Stamford Zoning Board Meeting - December 17, 2024

Note: The transcript of the meeting states the date as December 16, 2024, but the provided metadata indicates the meeting took place on December 17, 2024 at 13:15:00+00:00. This summary uses the date from the metadata.

The Stamford Zoning Board met to consider a settlement agreement for a large development, a historic preservation project, administrative extensions, and to bid farewell to a departing board member. The meeting included an executive session and public hearing.

Settlement Agreement for 900 Longridge Road (Application 223-34)

The board discussed and approved a settlement agreement for the proposed development at 900 Longridge Road, originally filed as application 223-34. Staff planner Ralph Blessing summarized the key changes:

• Reduction in total apartments from 508 to 463 units.
• Reduction in commercial space from 20,000 square feet to 5,000 square feet, reducing traffic.
• Change in Below Market Rate (BMR) unit mix: all affordable units except one will be three-bedroom apartments at 45% of AMI, addressing city housing plan recommendations for family-sized, deeply affordable units.
• Significant architectural redesign: a more traditional New England style with wood textures, slanted/gabled roofs, natural stone, and better facade articulation.
• Applicant will maintain a $500,000 contribution for traffic improvements (signal and sidewalk improvements).
• Buildings A and C reduced in size; building A moved south to increase separation.
• Public accessible amenity space (walking trails, ponds) retained.

Chair David Stein commented that the settlement provides large affordable units badly needed and improved design. The board voted 4-1 to approve the settlement based on the changes outlined in the stipulation of judgment dated December 16, 2024. The motion was made by Chair Stein and seconded. (Vote: 4-1)

Public Hearing: 31 Maple Tree Avenue (Application 224-02)

The board resumed a continued public hearing for the reconstruction of a historic house and construction of four new townhouses at 31 Maple Tree Avenue. Applicant's attorney Jay Klein presented updates addressing previous board questions:

• Building height and visibility: The proposed addition is 33 feet tall, set back 126 feet from the street. Renderings showed the historic home will screen the addition, even in winter. The addition is shorter than neighboring structures (35 Maple Tree has a 36-foot addition; 39 Maple Tree has 35-foot buildings). The as-of-right maximum height is 40 feet, and the property could be built closer to the street (20-foot setback) without board review.
• Historic preservation: The applicant committed to retain and restore original wooden materials, porch, windows, etc., under the supervision of historic preservation consultant Darren Raymond Locke. A historic preservation facade easement will be recorded. A supplemental historic assessment noted the home is one of only two on Maple Tree Avenue listed in the State Historic Preservation Office's inventory.
• Light and air: The applicant withdrew the special permit request for light and air relief because the revised site plan (driveway moved to east side) now meets the 10-foot setback requirement on all sides, as confirmed by staff.
• Parking: The project proposes 12 self-parking spaces (8 garage, 4 uncovered) – two per unit. No guest parking is provided; a special permit for reduced parking was requested. The Traffic and Transportation Bureau (TTP) expressed no concerns.
• Shingle roof over balconies: HPAC had asked for its removal, but the applicant preferred to keep it. The board agreed to keep it, making an exception to HPAC's comment.

Public Comment: David Adams of 29 Flint Rock Road spoke in favor, stating the project restores historic property and is a great improvement.

The board voted 5-0 to approve the application with conditions, including:

• Compliance with plans; bond for historic restoration; historic preservation easement; brass plaque; compliance with HPAC comments except for the shed roof; sidewalk construction; street trees; standard conditions.
• The special permit for light and air was withdrawn.

Administrative Review: Extension for 375 Fairfield Avenue (Application 223-43)

The board approved a one-year extension (to January 22, 2026) for the application to construct two warehouse/flex industrial buildings at 375 Fairfield Avenue. The applicant stated commitment to the project. Vote: 5-0.

Extension of Acting ZEO Term

The board approved a 30-day extension (to January 15, 2025) for Acting ZEO Daniel J. Trapp, pending the start of newly hired ZEO Ronald Bayer (expected January 7, 2025). The new ZEO will need board approval at a future meeting.

Other Business

• The board discussed future agenda items: a hotel at 0 West Park Place (Extended Stay), a zoning map change for parking at Cove Road shopping center, and updates on previously approved projects (e.g., senior housing on Long Ridge Road, Yale & Town building litigation, Woolworths building redevelopment).
• Board member Jerry Bozak requested an agenda item on tractor-trailer parking issues in Harbor View and Chapan Avenue.
• The board expressed appreciation for departing member Raquel Smith Anderson, who served for two years. Staff (Ralph Blessing, Vanita, Courtney, Lindsay Cohen) were commended for their support.
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:05 PM.

Key Outcomes

• Settlement for 900 Longridge Road approved (4-1).
• Application 224-02 for 31 Maple Tree Avenue approved (5-0) with conditions.
• Extension for 375 Fairfield Avenue approved (5-0).
• Acting ZEO term extended to January 15, 2025 (5-0).
• Future meetings: next regular meeting scheduled for January 6, 2025.