the tabling of the May 14, 2024 minutes due to unavailability, then proceeded to a consent item, a public hearing on a master plan amendment and zoning referral, and a presentation on the Vision Zero initiative.

Consent Calendar

• Terry Conners Rink Upgrades (Project #CP3695): The board unanimously approved transferring $32,000 from the 2021 sale of a backup ice resurfacer into the capital project account to purchase a reliable Zamboni machine. The funds will supplement an existing budget to secure a second machine, ensuring operational redundancy. The motion was made by Jay Tepper, seconded by Stephen Perry, and passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Father Carlos Rodriguez (St. Clement of Rome Church) spoke in favor of the master plan change, citing disruptive industrial truck noise at early morning hours and expressing that residential development would better suit the family-oriented neighborhood.
• Barry Michelson (representing the Neighborhood Coalition) expressed opposition to the uncoordinated conversion of industrial properties to high-density residential, arguing it undermines balanced planning and could lead to increased traffic and congestion. He urged a more comprehensive approach.
• Samantha Saranti and Logan Richter (Melrose Place residents) spoke in favor, noting the property has been vacant for six years and that residential use would reduce truck traffic and improve safety for children in the area.
• Darling P. (Melrose Place resident) voiced support but raised concerns about traffic safety, especially for children getting off school buses, and requested details on planned traffic calming measures.
• Giovanna Fox and Andrew Fox (Barry Place residents) supported the project but emphasized traffic concerns at the Melrose Place/Barry Place intersection, suggesting a stop sign on Melrose Place.

Discussion Items

• Master Plan Amendment #MP-446 and Companion Zoning Referral #ZB-22-418 (23 Barry Place): Applicant Michael Cacace (Cacace, Tusch & Santagata) presented a proposal to change the master plan designation of 23 Barry Place from Industrial General (Category 13) to Residential Low Density Multifamily (Category 3) on the easterly 4.1637 acres and Residential High Density Multifamily (Category 5) on the rear 5.1468 acres. The companion zoning application seeks to rezone the property from MG (Manufacturing General) to RM-1 (Low Density Multifamily) and RMF (Multifamily Residential Design District). The applicant noted the property has been vacant since 2018 and that the site's only access via Barry Place is unsuitable for industrial use. The proposed development includes approximately 60 townhomes (for-sale) on the front portion and 200 rental units in the rear, with 26 affordable units (20 rental, 6 townhomes). Board members debated the broader trend of converting industrial land to residential, with member Bill Levin questioning whether the city is losing industrial capacity. Staff noted the upcoming comprehensive plan will address this, but supported the application as the market no longer supports industrial use at this location. The board also discussed traffic impact, school impact (deemed minimal), and the need for a stop sign on Melrose Place—already recommended in the applicant's traffic study. The board approved the master plan amendment and the zoning referral unanimously.
• Vision Zero Action Plan Presentation: Luke Buttenwieser (Transportation Planner) and Frank Batsy (Bureau Chief of Transportation, Traffic & Parking) presented the city’s Vision Zero initiative, aiming to eliminate roadway fatalities and serious injuries by 2032. They highlighted a shift from individual responsibility to a system-based safety approach, using data from a high-injury network map that shows 41% of severe crashes occur on just 3% of intersections and 4% of road miles. The presentation covered integration with land use (e.g., sidewalk requirements, development review checklists) and capital projects. Board members asked about school crossing improvements, bike lane effectiveness, traffic signal synchronization, and how to communicate traffic study findings to the public. No vote was taken; the presentation was for informational purposes.
• Comprehensive Plan Update (Brief): Staff member Lindsay provided an update on the comprehensive plan contract. The Sizaki team (with Jason Lima Planning & Design and My Architecture Workshop) has been selected. The contract is pending approval by the Board of Representatives (Land Use and Urban Redevelopment subcommittee meeting scheduled for May 23). The board discussed the engagement process, including neighborhood meetings and steering committee composition.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (unanimously): Transfer of $32,000 for Terry Conners Rink backup ice resurfacer.
• Approved (unanimously): Master Plan Amendment #MP-446, changing the designation of 23 Barry Place from Industrial General to Residential Low Density Multifamily (easterly portion) and Residential High Density Multifamily (rear portion).
• Approved (unanimously): Companion Zoning Board Referral #ZB-22-418, recommending rezoning of 23 Barry Place from MG to RM-1 and RMF.
• Received: Presentation on Vision Zero Action Plan; no action taken.
• Tabled: Approval of May 14, 2024 regular meeting minutes to the June 11, 2024 meeting.
• Next Steps: The comprehensive plan contract awaits Board of Representatives approval; Vision Zero community engagement continues with upcoming pop-up events and online input map.