Stamford Zoning Board Meeting - July 9, 2024

Note: The transcript records the meeting date as July 8, 2024, but the instruction specifies using July 9, 2024. This summary follows that instruction.

The Stamford Zoning Board met at 6:30 PM via Zoom. Chair David Stein presided with members Bill Morris, Roseanne McManus, Raquel Smith Anderson (voting member), and staff Ralph Blessing and Benita Matter. Jerry Bozak was absent. The meeting focused on four applications, all of which were continued to the July 22, 2024 meeting.

Consent Calendar

• None. All items were discussed individually.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Application 223-38 (800 Long Ridge Road): Numerous residents opposed the 354-unit apartment and commercial development. Key concerns included:
  • Traffic congestion on Long Ridge Road and the Merritt Parkway.
  • Incompatibility with the surrounding low-density single-family neighborhoods.
  • The scale of development (four buildings, 611 parking spaces) and its impact on safety, schools, and city services.
  • A call for owner-occupied housing (townhomes, condos) instead of rentals.
  • Several speakers referenced the rejected 900 Long Ridge Road proposal and argued approving 800 would undermine that opposition.
  • One speaker (Jordan Force) spoke in favor, citing the housing crisis and the site's proximity to the Merritt Parkway. The applicant's team responded to concerns, noting that the project would generate $2.4 million in annual tax revenue (vs. $785,000 from the current office) and that multifamily units typically generate fewer school-age children than single-family homes.
• Application 224-08/224-26 (1600 Summer Street): Michael Moore of the Stamford Downtown Special Services District spoke in favor of the map change and accompanying text change, supporting the opportunity to reduce vacant office space and add multifamily housing near downtown. Monica Twal opposed, questioning the process and the definition of "transition area." A resident (Zach Overhulser) supported the change, arguing it would help address housing shortages and traffic by building near transit.
• Application 223-23/224-04 (91 Hope Street): Several residents spoke in opposition. Hillel Desray argued the proposed 26 townhouses would not meet RM1 zoning standards (height, setbacks, front/back yards) and that the traffic assessment was flawed. Patricia Romano questioned the cost of the condos and the buffer distance to neighboring properties.

Discussion Items

• Application 224-11 (River Bend Text Change): Continued from a previous hearing. The planning board recommended approval with concerns about traffic. The applicant agreed to continue to July 22.
• Application 223-38 (800 Long Ridge Road): The applicant presented revised designs with additional brick. Discussion focused on tree counts (the applicant stated trees increased from 309 to 375), parking spaces (611), and a child play area. The board requested a pathway connecting buildings 3-4 to the playground. The public hearing was closed; the board will deliberate and vote at a future meeting.
• Application 224-08/224-26 (1600 Summer Street): The applicant proposed rezoning 1600 Summer Street from RMF/CL to CG (General Commercial) with a text change limiting intensity north of North Street. Board members expressed concerns about setting a precedent for other properties, and discussed height (100 feet vs. 75 feet), building coverage, and setbacks. The board requested a detailed side-by-side comparison of CG standards (base vs. proposed) and possible minimum lot size requirements. The application was continued to July 22.
• Application 223-23/224-04 (91 Hope Street): The applicant presented a plan to rezone the site from R7.5 to RM1 and build 26 townhouses (condominiums). The project includes drainage improvements with infiltration systems, removal of an institutional building, and retention of an existing single-family home. The board discussed height (25 feet to roof midpoint), trash collection, and landscaping. The board requested a sheet showing open space dimensions and a corrected affordability plan (since units are for-sale, not rentals). The application was continued to July 22.

Key Outcomes

• All four applications were continued to the next zoning board meeting on July 22, 2024, at 6:30 PM via Zoom. No votes were taken on any application.
• The board requested additional information from applicants for the July 22 meeting: for 800 Long Ridge Road, a path connecting buildings to the playground; for 1600 Summer Street, a complete comparison of CG standards and possible lot size minimums; for 91 Hope Street, open space dimensions and corrected affordability plan.
• The meeting adjourned around 10:00 PM after a brief recess.