Stamford Zoning Board Meeting - July 23, 2024

The Stamford Zoning Board met on July 23, 2024, at 6:35 p.m. via Zoom to consider several applications, including a special permit for a UConn dormitory, a map and text change for 1600 Summer Street, a site plan for 91 Hope Street, and a text change regarding non-conforming uses. The meeting included public testimony and board discussions, but no final votes were taken; all hearings were either closed or continued.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Application 224-28 (1385 Washington Boulevard): Mike Moore, incoming president of Stanford Downtown, spoke in strong support, noting that UConn's growth benefits downtown businesses and vibrancy. Chris Dawson (Bangle Road) also spoke in support, citing UConn's 60% growth and positive community relationship.
• Applications 224-08 and 224-26 (1600 Summer Street): Angelo Bochanis (545 Bedford Street) spoke in favor of the text change, urging the board to streamline office conversion policies to address excess office space near downtown.
• Applications 223-23 and 224-04 (91 Hope Street): Multiple residents opposed the project. Diane Srini (3 Nash Place) raised concerns about traffic, sight lines, and the need for a new traffic study. Susan Bell (Hope Street) worried about traffic and water shortages. Lori Doyd (6 House Avenue) opposed density and height. Monique Katwal (37 Hanrahan Street) opposed due to flooding, traffic, and parking. Angelo Bochanis (545 Bedford Street) spoke in favor, calling the project a smart low-density development near transit.
• Application 224-10 (Non-conforming uses text change): No public testimony was taken; the item was presented but not opened for public comment.

Discussion Items

• Application 224-28 (1385 Washington Boulevard): Attorney William Hennessy presented the special permit for UConn to use an existing eight-unit apartment building (46 beds) as a dormitory. No physical changes were proposed. The Planning Board had recommended approval. The board asked about parking (17 spaces provided, exceeding the 16 required). All board members expressed support, praising the project's alignment with downtown vitality. The public hearing was closed, and a vote was promised later that evening.
• Applications 224-08 and 224-26 (1600 Summer Street): Attorney Ray Mazio presented a revised text change creating a "CG North" zone with reduced height (85 feet, with a possible 10-foot bonus for adaptive reuse), lower building coverage (70-80%), and simplified setbacks. Board members (especially Bill Morris and Roseanne McManus) expressed concerns about the height being too tall for the area north of North Street, preferring a 75-foot base. They also questioned the definition of "substantial renovation" for adaptive reuse. The applicant offered to limit the zone to lots of 2 acres or more. The board decided to close the hearing but leave the record open for staff to provide revised language addressing height concerns.
• Applications 223-23 and 224-04 (91 Hope Street): Attorney Joseph Capalbo presented a revised plan reducing the number of townhouses from 27 to 26, eliminating the existing house, and lowering the grade by three feet to reduce building height. The new plan has 16 units with side garages and 10 with under-garages. Parking (95 spaces, including 9 EV spaces) and stormwater management were addressed. Board members asked about EV parking requirements, fencing (6-foot white vinyl), and requested cross-sections to verify grades. The public hearing was closed, and the application will be on the next agenda for deliberation.
• Application 224-10 (Non-conforming uses text change): Ralph Blessing presented a comprehensive text change to update regulations for non-conforming uses and buildings. Key points: codifying grandfathering, allowing changes to more conforming uses (with ZEO guidance), and establishing a formula for converting non-conforming floor area to residential units (e.g., in R5 districts, 50,000 sq ft building yields 26 units instead of current 62). Board members questioned the need for a "less non-conforming" step and the density formula. The discussion was ongoing; no public hearing was opened.

Key Outcomes

• Application 224-28: Public hearing closed; the board indicated it would vote on approval later that night.
• Applications 224-08 and 224-26: Public hearing closed; staff will provide revised language on height; board will deliberate at a future meeting.
• Applications 223-23 and 224-04: Public hearing closed; the applicant will provide cross-sections by Thursday; the application will be on the July 29 agenda for deliberation.
• Application 224-11 (River Bend text change): Continued to the July 29 meeting.
• Application 224-19 (Parking text change): Continued to the July 29 meeting.
• Application 224-10: The board continued discussion; no public hearing was opened. The item will likely be taken up at a future meeting.