Stamford Planning Board Meeting (June 26, 2024)

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting occurred on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, but the provided date is June 26, 2024. This summary uses the given date of June 26, 2024, per instructions.

The Stamford Planning Board met on June 26, 2024, with a quorum of three members: Chair Teresa Dell, Vice Chair Jay Tepper, and Member Michael Totillo. Associate Planner Lindsay Cohen also attended. The board unanimously approved all items on the agenda, including capital project appropriations, a subdivision modification, zoning text changes, and special permits. The meeting also included farewell remarks for Chair Dell and Member Totillo, who are stepping down after 20 and 14 years of service, respectively.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of June 11, 2024: Approved unanimously without corrections.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the meeting.

Discussion Items

1. West Side Neighborhood Connector Project (Capital Appropriation)

Frank Pertice and Luke Bettenweiser presented a request for a $17 million federal grant (100% federally funded, no city match) for the final design, permitting, and construction of a 12-foot-wide neighborhood greenway connecting Richmond Hill Avenue to Pulaski Street. The project includes pedestrian safety improvements and riparian enhancements. The board expressed strong support, noting the unprecedented nature of the full federal funding. The grant timeline expects construction to begin around 2027.

2. Transfer Station Canal Wall Replacement (Capital Appropriation)

Lou Castillo presented a request for $12,685,000 (80% federal grant via EDA, 20% local share) to repair the failing bulkhead wall at the transfer station. The wall, built in 1972-1989, is in poor condition with risk of collapse, which could cripple city facilities and a major commercial operation. The board unanimously approved the appropriation, emphasizing the urgency and the need to secure the federal grant before funds are reallocated. The project must be completed within five years of grant award.

3. Subdivision #4048 Modification (503 Wire Mill Road)

Raymond Masio (Redness & Me) represented the new owner of the property, which was previously approved for three lots. The modification reduces the number of lots from three to two, changes access for one lot from Studio Road to Wire Mill Road, and consolidates the layout. The board noted the reduction in intensity and endorsed the change as more consistent with neighborhood character. The vote was unanimous.

4. ZB Application 22423 – Volta Charging Text Change (Electric Vehicle Charging Kiosks)

Chris Fisher (Volta counsel) and Dean (Kimley Horn) proposed a zoning text amendment to allow EV charging kiosks with digital displays as an as-of-right accessory use in commercial and industrial districts. The board discussed concerns about proliferation, parking impacts, revenue, and safety. The board ultimately recommended approval with conditions: a maximum of four kiosks per parking area, dimming of lights during evening hours, and coordination with store operating hours. The vote was unanimous, with Vice Chair Tepper initially opposing the numerical limit but later concurring.

5. ZB Application 22421 – Map Change (37 & 41 Parker Avenue)

Jay Klein (Carmody Torrance Sandack & Hennessey) requested a zone change from R6 (one- and two-family) to VC (Village Commercial) for two parcels adjacent to the Glenbrook train station. The applicant plans to combine these with an already VC-zoned parcel (488 Glenbrook Road) for transit-oriented development. The board noted alignment with the master plan and the VC district’s design standards, which limit height along Parker Avenue to three stories. The recommendation for approval was unanimous.

6. ZB Application 22424 – Text Change (CG District Intensity Limits)

Richard Redness and Ray Masio proposed a text amendment to limit the intensity of certain uses in the CG (General Commercial) district north of North Street. The amendment would require a special permit for uses over 10,000 square feet and restrict density bonuses (e.g., FAR, height) to CG properties south of North Street. This is tied to the previously approved rezoning of 1600 Summer Street. The board supported the change as a measure to protect downtown vitality. The vote was unanimous.

7. ZB Application 22427 – Modification of BMR Compliance (18 Dock Street)

William Hennessey (Carmody Torrance) presented a modification to the affordable housing plan for the mixed-use building at 18 Dock Street. The change reduces the number of BMR units from 32 to 22 but deepens affordability (40-45% AMI instead of 50%) and increases the proportion of two-bedroom units. The board praised the shift toward larger, more affordable units for families. The vote was unanimous.

8. ZB Application 22428 – Special Permit for UConn Dormitory (1385 Washington Boulevard)

William Hennessey requested a special permit to allow the existing eight-unit townhouse building to be used as dormitory housing for UConn students. No structural changes are proposed. The board noted the building’s proximity to the UConn campus and the positive impact of student residents on downtown vibrancy. The vote was unanimous.

Key Outcomes

• West Side Neighborhood Connector: Approved (3-0).
• Transfer Station Canal Wall: Approved (3-0).
• Subdivision #4048 Modification: Approved (3-0).
• Volta Charging Text Change: Recommended approval with conditions (3-0).
• Map Change (37 & 41 Parker Avenue): Recommended approval (3-0).
• CG District Text Change: Recommended approval (3-0).
• BMR Modification (18 Dock Street): Recommended approval (3-0).
• UConn Dormitory Special Permit: Recommended approval (3-0).

All votes were unanimous. The board will not meet in July 2024; the next meeting is scheduled for August 13, 2024, at which time Chair Dell and Member Totillo are expected to resign after their successors are approved by the Board of Representatives.