Stamford Planning Board Regular Meeting - June 12, 2024

Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. The date in this summary reflects the instruction to use June 12, 2024; a discrepancy exists.

The Planning Board met virtually via Zoom to consider several requests, including capital project appropriations, a subdivision, zoning text changes, and a zoning variance referral. All votes were unanimous except where noted.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval (May 14, 2024): Approved unanimously (Stephen Levin and William Levin voting in place of absent members).
• Minutes Approval (May 21, 2024): Approved unanimously (Stephen and William Levin voting; Jennifer absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made. The meeting consisted of presentations from city staff, applicants, and board deliberation.

Discussion Items

• Supplemental Capital Project: Electric Vehicle Installation – 4th Floor Government Center Garage (Project #001394, $732,818.55): Brandon Mark, Energy and Sustainability Engineer, presented a revised plan for 12 dual-port Level 2 EV chargers on the top floor. The project is 65% grant-funded (CT DEEP) and 35% city match. Chargers will be publicly accessible with a fee to cover operating costs; city fleet vehicles will not be charged. The board questioned current EV fleet ownership (none), utilization of existing chargers (frequent use, free), and revenue/cost structure. Approved unanimously.
• Supplemental Capital Project: Transfer Station Upgrades (Project #001395, $99,250): Lou presented to address a water leak under the ramp at the transfer station. A bypass of 150 feet of 10-inch water main is proposed. The leak caused water bills to spike from ~$500/month to $12,000–$14,000/month. After fixing, the city will appeal the water charges. Approved unanimously.
• Subdivision #4051 – 0 Connecticut Avenue (2 Lots): Raymond Mazzeo (Redniss & Mead) represented the Housing Authority. The 2.34-acre property, historically two lots, was unintentionally consolidated. The subdivision formalizes two lots to facilitate HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration program and maintain affordable housing. Michelle Tarulee noted the need for clean title. Approved unanimously.
• Zoning Board Referral ZB #224-17 – Text Change: Acting Zoning Enforcement Officer: Ralph Blessing, Land Use Bureau Chief, explained the need for a Deputy ZEO who automatically becomes Acting ZEO if the ZEO is unable to serve. If no Deputy, the Zoning Board would appoint an acting officer. This ensures continuity for permit sign-offs. Approved unanimously.
• Zoning Board Referral ZB #224-19 – Text Change: Parking Requirements Adjustment: Ralph Blessing (with Luke Buttenweaser from TTP) presented changes based on the Citywide Parking Study. Key changes: reduce parking for large group facilities (40+ spaces) by 5%; eliminate parking requirements for small lots (<25,000 sq ft) in downtown (MC-11) and transit-oriented (MC-16) districts; increase parking for dwellings with 5+ bedrooms; adjust residential parking ratios for group facilities – increase for studios (e.g., from 0.75 to 1.0), decrease for 2+ bedroom units. The board debated the 25% increase for studios, with concern it might discourage affordable studio units and contradict transit-oriented development. Bill Levin abstained, stating insufficient information on the study’s findings. Approved 4-0-1 (four in favor, one abstention).
• Zoning Board Referral ZB #224-23 – Text Change: EV Charging Stations with Electronic Displays (Volta Charging, LLC): The applicant was not present. The text change would allow EV charging display kiosks as-of-right in commercial/industrial zones with design restrictions (50 ft setback from residential, dimmers after 10 PM). Board members expressed concerns about as-of-right approval without location-specific review, potential loss of parking spaces, and proliferation. Jennifer noted the public benefit and shortage of chargers. Michael and Bill requested more information. The board voted to table the item to the June 25 meeting (or August 13 if needed) to allow the applicant to present.
• Zoning Board Referral ZB #224-11 – Text Change: River Bend Center (HT-D Regulations) – Tabled from May 14: Richard Redniss presented a revised proposal after board concerns about traffic and density. He showed traffic issues (curb cuts, intersection problems at Camp Avenue and Largo Drive) and argued residential development would reduce traffic compared to industrial uses. He offered to reduce FAR from 0.3 to 0.25 for rentals and limit floor area. The text change aims to allow residential infill while preserving industrial uses, with provisions for off-site traffic improvements. Board members supported the homeownership and senior housing incentives and noted that the text change provides a vision without spot zoning. Approved unanimously with an amendment: 0.3 FAR for homeownership and senior housing, 0.25 FAR for rentals.
• Zoning Board of Appeals Referral ZBA #024-24 – 249 Fairfield Avenue (Lot 1, Fairfield Ave): Variance of Table II (Lot Size): John Marinelli representing Emran M. Rahim proposed a two-family dwelling on a 4,972 sq ft lot (requires 6,000 sq ft). Parking was unclear: the application mentioned using parking from the adjoining three-family lot, which is legally non-conforming. Lindsay Cohen noted the applicant did not respond to ZEO requests for clarification. The board had concerns about the combined parking situation and lack of hardship. Voted unanimously to deny the variance, citing insufficient clarity on parking and that the applicant had not addressed staff recommendations.

Key Outcomes

• Electric Vehicle Installation: Approved ($732,818.55) – unanimously.
• Transfer Station Upgrades: Approved ($99,250) – unanimously.
• Subdivision #4051 (0 Connecticut Ave): Approved – unanimously.
• ZB #224-17 (Acting ZEO): Approved – unanimously.
• ZB #224-19 (Parking Requirements): Approved (4-0-1; Bill Levin abstained).
• ZB #224-23 (EV Charging Displays): Tabled to June 25 or August 13, 2024.
• ZB #224-11 (River Bend Center HT-D Text Change): Approved with amendment (0.3 FAR for homeownership/seniors, 0.25 for rentals) – unanimously.
• ZBA #024-24 (Fairfield Ave Variance): Denied – unanimously.

Next Meetings: June 25, 2024 (regular meeting); Summer hiatus in July; August 13, 2024 (regular meeting).