Stamford Zoning Board Meeting - May 19, 2026

The Stamford Zoning Board met on May 19, 2026, at 6:32 PM via Zoom. Chair David Stein presided. The meeting included a public hearing on a controversial map change application, approval of after-the-fact coastal work, new sports courts, a senior housing special permit, modifications to a waterfront development, and several time extensions.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (April 27, 2026): The board approved the minutes by a vote of 4-0 (with Peter Rustin abstaining).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Application 226-07 (29 Melrose Place map change):
  • Darling Calvillo (34 Melrose Place) spoke in opposition, citing existing traffic issues, parking problems from nearby restaurants, and concerns about future uses under MG zoning creating more congestion and safety hazards.
  • Salvatore Zarella (Keith Street) opposed the application, arguing residents were not meaningfully informed, that the zoning change would place industrial uses directly across from homes, and that the master plan designation (MU-1) supports residential, not industrial. He urged denial.
  • Dave Adams (Glenbrook Road) questioned why the applicant chose MG rather than a less intense commercial zone, noting the original intent in 1981 was to move toward residential use.
  • Calvillo responded again, emphasizing that she and many neighbors are deeply concerned about safety and the narrow street.

Discussion Items

• Application 225-43 & 225-44 (1150 Summer Street – daycare center): The applicant did not appear; the board continued both applications to the June 8, 2026 meeting.

• Application 226-07 (29, 27, 31 Melrose Place & 445 Fairfield Avenue – map change from R6 to MG):

  • Attorney William Hennessy represented the applicant (29 Melrose Place LLC, owned by Stephen Goldblum). He argued the properties are legal non-conforming and that the current R6 zone (adopted in the 1980s as a “noble experiment”) has failed to encourage residential conversion. Rezoning to MG would allow owners to invest, improve, and attract small businesses, benefiting the neighborhood.
  • Board members raised concerns: Bill Morris asked why neighbors should trust that improvements will follow and questioned the benefit to residents. David Stein noted that uses like junkyards, bulk petroleum storage, or metal plating are allowed as-of-right in MG. Roseanne McManus clarified that the R6 to MG change was intended to allow residential conversion 42 years ago, but none occurred.
  • Staff planner Vanita Mathur confirmed that MG allows higher FAR (1.0 vs 0.5) and more uses, but small lot sizes and parking/buffer requirements limit development. She also noted that combining lots could allow a 20,000 sq ft building without zoning board review.
  • Peter Rustin and Keith Walker pressed for a concrete plan; Goldblum said he has no tenant yet but wants to demolish the dilapidated building and construct a new small commercial building similar to his property at 445 Fairfield Avenue (currently leased to a telephone service company).
  • The board debated whether ML (limited industrial) might be more appropriate, as it prohibits the most noxious uses. The applicant argued ML would also bar many desired small businesses (e.g., cabinet makers, candy makers) and that the site is too small for heavy industry.
  • The public hearing was closed; the application will be on the regular meeting agenda next meeting (June 8).

• CSPR 1225 (265 Willowbrook Avenue – after-the-fact regrading and boulders):

  • Applicant Alexandra Mock explained that during COVID, the owner placed boulders and added minimal fill (less than 2 feet) behind a property in a coastal flood zone to prevent erosion. The state DEP requested evidence that no feasible less-damaging alternative existed.
  • Engineer Tim DeBartolomeo presented a wave model showing no measurable impact on coastal resources, and argued that removing the material would leave a disturbed shoreline, making conditions worse. A planting plan (beach grass) was offered as mitigation.
  • The board approved the application 5-0, subject to conditions from the Environmental Protection Board and Engineering Bureau.

• CSPR 1230 (1125 Cove Road – new tennis and pickleball courts at Cove Island Park):

  • Staff presented a plan to replace existing courts with three tennis courts, two pickleball courts, and resurface the basketball court, plus an ADA connection. Approved 5-0 with conditions from EPB, Engineering, DEEP, and Harbor Management Commission.

• Application 226-01 (35 Terrace Avenue – special permit for independent living units for seniors/disabled):

  • The board approved adding two extra units (for a total of six) over the as-of-right four, subject to deed restrictions requiring at least one resident per unit to be age 55+ or disabled, type B accessibility, 12 parking spaces (one per unit wired for EV charging), and maintenance agreements for owner-occupied/rented units. Approved 5-0.

• Application 222-24 (68 C View Avenue – minor modifications to approved development):

  • Attorney Hennessy provided an update: to comply with FEMA regulations (after a variance denial from the ZBA), the building will be cut to remove a sliver from the VE zone at a cost of $3–4 million. The marina office building will be demolished, and eight additional residential units (four on ground, four above) will replace office space and some parking. Public boardwalk access will be simplified. The board approved the modifications 5-0 with conditions including a public access easement, flood‑resilient boardwalk furniture, and a $1.8 million fee-in-lieu for affordable housing (BMR obligation).

Key Outcomes

• Continued to June 8, 2026: Applications 225-43, 225-44 (1150 Summer Street).
• Continued to regular meeting (June 8): Application 226-07 (Melrose Place map change) – will be deliberated and voted on.
• Approved (5-0): CSPR 1225 (Willowbrook boulders), CSPR 1230 (Cove Island courts), Application 226-01 (Terrace Avenue senior housing), Application 222-24 (C View Avenue modifications).
• Time extensions approved (5-0): Application 223-12 (Landmark Square – to July 25, 2028); Application 223-14 (Arm & Hotel prayer room – to June 28, 2028); Application 212-05 (One Station Place office tower – to August 7, 2031).

Note: The transcript states the meeting occurred on May 18, 2026, but the official date provided for this summary is May 19, 2026.