Stamford Planning Board Public Hearing on Recommended Capital Budget – January 14, 2026

Note: The meeting transcript indicates the hearing was called to order on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 6:39 p.m., but the assigned date for this summary is January 14, 2026. This discrepancy is noted.

The Stamford Planning Board held a public hearing to receive comments on the recommended capital budget for fiscal year 2026-27 and the capital plan for 2027-2033. No votes or formal actions were taken; the hearing was solely for public input and board discussion. The board heard testimony from residents, representatives of nonprofit organizations, and city commissioners, focusing primarily on funding for specific projects and overall budget constraints.

Written Comments Read into Record

• Letter from Tony Supas, President of Dolphin Cove Association (regarding Bokushi Park): Urged funding to complete the park renovation, which was master-planned in 2017 but remains unfinished. The association represents 104 homes near the park. (Read by board member Ravi.)
• Letter from the Parks and Recreation Commission (dated January 12, 2025, authored by Chair Melanie Hollis and others): Requested full funding for three items: (1) CP001281 – Rosa Hartman Park Trail System Renovation, citing lack of accessibility and overgrown trails; (2) Cove Island Park (CP400006) – tennis and basketball court improvements, noting previous funding reductions; (3) an overall needs assessment for city fields (CP001254) that includes a centrally located public indoor pool to address drowning risks and provide affordable swim lessons. The letter cited CDC drowning statistics. (Read by board member Ravi.)

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Gottlieb (Ripleam Corporation/Charter Oak Communities): Introduced the affordable housing request for Stamford Manor, noting the mayor requested $3 million but the board had reduced it to $2.5 million in an earlier draft, with the intent to allocate $2 million to the Stamford Manor project.
• Tyra Wallace (Property Manager, Stamford Manor): Described the 215-unit building serving 80% elderly and 20% disabled residents, including those from shelters. Requested full funding for upgrades: heating, fire alarm, electrical, brickwork, accessibility, lighting, laundry, community rooms. She highlighted the building's age and need for safety and energy efficiency.
• Maria Medina (Resident, Stamford Manor): (Testimony read by Tyra Wallace) – Stated she has lived there 26 years and requested new flooring, cabinets, windows, doors, appliances, plumbing, lighting, and repairs to community room and parking lot.
• Wayne Escavelle (Resident, Stamford Manor): Asked for parking lot repairs, better lighting, plumbing, electrical, and overall upgrades including appliances, window frames, toilets, and exterior improvements.
• Virgil de la Cruz (Board of Representatives, District 2): Advocated for completion of Bokushi Park, noting eight years of delays and $14 million allocated to other park projects while his constituents wait. He sent a copy of the master plan and a letter to the mayor. He emphasized equitable treatment.
• Greg Huge (Waterside resident): Supported Mr. de la Cruz’s comments and expressed frustration about the tennis courts remaining accessible while the basketball court was dismantled and not replaced. He urged prioritizing basketball court reconstruction.
• Melanie Hollis (Parks and Recreation Commission Chair): Noted that a grant has been received for the Hatchfield capital request (previously recommended for $2 million), so that funding can be reallocated. She asked the board to reconsider full funding for Cove Island Park and Rosa Hartman Park projects.
• Christy Carroll (Davenport Point resident): Supported completing phase two of Bokushi Park, noting that phase one was finished. She asked for prioritization of funding.
• Gene Moore (resident near Bokushi Park): Supported completing Bokushi Park and also requested funding for the Stamford Lighthouse Project, a 501(c)(3) restoration of a historic landmark on 10 acres, which would include educational programs and oyster beds. The requested amount is a small portion of total needs but would be a meaningful city commitment.
• Zach Bradley (Davenport Point resident): Criticized the lack of progress at Bokushi Park, claiming $4 million spent with only a paved entrance. He cited unsafe conditions (homicides, drug use) and suggested a financial audit. He urged that the project be addressed this year or legal action may be taken.

Discussion Items

• Budget Overview and Safe Debt Limit: Staff member Jennifer provided context: total requests exceed $100 million, but the board is advised to target a $35 million safe debt limit (not including grants or self-funded agencies like WPCA). The Board of Finance is expected to set the limit at $35 million in February. The board discussed that this limit includes Board of Education projects.
• Project Prioritization: Board member Robbie suggested allocating at least nominal funds to the Stamford Lighthouse Project and Avon Theater to allow them to start, rather than zero funding. The board noted the need to balance within the $35 million limit.
• Bokushi Park Funding: The project (CP3159) is under the Engineering Department, currently in design phase. A 50% matching grant from the National Park Service is available, requiring city allocation of the remaining 50% for completion targeted in 2027. The board noted that no specific funding line appears in this year’s parks budget; staff clarified it is listed under engineering (page 62).
• Parks Department Revisions: Following testimony, board members agreed to consult with the Parks and Recreation Department about adjusting their prioritized list given the new grant for Hatchfield and the public testimony. They aim to identify potential reductions to accommodate other requests.

Key Outcomes

• No votes or formal decisions were taken at this hearing; it was solely for receiving public input.
• Next steps: The board will reconvene at its next regular meeting on January 27, 2026 (date mentioned by chair) to review revisions to the draft capital budget based on testimony and additional clarifying information from departments.
• Board members were encouraged to send specific questions to departments before that meeting to gather more data.
• Public comments and written letters will be included in the official record for the budget process.
• The board intends to draft a transmittal letter to the mayor after the January 27 meeting.