Stamford Zoning Board Meeting – February 11, 2025

The Stamford Zoning Board held a meeting on February 11, 2025, to consider a special permit application for converting existing office space at 300 Main Street into a 149-room hotel, along with other agenda items. The meeting included public hearings, discussion of conditions, and approvals.

Public Hearing – Application 224-36 (300 Main Street Hotel)

The applicant, TR West Main Street LLC, represented by Attorney William Hennessey and architect Andrew Ostrander, presented updates from the previous week's hearing. Key topics included responses to the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee (HPAC) recommendations, bicycle parking locations, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and streetscape plans.

• HPAC Recommendations: The applicant declined to add a cornice to the 1984 building or lighten the color of the new rooftop addition, arguing these changes would detract from the historic Union Trust Bank facade.
• Bicycle Parking: The applicant proposed locating Class A bike parking (for employees) in the basement and Class B bike parking (for guests) on the first parking level near the lobby, which would require removing one car parking space. The board requested revised plans showing both locations with surveillance coverage.
• EV Chargers: The applicant agreed to provide 14 EV charging spaces, based on the total parking count (approximately 140 spaces), though plans did not yet show them. Revised plans will be required before building permit.
• Streetscape: The site currently has 8 street trees; 13 are required. The applicant will pay a fee-in-lieu for the 5 missing trees, working with the Downtown Special Services District on planting locations.
• Parking: The project provides 65 excess parking spaces beyond the required minimum of 75 (including EV spaces). Board members noted the extra spaces could serve nearby developments.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Michael Moore (President, Stamford Downtown) – Expressed strong support, noting the project will activate a dormant block face, complement the lodging market, and enhance downtown's brand.
• Judy Norinsky (President, Historic Neighborhood Preservation) – Supported adaptive reuse but criticized the rooftop addition's dark color as too heavy; suggested a lighter color similar to adjacent buildings. Did not support adding a cornice.
• Susan Halper – Asked about the benefit of excess parking for nearby developments and agreed with Judy Norinsky on the addition's color.
• Dave Adams – Suggested a lighter color for the addition and noted the asymmetric view from garage spaces. Expressed support for saving the building.
• Monika Twalk – Opposed the application, citing lack of details on room design, EV charger locations, traffic study, and bicycle demand. She felt the process was rushed.

The applicant's attorney responded, disagreeing that the process was rushed and emphasizing the thorough review by multiple departments and boards. He argued that the color choice is intentional to make the addition recede and that extra parking is a benefit.

Discussion Items – Conditions and Approval

After closing the public hearing, the board moved to the regular meeting agenda.

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes of February 3, 2025, were approved unanimously.
• CSPR 1206 (Jerry Pell, 130 Dolphin Cove Key): A minor application for a new covered front porch, side yard, and foyer addition within the CAM boundary. The board approved it with conditions from EPB, Engineering, and Harbor Management Commission letters.
• Application 224-36 Findings and Conditions: The board reviewed and adopted findings under Footnote 23 for the special permit. They discussed and finalized a set of conditions, including:
  • Revised plans showing 14 EV spaces, Class A and Class B bicycle parking locations (with removal of one parking space each), and updated streetscape exhibit.
  • Shuttle service: Modified to require consultation with TTP (Transportation, Traffic & Parking) regarding shuttle operation, given TTP's concern about too many shuttles.
  • Standard conditions: landscaping, lighting, construction staging, drainage, signage, etc.
  • Fee-in-lieu for street trees (5 trees at $1,250 each) to be coordinated with DSSD.
  • Applicant to provide construction timeline (estimated 18-24 months).

Key Outcomes

• Application 224-36 (300 Main Street Hotel) – Approved (unanimous vote) with conditions as discussed.
• CSPR 1206 (130 Dolphin Cove Key) – Approved with conditions.
• Minutes of February 3, 2025 – Approved.

The meeting adjourned. Next meeting scheduled for March 3, 2025.