Stamford Planning Board Regular Meeting - September 25, 2024

The Stamford Planning Board held a regular meeting on September 25, 2024, to discuss several zoning and zoning board of appeals referrals, including major redevelopment projects and residential variance requests. All items on the agenda were approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the minutes from the September 10, 2024 meeting was moved and seconded, and carried unanimously.

Discussion Items

1. Zoning Board Application #224-32 – 74 Broad Street (RMS 74 Broad Street, LLC)

• Applicant proposes demolition of the existing 123,000 sq. ft. retail building (former Burlington Coat Factory) and construction of a 7-story residential building with 280 apartments and 5,722+ sq. ft. of retail space.
• The project aligns with Downtown Master Plan Category 11, promoting transit-oriented development, mixed-use, and pedestrian activation.
• Key discussion points:
  • Density: The applicant noted the site is zoned for up to 330 units; the proposed 280 units (167 units per acre) is less dense than other downtown projects like The Asher (276 units/acre). The trade-in of commercial rights to residential density is permitted by special permit.
  • Parking: 310 spaces provided, exceeding the required 291. Grade-level parking (75 spaces) is intended for electric vehicles, library use, and retail. The applicant committed to working with the Ferguson Library to address parking needs.
  • Affordable housing: 24 BMR units (approximately 9% of total) will be provided on site at 50% of Area Median Income (AMI). Board member Bill Levin suggested exploring a mix of affordability levels.
  • Traffic calming: Reduction of curb cuts from three to one, new streetscape, bump outs, and pedestrian improvements.
• Board members expressed support for the project's alignment with the master plan, though some concerns about density and library parking were raised. The motion to approve was made by Bill Levin and seconded by Jennifer Godzino, and carried unanimously.

2. Zoning Board Application #224-33 – 460 Summer Street (Raymond Mazzeo representing 460 Summer Street, LLC)

• Conversion of an existing 5-story Class B office building (28,279 sq. ft.) into 40 apartments with associated parking and amenities.
• No exterior changes proposed; interior conversion only. Parking: 34 on-site spaces, with 2 new ADA spaces.
• Special permit required under Section 10H of zoning regulations for commercial-to-residential conversion.
• Four affordable units (50% AMI) provided on site.
• Board members had minimal questions; the project was seen as straightforward and aligned with downtown housing goals.
• Motion to approve by Ravi Subramanian, seconded by Prasad Tunga, carried unanimously.

3. Zoning Board of Appeals Applications (Variances)

• #032-24 – 102 Rockledge Drive (Matthew & Megan Malloy): Variance for rear yard setback (29.4 ft vs. 30 ft) and street centerline setback (51.7 ft vs. 65 ft) to add a second floor over the existing footprint. The lot is undersized; reusing the existing foundation reduces construction and demolition waste. Approved unanimously.

• #033-24 – 28 Terrace Avenue (Peter & Dina Suciu): Variance for lot coverage (28.4% vs. 25%) for a two-story addition and deck. The addition is not visible from the street. Approved unanimously.

• #034-24 – 4 Old Barn Road South (Roberto Torres representing Roberto Ortiz Garcia): Multiple variances for front setbacks (Old Barn Road and Cold Spring Road) for a second-floor addition. The existing home is non-conforming; the addition extends only 2 inches beyond the current footprint. Board member Chet Salat advised renaming a non-compliant bedroom to office. Approved unanimously.

• #036-24 – 57 Ledge Brook Road (Joseph J. Capalbo II representing Alan & Michelle Genn): Variance for rear yard setback (45.8 ft vs. 70 ft) for a covered entryway. The lot abuts a park; the proposed addition does not affect neighbors. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• All applications received unanimous approval from the Planning Board.
• Next scheduled meetings: October 1 (special meeting), October 8, 15, and 22 (Capital Budget meetings).
• Note: ZBA #035-24 (Catholic Academy) was withdrawn/tabled and not discussed.