Stamford Zoning Board Meeting - October 16, 2023

The Stamford Zoning Board met on October 16, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom to conduct public hearings and regular business. The board approved a settlement for the Sweet Spot Stamford appeal, continued several applications, and deliberated on a proposed cannabis dispensary and a senior living facility. The meeting concluded with the approval of administrative modifications and a fee-in-lieu extension.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved minutes for September 11, 2023, and September 18, 2023, unanimously (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Nautilus Botanicals Dispensary Application (223-32):
  • Jackie Pioli (25 Glenbrook Road) spoke against, describing the negative impacts of the existing Curaleaf facility, including loitering, odor, and safety concerns.
  • Gosha Kostka (Rever Drive) opposed, citing existing traffic congestion and insufficient parking.
  • Nate Galliel (Standish Road) opposed, noting the proposed dispensary would be very close to a residential building and that the smoke shop on Cortland and East Main is only 296 feet away (below the required 3,000-foot distance for smoke shops). He also expressed concern about cash-only transactions and existing traffic from Rogers International School.
  • Agina Angelitis (owner of 1110 East Main Street) spoke in favor, noting the property has been vacant and is difficult to lease, and praised the applicants' professionalism.
  • Eileen Herring (1072 East Main Street) opposed, citing major traffic issues and parking overflow concerns.
  • Holly Hager (70 Forest Street) spoke in support as a medical cannabis patient, citing need for more dispensaries and praising the applicants.
  • Paul Arway (59 Lancer Lane) opposed, questioning the need for a third dispensary and suggesting two is enough.
  • Ashley Petrie (300 Cheshire Boulevard) spoke in support, citing her experience working at Curaleaf and Fine Fettle and the need for smaller, patient-focused dispensaries.
  • Ismet Lukasevic (address not fully given) opposed, detailing traffic and safety concerns for the area.
  • Jennifer Glenn (101 Maple Tree Avenue) opposed, recounting her father's accident involving a driver under the influence of marijuana and expressing concerns about traffic.
• TJ H Senior Living Application (223-28):
  • Sue Halber (spoke from public) asked about BMR/affordable units and pedestrian safety for seniors crossing Long Ridge Road.
  • Paul Arway (59 Lancer Lane) commented that Stanford needs homes to purchase, not senior facilities.

Discussion Items

• Executive Session: The board entered executive session to discuss a proposed settlement in the lawsuit Sweet Spot Stamford LLC and ANF High Ridge LLC v. Zoning Board of the City of Stamford. After returning, the board voted to approve the stipulation of settlement (3-2). The settlement includes conditions such as requiring a police officer to manage traffic for up to four months after opening and prohibiting a smoke shop on the site.
• Application 223-32 – Nautilus Botanicals (1110 East Main Street): Applicant sought a special permit for a hybrid cannabis retail facility. The planning board had recommended approval. The applicant presented details on security (ID checks, cameras, access control), parking (6 on-site spaces, 10 off-site), and operations (online ordering, delivery). Public opposition raised concerns about traffic, safety, and proximity to schools. Board members questioned traffic study methodology, parking adequacy, and landscaping. The application was continued to October 30, 2023, with requests for additional traffic data (including school-related traffic) and consideration of landscaping.
• Application 223-28 – TJ H Senior Living (210 Long Ridge Road): Final site plan review for a senior housing complex (168 independent living, 14 assisted living, 14 memory care, 14 skilled nursing). The applicant noted improvements like preserving a wooded mound, adding public amenities (dog park, playground, walking trail), and contributing $1.78 million to affordable housing. Board discussion covered landscaping bonds, sidewalk connectivity, and flood safety. The application was continued to October 30, 2023, pending a staff report.
• Application 220-40 – Pacific House (4145 Stillwater Avenue): Administrative review to change the use to supportive housing and modify site design. The board discussed parking reduction, EV spaces, and landscaping. A condition regarding a children's play area was raised because Pacific House may house families. The modification was approved with conditions (5-0).
• Application 213-44 – Capelli (68 C View Avenue): Request to extend the fee-in-lieu payment deadline from September 30, 2023, to March 27, 2024. The applicant cited a confidential development that would use the funds for affordable housing. The extension was approved (4-1).

Key Outcomes

• Settlement Approved: The zoning board approved the settlement in the Sweet Spot Stamford appeal (3-2).
• Continuations: Applications 223-23, 223-24, 223-25, 223-26 (74th Street) and 223-35 (Rock Room) were continued to November 13, 2023. Application 223-32 (Nautilus) and 223-28 (TJ H Senior Living) were continued to October 30, 2023.
• Approvals:
  • Application 220-40 (Pacific House) approved with conditions (5-0).
  • Application 213-44 (Capelli fee-in-lieu extension) approved (4-1).
  • Application 223-20 (Map Change for 589 Bedford Street) approved (5-0).
  • Application 223-21 (Site Plan for 589 Bedford Street) approved with conditions (5-0).
• Other: A request was made to have staff send a letter to Curaleaf about parking lot marijuana use concerns. The board also acknowledged updated zoning regulations available online.