Stamford Planning Board Regular Meeting – February 4, 2026 (Rescheduled from January 27)

The Stamford Planning Board convened on February 4, 2026, for its regular meeting (originally scheduled for January 27 and rescheduled). The board approved minutes, finalized a $49.9 million capital budget recommendation, authorized a supplemental appropriation for the West Hill High School replacement project, and acted on two subdivisions and several zoning board referrals. The meeting lasted approximately three hours.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of December 22, 2025: Approved unanimously (members present: Jennifer, Jeremy, Ravi, Chet).
• Minutes of January 13, 2026 (Capital Budget Public Hearing): Approved unanimously (members present: Jennifer, Jeremy, Ravi, Bill, Chet).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mary Lou Rinaldi (volunteer, neighbor of Our Lady of Grace Preschool) spoke in support of the school’s special permit and variance application. She noted the school maintains a waiting list of 40–50 children annually and that the proposed interior renovations would address a community need for quality daycare in Stamford.

Discussion Items

• Capital Budget Review & Recommendation: Chair Jennifer presented a revised draft capital budget incorporating feedback from city departments and the January 13 public hearing. The board is guided to a safe debt limit of $35 million for city bonding, but recommended a total project list of $68,710,050, with $49,935,050 in city bonds, using five priority tiers. Key changes included increasing funding for Board of Education projects (e.g., AITE, Newfield Fresh Air, Ripple WAM HVAC) to secure state matching, and adjusting for Hatchfield Park after receipt of a $2 million grant. The board decided not to fund the Avon Theater and Stamford Harbor Lighthouse projects (tier 5) this year, but planned to include out-year projections in the transmittal letter. Members discussed the need to balance affordability with departmental long-term plans, particularly given upcoming large expenses for Westhill High School. A motion to approve the budget recommendation passed unanimously.
• West Hill High School Replacement – Supplemental Capital Project (CP 1471): Katherine (BOE), Director Kinun, and Adam Levitis (Colliers) presented. The total project budget is $446 million, with 80% state reimbursement; local share is $36 million (5% retainage). The request increases prior authorization to align with state legislation passed in summer 2025. Construction is out to bid (bids open February 11), with groundbreaking targeted for April 13, 2026. The board questioned contingencies and the difference between total project budget ($446M) and estimated construction GMP (~$400M). The board approved the $144,686,112 supplemental authorization unanimously.
• Subdivision 4056 – 6 Sanford Lane (Giuliano Denino): Attorney Joseph Capalbo presented a two-lot subdivision on a 0.586-acre corner lot (R10 zone). The existing structure will be demolished; both resulting lots will be conforming with access from Sanford Lane and Newfield Avenue. Discussion focused on a traffic department recommendation to rebuild the sidewalk along Newfield Avenue to city standards. The board debated requiring a concrete sidewalk vs. maintaining existing asphalt, and considered a fee-in-lieu option. Ultimately, the board voted unanimously to approve as-is with the city's recommendation, leaving further discussions to the applicant and city.
• Subdivision 4060 – 34 Conandrias Drive (Lucas and Georgia Conandreas): Dr. Lucas Conandreas proposed subdividing a 3.23-acre parcel to build a home for his son. City departments (EPB and Engineering) addressed neighbor concerns about stormwater runoff by requiring enhanced erosion control and drainage plans. The board approved the subdivision unanimously, including EPB's conditions.
• ZBA Referral – St. John Urban Development Corp., 109 Tressor Blvd (Special Permit): Ray Masio (Redniss & Mead) presented a 305-unit all-affordable apartment building (two towers) with two levels of parking. The board had previously recommended approval of the general development plan in June 2025. The current special permit request is for an alternative public amenity design: a 10-foot-wide through-block pedestrian connection (instead of the required 20 ft width and 12 ft height) plus a fee-in-lieu fallback. The board discussed the narrowness and height constraints under the building, but acknowledged the project's value as affordable housing. A motion to approve the special permit carried 3-0-1 (Ravi abstained).
• ZBA Referral – 75 West Broad Street (Hui Hua Enterprises): Ray Masio presented a proposal to reconstruct two existing nonconforming buildings (Matthews Bakery and laundromat) into one unified building with two residential units (down from three) and improved streetscape. Variances sought include setbacks, building coverage, floor area, parking (3 spaces vs. 12 required), and parking setback. Board members praised the design and noted consistency with the Comprehensive Plan. Approved unanimously.
• ZBA Referral – Our Lady of Grace Preschool, 2627 Glenbrook Road: Dan Chappell (Carmody Torrance) presented a special permit and variance application to convert an adjacent single-family home into two preschool classrooms. Variances include parking location, landscape buffer, and bicycle parking (zero spaces requested). The board supported the proposal but added a condition to formalize indoor bicycle storage in the basement if demand arises. Approved unanimously.
• ZBA Referral – 88 Maltby Avenue (Philip and Janice Spadaro): The applicants seek variances for front setback (19.6 ft vs. 40 ft required) and front street center setback (27.5 ft vs. 65 ft) to demolish and rebuild a single-family home on a corner lot. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Capital Budget Recommendation: Approved (unanimous) a capital budget totaling $68,710,050, with $49,935,050 in city bonds, to be transmitted to the mayor with priority tiers and explanatory letter.
• West Hill High School: Supplemental authorization of $144,686,112 approved unanimously, raising total project authorization to $446 million (80% state reimbursement). Bids opening February 11; GMP expected mid-March; construction start April 13.
• Subdivision 4056 (Sanford Lane): Approved unanimously with traffic department's sidewalk recommendation noted; applicant to continue discussions with city.
• Subdivision 4060 (Conandrias Drive): Approved unanimously with EPB conditions including enhanced erosion control and stormwater management.
• St. John Urban Development (109 Tressor): Special permit for alternate public amenity space approved 3-0-1 (Ravi abstained).
• 75 West Broad Street Variances: Approved unanimously.
• Our Lady of Grace Special Permit & Variances: Approved unanimously with condition for indoor bicycle parking if needed.
• 88 Maltby Avenue Variances: Approved unanimously.

Note: The meeting date is recorded as February 4, 2026 per the meeting request, though the transcript refers to "February 3rd regular meeting." This discrepancy is noted.