Stamford Planning Board Meeting: August 28, 2024

The Stamford Planning Board met on August 28, 2024 at 14:00 UTC to elect officers, approve minutes, consider capital project appropriations and closeouts, and act on several zoning applications. The board voted on infrastructure projects including EV charging, sidewalks, school security, traffic signals, and zoning text amendments to affordable housing regulations. Most items were approved unanimously, with one abstention and one tabled application.

Approval of Minutes

• Approved the minutes of the June meeting and the August 13, 2024 meeting by unanimous votes. One member had watched the June meeting video and voted despite not being a member at the time; another member abstained on the August 13 minutes due to absence.

Election of Officers

• Jay was elected Chair, Jennifer was elected Vice Chair, and Prasad was elected Secretary. The board also discussed holding future meetings in person.

Capital Project Closeouts

• Approved partial closeout of CP400037 (Government Center EV Infrastructure, $559,368 state grant) and CP1281 (Roadway Design and Reconstruction, $1,000,000 city bonds) unanimously, allowing funds to be moved to other projects.

Capital Appropriation Requests

• EV Charging Infrastructure Development (001394): $735,842.38 for ten dual-port Level 2 chargers in the Government Center garage and three dual-port Level 2 chargers in Bell Street Garage. Funded 65% by state grant and 35% city match. Prasad questioned the cost, calling it 'ripping off the government,' but staff cited infrastructure and maintenance contracts. Approved with four in favor and one abstention (Prasad) due to time sensitivity for a state grant.
• Board of Education Security Upgrades (C53143): $819,948.32 for school security infrastructure under a 60% state reimbursement grant. Approved unanimously.
• City Sidewalk Reconstruction (C56123): $1,225,199.66 for sidewalk work outside downtown. Thomas Tork noted a large backlog and roughly $50,000–$100,000 per block. Approved unanimously.
• Long Ridge Road Construction (C56180): $1,000,000 state grant for sidewalks, crosswalks, bus shelters, and ADA ramps. Approved unanimously.
• Springdale TOD Implementation (CP9136): $2,000,000 state grant for pedestrian, bike, bus, and vehicle access to the train station. Approved unanimously.
• West Side Pedestrian Safety (001399): $1,092,200 state grant for design and engineering of pedestrian safety and green infrastructure. Approved unanimously.
• Latham Park Area Infrastructure (001397): $3,000,000 ($2M state grant, $1M city funds) for traffic signal upgrades and pedestrian safety at high-crash intersections. Approved unanimously.
• Citywide Signals (C56174): $3,375,000 federal CMAQ grant plus ~$750,000 city match to replace traffic signals at six intersections. Approved unanimously.
• Government Center Front Sidewalk (001398): $3,000,000 state bond funds to reconstruct sidewalks and improve lighting, greenery, and ADA compliance. Approved unanimously.
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities (CP8705): State grant for preliminary design of a multi-use trail along Weed Avenue. Approved unanimously.

Zoning Applications

• 224-20 (Cannabis, 2041 West Main St.): Withdrawn by applicant; removed from agenda.
• 224-30 (Cannabis, 461-465 West Main St.): Tabled unanimously because the applicant could not attend.
• 224-29 (Text change to Section 1.A): Amendment to restore property value, open space, and Section 8-2 language to the zoning purpose section. Jennifer expressed concern about conflict with state statute against economic segregation. Approved unanimously.
• 224-24 (BMR Housing Text Change): Proposed increases to affordable housing requirements, including raising fee-in-lieu from 12% to 14% of residential gross floor area and making it as-of-right. Staff reported that Stamford's BMR program has produced 1,124 on-site units and collected about $33 million in fee-in-lieu payments, with 89% of projects providing on-site units; the city's housing plan identifies a rental housing gap of 1,500 units, and the area median income is $180,500. Ravi and Bill opposed the reduction in the per-square-foot fee rate (from ~$235 to ~$200). Staff argued the reset keeps the option viable. Approved unanimously with a recommendation to the Zoning Board not to reduce the existing fee rate.
• 027-24 (Variance, 16 Columbus Place): Advisory approval of a 18.5-foot street line setback (vs. 25 ft) and 43.5-foot street center setback (vs. 50 ft) for a two-family property, consistent with Springdale master plan. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Elected Jay (Chair), Jennifer (Vice Chair), and Prasad (Secretary).
• Approved June and August 13 minutes unanimously.
• Approved capital closeouts for CP400037 and CP1281.
• Approved all capital appropriations; EV charging passed with four in favor and one abstention, others unanimous.
• Tabled zoning application 224-30; withdrew 224-20.
• Approved zoning text changes 224-29 and 224-24 (with a fee-rate recommendation).
• Approved zoning variance 027-24.
• Tabled decision on an in-person meeting.