Stanford Zoning Board Meeting Summary - January 6, 2026

The Stanford Zoning Board convened on January 6, 2026, via Zoom to address a multi-part agenda including public hearings for significant development applications and routine text amendments. The Board addressed a proposed multifamily residential project at 492 Glenbrook Road, a proposed health and wellness "Bath House" facility at Harbor Point, and two zoning code cleanup amendments. While the Glenbrook and text amendment applications received unanimous approval after revisions, the Board continued the Bath House application pending further architectural details and security lighting plans. Additionally, the Board denied two applications from Continental Family Holdings due to concerns regarding excessive density, incompatible scale, and insufficient traffic access.

Consent Calendar

• Application 225-4-1 (Zoning Text Cleanup): The Board approved this application to correct duplicative language, update notice requirements for all zoning board actions, clarify that light and air requirements for conversions must include "operable" windows, align Floor Area Ratio (FAR) calculations with building code (excluding spaces under 7'3" ceiling height), mandate large shade trees in parking lots, and remove the special permit requirement for small retail in industrial areas. A minor amendment was agreed to regarding the driveway definition to acknowledge the possibility of multiple exits.
• Application 225-4-2 (Comprehensive Plan Update): The Board unanimously approved this text amendment to update references in the zoning regulations from "Master Plan" to "Comprehensive Plan" and align land use categories with the new 2035 Comprehensive Plan.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sue Halpern (Opposed): Expressed full opposition to the Bath House application (225-37), citing the Comprehensive Plan's vision for open space and air quality improvement. She argued the project would block the Mill River Greenway, add to the South End's poor air quality due to the nearby ONG cement plant, and fail to provide the open space needed for the waterfront.
• Elizabeth McAuley (Opposed): Expressed full opposition to the Bath House application (225-37), highlighting the historical value of the site as a public parking lot for the neighborhood and church. She opposed the potential for increased congestion, noise, and alcohol-related disturbances from the rooftop bar, arguing the facility did not suit the residential character of the South End.
• Peter Quigley (Opposed): Expressed full opposition to the Bath House application (225-37) on behalf of the North Redding Zoning (NRZ). He cited the site's history as a toxic, carbocogenic location near Sprague Energy oil tanks, raised concerns about stormwater and cleaning fluid dumping, and advocated for the site to remain part of the Mill River Greenway Walkway Extension rather than becoming a bar and spa.
• Sue Halpern (Supportive): Expressed full support for the text amendment adding "operable" windows to conversion requirements (Application 225-4-1), stating it was wonderful for ensuring air quality in new apartments.

Discussion Items

• Application 225-24 (488 Glenbrook Road Multi-family):

  • Applicant Position: The applicant, represented by Carmedy Law, presented updated plans incorporating board and staff suggestions from the previous meeting. They expressed support for the design modifications, including extending the cornice band across the entire roofline, adding six faux windows to the southerly facade, adding matching windows to the northerly facade, and installing AZEC trim.
  • Board Position: Board members expressed approval of the design modifications and responsiveness of the applicant.
  • Public Position: No members of the public requested to speak in favor or opposition.

• Application 225-37 (Bath House at Harbor Point - Continued):

  • Applicant Position: The applicant, Bath House, presented a health and wellness facility proposal. Jordan Hummel expressed the company's stance that they are a social wellness destination, not a traditional spa, and emphasized their strict hygiene protocols (ozone/sand filters, certified operators) to address concerns about past complaints in New York. They stated the building design (brick and cement panels) adheres to their brand identity and the nature of thermal spaces which generally do not require windows.
  • Board Position: Board members expressed concern regarding the building's aesthetic, describing it as "sterile," "brutal," and lacking visual variety, though they acknowledged the subjectivity of design. Members raised specific concerns about security lighting (not currently shown on plans), the lack of windows on blank walls creating unsafe feelings, and the placement of EV charging spaces. The Board noted that the use of cement panels is consistent with the applicant's brand but requested closer views to see the texture.
  • Public Position: See Public Comments & Testimony above.

• Application 224-18 & 225-23 (Continental Family Holdings - 1111 Summer Street & 23 Berry Place):

  • Staff Position: Staff recommended denial based on excessive density (265 units vs. a potential 137 units under alternative zoning), incompatibility with surrounding single-family neighborhoods (4-story buildings vs. 2.5-story limits), and a single means of access creating traffic bottlenecks.
  • Board Position: Board members expressed full support for the denial, citing the incompatibility of the proposed density and scale with the adjacent R6, R7.5, and R10 districts. They noted the site's poor walkability and lack of transit access compared to comparative sites.

Key Outcomes

• Application 225-24 (488 Glenbrook Road): APPROVED unanimously (4-0). Conditions include adherence to updated site plans, submission of landscape plans for approval, ADA Type B compliance, consolidation of lots, a BMR affordability plan for 3 units (100% income limit 50%), and specific parking/bike parking requirements.
• Application 225-37 (Bath House): CONTINUED to the January 26, 2026, meeting. The applicant is directed to provide: (1) close-up architectural views of all four facades, (2) updated photometric plans showing outdoor lighting, (3) relocation of five street trees to the sidewalk, (4) security camera plan locations, and (5) research on EV charging spacing requirements.
• Application 224-18 (1111 Summer Street): DENIED unanimously (3-1, Jerry opposed). The motion to deny was based on the Staff Memorandum regarding density, scale, and access deficiencies.
• Application 225-23 (23 Berry Place): DENIED unanimously (4-0) as the use is not permitted in the MG zoning district.
• Application 225-4-1: APPROVED unanimously (4-0) with a clarification to refer to the prior paragraph regarding operable windows.
• Application 225-4-2: APPROVED unanimously (4-0) to update Master Plan references to Comprehensive Plan categories.
• Meeting Adjournment: The Board adjourned at approximately 9:15 PM, with the Chair commending the return to video conferencing with active camera use.