Stamford Zoning Board Public Hearing on Stanford Hospital Expansion and Map Change - September 15, 2026

Chair David Stein called the meeting to order at 6:37 PM on September 14, 2026 (noted as September 15 in official records). Roll call was taken with members Bill Morris, Roseanne McManus, Keith Walker, and Peter Rustin present. Staff Ralph Blessing and Vanita Matter were also present. The board heard two related applications from Stanford Hospital: a zoning map change (application 226-17) from VC Village Commercial to HCD Hospital Complex Design District, and a special permit and general development plan (application 226-18) to construct a 73,000-square-foot cancer center with a connected 355-space parking garage and two additional parking lots.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Alexis Farrell (28 Perry Street) – Expressed support for hospital but voiced concerns about traffic safety for children on Stillwater Avenue and the lack of stoplights. Asked how traffic would be controlled.
• Vincent Tufo (CEO, Charter Oak Communities) – Expressed strong support for the project, noting the hospital reduced parking garage height per community input. Emphasized the longstanding partnership and commitment to the West Side neighborhood.
• Lacia Lucero (40 Alden Street) – Opposed the project, citing loss of residential property and open space, environmental impacts, and health disparities. Asked why every available land must become parking and questioned community engagement.
• Karen Gottlieb (Executive Director, AmeriCares) – Supported the project, highlighting the partnership with Stanford Health and the importance of expanded services for low-income patients.
• Michael Peters (723 Spruce Street) – Opposed the expansion, calling it “insatiable” and concerned about traffic congestion, loss of housing, and pedestrian safety. Urged consideration of neighborhood impact.
• Dan Lombardi (Hubbard Avenue, President Hubbard Heights Association) – Supported the hospital but raised concerns about past broken promises (entrance location, greenway, lighting). Asked if some services could be moved off-campus to reduce traffic and parking strain.
• Priscilla Dorsey (72 Spruce Street) – Opposed the project, citing safety concerns for children on school buses, existing parking shortages, and lack of notice about the hearing.
• Saira Lopez (13 West Washington Avenue) – Opposed the zone change, stating traffic is already a serious problem for children on buses and quality of life.
• Dave Adams (Glenbrook Road) – Asked for clarification on the 75-foot setback for temporary parking and suggested underground parking as a better solution.
• Heather Kavanaugh (President/CEO, Stamford Chamber of Commerce) – Supported the project, emphasizing Stanford Health’s role as a major employer and economic driver, and the need for expanded health services.

Discussion Items

• Presentation by Stanford Hospital: Lisa Feinberg (attorney) and Liz Longmore (COO) presented the $275 million investment. The project relocates the Bennett Cancer Center, transforms the existing space into behavioral health, and expands rehabilitation services. A 73,000-square-foot cancer center with a connected parking garage is proposed, along with two surface lots (21 spaces on Spruce Street, 53 on Stillwater Avenue, with 21 temporary spaces within 75 feet of Stillwater Avenue to be removed after garage construction). The map change would bring the Stillwater properties into the HCDD.
• Planning Board Letters: Roseanne McManus read two letters recommending approval with conditions: that the Stillwater Avenue parking lot be designed to facilitate future development consistent with the comprehensive plan, that the 75-foot buffer parking be removed upon certificate of occupancy for the garage, and that the transportation demand management plan be updated to reduce single-occupancy vehicle use.
• Board Questions:
  • Bill Morris asked about employee parking numbers and whether usage could be reduced. Liz Longmore explained most on-site staff are in direct patient care and cannot work remotely; the hospital encourages alternative transportation but faces high demand. Bill also asked about impervious surface increase (no significant increase) and why a special permit was filed (belt-and-suspenders approach).
  • Roseanne McManus expressed concern that past parking garages were insufficient and hoped this project would address the chronic shortage.
  • Keith Walker asked about new jobs (handful, not substantial), compliance with building setbacks (building complies with code, reduced setback allowed under 45 feet), stormwater runoff (no increase; improvements planned for Stillwater lot with permeable pavers; runoff directed away from Merrill Avenue), and sustainability requirements (hospital subject to new sustainability amendment; roof constraints due to mechanical equipment; possibility of solar panels on parking garage discussed).
  • Peter Rustin had no questions.
• Applicant Responses to Public Comments: Lisa Feinberg clarified the project is not an expansion but a relocation of existing services. No new curb cuts are proposed. The Spruce Street lot is on property owned since 2010, not open space. The hospital achieved a Grade B on the sustainability scorecard and will achieve LEED Basic certification. Outreach to the community began over a year ago. The 75-foot setback was requested by staff to align with Charter Oak development, not a regulation requirement. Vanita Matter confirmed notice requirements were met (mailing to 116 neighbors within 100 feet, seven signs, legal advertisements).

Key Outcomes

• No votes were taken on applications 226-17 and 226-18. The public hearing was closed, and the board moved to the next agenda item. The applications remain pending for future deliberation and decision.
• The board did not discuss or vote on the third application (226-11, 25 DeBarra Lane) during the transcribed portion of the meeting.
• The meeting continued after the public hearing with a new application.