Public Meetings - Stamford, Connecticut

The CHESS Committee of the Stamford Board of Representatives met on March 17, 2026, at 6:30 PM to discuss the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program cycle, approve contracts for owner's representative services at two schools, authorize a project labor agreement for the Roxbury School construction, and review state legislation regarding pet shop sales. The meeting lasted approximately two hours. Discussion Items CDBG Program Overview (Item 32.006): Moira Sach, CDBG Administrator, and Anita Carpenter, Grants Officer, presented an overview of the Community Development Block Grant program, now in its 52nd year. The city receives approximately $950,000 annually from HUD. Sach outlined the program timeline: applications are open via ZoomGrants until April 5, 2026; committee review begins April 15; a public hearing with applicant presentations is set for April 21; committee scores are due May 9; and an allocation meeting is scheduled for May 19. The committee will score applications based on objective criteria (total 100 points), and the mayor’s office will also provide recommendations. 20% of funds are set aside for administration, and only 15% may go to public services. Sach noted that the city has funded projects such as a mobile food pantry van, a 24-hour hotline for homeless youth, mental health counseling, and public improvements like playgrounds and traffic calming. Representative Walston suggested sharing a sample application to ease the process, and Sach agreed to distribute last year’s application and timeline. Approval of Owner's Representative Contract for Rippleam Middle School Indoor Air Quality Project (Item 32.003): Catherine Lobalbo, Director of School Construction, presented a $255,000 contract with DBI Projects LLC for owner’s representative services related to a $4 million HVAC project at Rippleam Middle School. The project, 60% grant-funded, will add air conditioning to the gymnasium and auditorium. The contract includes a $5,000 reimbursement allowance. Representative Weirs noted that the contract incorrectly listed Rippleam as an elementary school; the committee requested that be corrected. After discussion of indemnification clauses (with clarification from Assistant Corporation Counsel Christella Delva), the committee approved the contract. Approval of Owner's Representative Contract for Newfield Elementary School Indoor Air Quality Project (Item 32.004): Lobalbo presented a similar contract with Arcadis US Inc. for $1.2 million in owner’s representative services for a larger HVAC project (two phases over two summers) at Newfield Elementary School. The contract includes mutual indemnification, but this version only requires Arcadis to indemnify the city. The committee approved the contract. Resolution Authorizing Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for Roxbury School Construction (Item 32.005): Lobalbo introduced a resolution to authorize a project labor agreement for the $130 million Roxbury School construction project (60% state-reimbursed). The PLA would require the construction manager (CM at risk) to make good-faith efforts to achieve hiring goals: 60% minorities, 40% women, and 10% veterans, targeting 100 program participants with priority for Stamford residents and disadvantaged youth. The resolution includes partnerships with Stamford High School, West Hill High School, J.M. Wright Technical High School, and others. Representative Walston raised concerns about the definition of

The Personnel Committee of the 32nd Board of Representatives met on March 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to review the city's human resources policies and programs. The meeting focused on the civil service classification system and the collective bargaining/labor relations framework. Presentations were delivered by HR Director Dr. Paula Russell, HR Manager Rosemary Frazier, and Labor Relations Specialist Anna Gonzalez. Discussion Items - Civil Service System Overview (Rosemary Frazier): Frazier explained the city's merit-based civil service rules, which govern hiring, retention, classification, exams, probation, promotion, layoffs, and salary administration. Key points included: the classification plan maintained by HR; the selection process using written exams, performance assessments, and physical agility tests; scoring methods including banding, ranking, and cut scores; the probationary period (six months for new hires, three months for promotions); layoff based on seniority; and salary setting with flexibility up to midpoint with HR approval and above midpoint requiring Personnel Commission approval. Frazier also described the appeals process for disqualifications and exam results. She noted that the city does not currently have a formal performance management system. - Resident and Veteran Bonus Points: In response to a question from Representative Dela Cruz, Frazier clarified that city residents receive five additional points on entry-level exams, and veterans receive five points (or ten for disabled veterans). The HR department proactively contacts candidates who may not have claimed the points. Firefighter volunteers receive five points on the fire exam only. - Cut Scores: Chair Weinberg asked about cut scores. Frazier explained that cut scores are the minimum passing score; for police and fire, the vendor discourages their use, so they have been moved away from. For other exams, cut scores are set based on historical data (e.g., around 60 for office support specialist). - Collective Bargaining and Labor Relations Framework (Anna Gonzalez): Gonzalez presented the city's labor relations structure, including the 10 bargaining units (dental hygienists, UAW, MAA, IUOE Operations, Nurses Association, Assistant Corporation Counsel, Fire, Police, WPCA, Custodians) with approximate sizes. She described the collective bargaining process: gathering proposals from departments and unions, negotiating, reaching tentative agreements, and board approval. She also covered grievance procedures, dispute resolution, employee discipline (predisciplinary meetings with due process), and the role of the labor relations specialist in advising departments and ensuring compliance with contracts and laws. - FMLA and Sick Bank: Chair Weinberg asked about enhancements to FMLA. Gonzalez stated the city follows federal and state guidelines, but some contracts include an emergency sick bank providing up to 60 days in a fiscal year, which can be used in conjunction with FMLA leave. - Representative Questions: Representative Dela Cruz asked about Gonzalez's role in negotiations; she confirmed she is the city's representative but not an assistant corporation counsel. Representative Walston asked whether a resident can complain about a union member; Gonzalez explained that discipline is between the city and the employee, and the union represents the employee; outsiders have no recourse under the contract. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken. The meeting was informational. - The next personnel committee meeting is scheduled for April 2026 and will cover benefits, retirement benefits, and pension programs. - Committee members were encouraged to submit questions in advance to Chair Weinberg for future presentations. - The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.

The Transportation Committee, chaired by Jeff Weirs, met on Monday, March 16, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. to consider a single agenda item: an ordinance (T32.003) to dissolve the Stanford Transit District (Chapter 59 of the City Code). Senior Transportation Planner Luke Buttonweiser presented a detailed explanation of the current bus stop ownership structure and the rationale for dissolution. The committee voted 8-0-1 (one abstention) to approve the ordinance, which will proceed to a public hearing and then to the full board.

On March 12, 2026, the Stamford Board of Finance Fiscal Committee (Co-Chairs Morrison and Zachary) held a meeting to hear budget overviews from several city departments for the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget. Presentations covered the Office of Policy and Management (OPM), Grants Office, Early Childhood, Purchasing, Controller’s Office, Assessments, Revenue Services, and Tax Collection. Committee members asked questions about revenue assumptions, grant sourcing, collection rates, technology modernization, and online payment fees. Discussion Items Office of Policy and Management (OPM) – Elda Sinani - OPM’s total proposed budget is $38,170 (2.7% increase) driven by salary adjustments and contractual obligations. - Total proposed city revenue is $74.74 million (2.32% increase), with property taxes comprising 91.7% of revenue. - The property tax levy net of reserves is projected at $672.6 million (6.79% increase) due to education funding, labor agreements, and operational growth. - Key revenue changes: departmental revenue +$1.9 million; property taxes +$467,000 (consistent with mayor’s 5.1% projection); interest income -$500,000 due to lower rates. - OPM is implementing a new budget software database with key performance indicators and seeking GFOA certification by next spring. - Reserves total $35.38 million, including Harbor Point TIF Reserve. Representative Cruz questioned the need for a reserve for BLT (Building and Land Technology). Grants Office – Anita Carpenter - The grants office manages approximately 300 active awards; budget increase of $31,812 (4.2%) for staff adjustments. - Office supports oversight of special revenue streams (opioid settlement, NIPS, tax abatements). - A $50,000 request for digital archiving services was not included in the mayor’s proposed budget but remains a need. - In response to Representative Morrison, Carpenter stated that the office has not been significantly impacted by federal executive orders or shutdowns, but Board of Education portfolios were affected. - Representative Wapine asked about AI use: Carpenter noted AI is used for aligning grant narratives with NOFOs, improving proficiency and some efficiency, but requires careful verification. Early Childhood – Danesha Brown - Budget is 95% grant-funded through Early Start CT/local governance partner (Cradle to Career). City funding of $22,424 covers salary/benefits not paid by grants; state requires a $50,000 match for non-state-funded programs. - Merged programs into Early Start CT; community tables identify gaps and improvement plans. Purchasing – Eric Larson - Department is under $5,000 increase; as of March, issued 33 bids and 49 RFPs in current fiscal year. - Top spenders include school construction projects (West Hill, Roxbury). Representative O'Pine asked about concentration of spend; Larson estimated the top five RFPs represent over 50% of total purchase order amount. - Challenges include Oracle system upgrades (Redwood) and retraining users. Controller’s Office – Teresa Viscarillo - Budget increase of $113,529 (5.5%), primarily contractual (about 4%). - FY24 audit published two weeks ago; FY25 audit begins end of March with completion anticipated mid-July 2026. - Internal auditor position reports to Director of Administration, not the Controller. Assessments – Greg Stackpole - The assessment grant list grew to $27.433 billion ($106 million increase) with real estate (new apartments) and motor vehicles (more/expensive vehicles) driving growth. - Overall assessor budget decreased due to lower contracted services for tax appeals from 2022 revaluation. - New veterans’ exemptions (Local Ordinance 1323) will require overtime. - 2027 revaluation RFP issued; income/expense letters mailed to commercial property owners. - Representative Walston noted the increase in motor vehicle tax revenue conflicts with transit goals. Revenue Services – Meg Benjamin (new director) - Focus: centralizing revenue collection, improving system integration, updating cashiering policies (last revised 1997). - Non-salary items unchanged. In-person transactions remain common for beach/marina permits to avoid processing fees. Tax Collection – Bill Napolitano - Collection efforts expanded: using outside attorneys and collection agency for delinquent personal property accounts; seeing good returns. - Online payment fees: 2.99% for credit cards, $0.95 for e-checks (minimum $3.95). Negotiating to reduce fees. - Representative Walston suggested a satellite office or Saturday hours for payments; Napolitano said it could be discussed with Revenue Services. - Representative Cruz asked for delinquency rates; Napolitano will provide figures later. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational for committee members preparing to deliberate the FY2026-27 budget. - Several follow-up items were requested: - Tax Collector to provide delinquency/uncollected revenue data (Representative Cruz). - The committee will consider digital archiving funding for the Grants Office and further integration of revenue systems. - The next steps involve compiling questions and conducting further review before a final budget vote.

The Stamford Planning Board met on March 11, 2026, at 6:34 p.m. (the meeting was called to order at 6:34 p.m. on March 10, 2026 per the transcript, but the official date provided is March 11, 2026). Members present: Jeremy Linder (Vice Chair), Ravi Marnian, William Levin, Chet Sub, and Chair Jennifer Gonzalez (joined at 6:35 p.m.). The board approved minutes, authorized a capital project appropriation, and voted on a zoning text amendment referral. Consent Calendar - Approval of Planning Board Minutes (February 24, 2026): The board approved the minutes from the February 24 meeting. Motion passed unanimously (3-0, with one member abstaining because not present at that meeting). Discussion Items - Latham Wider Community Center Renovations – Supplemental Capital Project Appropriation: The board considered a request for $2.5 million in total renovations and capital improvements at the city-owned facility. $1.5 million is from a HUD community project funding earmark secured through Senators Bloom, Bell, and Murphy; $1 million is from special revenue community development program funds. No new city funding is requested. The project serves low- and moderate-income residents. Anita Carpenter from the grants office presented. The board approved the appropriation unanimously. - Zoning Board Referral – ZB Application 22606, Text Change (Corrections and Temporary Signs): Vanita from the zoning department presented a set of corrections to various sections of the zoning regulations and a new definition for temporary signs. The temporary sign regulation would allow larger-than-permitted signs on a temporary basis (typically three months with a possible 30-day extension) and require a $5,000 bond and a zoning permit. The impetus was a request for a large banner at 200 Elm Street (Henkel building) and a political banner on the Stamford Savings Bank building. Board members discussed: - Ravi expressed opposition to adding more regulations, arguing the current system allows flexibility and that the proposed rules add bureaucracy. He favored giving the zoning enforcement officer discretion rather than a detailed framework. - Chet questioned whether the temporary sign regulations align with the comprehensive plan's goal of clear, user-friendly regulations. He also noted that the grammatical corrections are minor and should be handled administratively. - Vanita explained that the zoning enforcement officer requested a framework to avoid arbitrary decisions and that the bond ensures compliance. The board also discussed the difficulty of approving a package that includes both substantive (temporary signs) and minor (corrections) changes. - A motion to deny the entire application was made by Chet, seconded by Ravi, citing inconsistency with the comprehensive plan (specifically the temporary sign portion). The motion carried 2-1 (one member opposed). The board then added comments: support for the non-signage corrections, and a recommendation that the temporary sign regulations be made less restrictive if reconsidered. Key Outcomes - Latham Wider Community Center Appropriation: Approved unanimously. - Zoning Text Change Application (ZB 22606): Denied (2-1). The board recommended that the city consider splitting future applications into separate items for substantive and minor changes, and that the temporary sign regulations be revised to be less restrictive if brought forward again.

This was the first hearing of the 2026 budget season, convened by the Fiscal Committee of the Board of Representatives. The meeting focused on the proposed budgets for the Office of Operations, including operations administration, vehicle maintenance, solid waste and recycling, stormwater management, and transportation. Presentations were given by department heads, and committee members asked questions about budget changes, staffing, sustainability initiatives, and capital projects. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar was identified. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were taken. Discussion Items - Operations Administration (Matt Kenonis): Kenonis presented the small administration budget (approx. 4 staff). The primary year-over-year increase is driven by a proposal for a professional consultant to support a sustainability education program mandated by a 2025 Board of Reps ordinance to transition city equipment from gas to electric power. The consultant would help design a public education campaign and provide expertise on implementation. Kenonis emphasized fiscal discipline and noted that most increases come from settled labor contracts. - Vehicle Maintenance (Josie Carpzano): Carpzano explained a 1,415% apparent increase in the vehicle maintenance line, due to the consolidation of all city vehicle maintenance accounts (fund 1000) under one line item. Proposed budget: $2.6 million (mayor cut to $2.1 million). Additional increases: $20,000 for OSHA safety upgrades (crane systems) and funding for a pilot wash rack program to preserve fleet frames. Capital requests: $300,000 for additional EV charging stations (supporting VW grant) and $100,000 for a seasonal vehicle storage facility. Carpzano confirmed the city is piloting three electric sanitation trucks and 20 PHEVs for the pool fleet, acknowledging infrastructure investment is needed. Representative Delacruz expressed strong support for EV adoption, citing lower maintenance and climate benefits. - Solid Waste/Recycling (Dan Callori): Overall budget increase of only 0.2% after removing vehicle maintenance. Salary increases are due to settled contracts and two new positions (collection driver 2 and a laborer) to address chronic staffing shortages (15–50% short daily). Additional collection routes will be added in new areas. Recycling processing fees are expected to rise slightly. - Stormwater Management & Transportation (Tyler Turk and Thomas Turk): This session covered a major departmental reorganization, merging road maintenance, traffic, parking, and stormwater under a new Transportation Department. Budgets are essentially flat aside from consolidations. Key capital requests include: $2 million for roadway design/reconstruction (state grant match); $300,000 for Vision Zero implementation; $250,000 for transit upgrades (bus shelters, stops); and continued funding for sidewalk maintenance and extensions ($125,000 each for pedestrian facilities and sidewalk extensions). A new capital project for unaccepted road rebuilding ($0 currently) was introduced. Paving budget: $5 million (down from prior years), covering top 200 roads, utility coordination, and neighborhood roads. Thomas Turk noted that over 300 roads have been paved in the last nine years. - Parking Fund (Thomas Turk): Revenue projections: $1 million from new speed cameras (to be installed near schools), $1 million additional parking ticket revenue (from hiring 2 more enforcement officers and adding license plate readers), and $50,000 from bus shelter ads. Expenditures include $1.7 million to continue the Stamford Forward rideshare program (grant expiring June 30) and increased processing fees. Two new traffic enforcement officer positions were requested. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken. The hearing served for information and questioning only. - The next budget hearing will be held on March 12, 2026 at 6:30 PM (hybrid), starting with OPM and Director Sanani. - Presentations and additional details are available on the Board of Representatives website (budget page).

Note: The transcript of the meeting indicates it was held on March 9, 2026, but the provided date for this summary is March 10, 2026. This summary uses the latter date as instructed. The Zoning Board of Stamford, Connecticut, convened on March 10, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Chair David Stein led the meeting, which included public hearings on a daycare facility and a zoning text amendment, as well as administrative reviews and approvals of time extensions. The board approved the daycare proposal with conditions, continued two text amendments, and granted modifications to fee-in-lieu funding for an affordable housing project. Consent Calendar - Minutes – The board unanimously approved the minutes from the March 2, 2026 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Application 225-48 (Children's Learning Centers) – Attorney Pierce, representing the Palmer Hill Community Association, opposed the project, citing unresolved parking, circulation, and emergency access issues. He requested denial without prejudice. The applicant, Rick Redness, apologized for previous communication issues and expressed confidence in securing access through adjacent property. Noel Lepine, board chair of CLC, emphasized the project's importance for early childhood education and asked for approval. - Application 225-47 (CL District Text Change) – Several members of the public spoke: - Barry Michelson (non-Stamford resident) raised concerns about building height near residential zones and the homogenization of zoning districts. - Sue Halpern (30 Elmcraft Road) asked about the RDD (Residential Density Divider) and potential residential uses in the CL district. - Dave Adams (Glenbrook) questioned the definition of commercial streets and the red-line markings. - Monika Twal (37 Hanrahan Street) opposed the changes, arguing they reduce parking, increase traffic, and create confusion. Discussion Items - Application 225-48 (60 Palmer's Hill Road) – The applicant proposed adaptive reuse of a two-story building to create a daycare serving up to 220 children. The board discussed conditions including traffic improvements, a parking management plan, and emergency access. The board approved the application with conditions, including a requirement that the daycare either secure a cut-through connection to 64 Palmer's Hill Road or wait for city intersection improvements before opening. - Application 225-47 (CL Limited Commercial District Text Change) – Ralph Blessing presented proposed regulations to add urban design standards to the CL district, including minimum lot size of 2 acres, building setbacks, and reduced impervious surfaces. The board discussed the need for a map of existing CL districts and continued the item to the next meeting pending further information. - Application 225-38 (CG District Text Change) – Similar to the CL change, the board debated the threshold for board review of building alterations. Members requested a comparison table showing current vs. proposed review requirements. The item was continued to the next meeting. - Application 225-45 (177 Broad Street) – The applicant proposed converting a 16-story office building into 231 residential apartments. The board commented positively on the design and amenities. The item was continued to the next meeting pending receipt of traffic and WPCA letters. Key Outcomes - Application 225-48 – Approved 4-0 with conditions, including a parking management plan, EV charging spaces, and a requirement that the daycare either secure a vehicular connection to 64 Palmer's Hill Road or wait for city intersection improvements before opening. - Application 225-47 (CL Text Change) – Continued to March 30, 2026, with a request for a map of CL districts. - Application 225-38 (CG Text Change) – Continued to March 30, 2026, with a request for a comparison table of review thresholds. - Application 225-45 (177 Broad Street) – Continued to March 30, 2026, pending outstanding letters from the Traffic and WPCA departments. - Application 225-4? (66 Stillwater Avenue) – Extension of time for an 18-unit affordable housing project approved 5-0, extending the deadline to March 12, 2028. - Fee-in-Lieu Funds for St. John's Project – The board approved a modification of prior approvals (applications 213-44 and 218-19) to redirect fee-in-lieu funds to the St. John's Urban Development Corp. project. The approval includes a one-year extension (to March 9, 2027) with the possibility of further extensions, and requires quarterly reports to the board. The board also consented to consolidating the escrow agreements. Approved 5-0.

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting date as Monday, March 9th, but the provided instructions specify March 10, 2026. This summary uses the instructed date; the discrepancy is noted. This steering committee meeting covered administrative announcements, committee agendas, and procedural votes. Key actions included the creation of a Board of Representatives liaison to the Board of Education, the scheduling of committee meetings, and the commitment or referral of numerous items. Announcements - The Transportation Committee meeting will move to the third Monday of the month (same day as Personnel Committee) starting in March, noticed as special meetings until the next yearly reset. - Chairs were reminded to be mindful of budget meeting volumes and to plan time-sensitive items before steering. - President Shaw announced the creation of a Board of Representatives liaison to the Board of Education to improve communication on school construction, capital projects, and fiscal matters requiring board action. Representative Noah Lepine was appointed as the liaison. The liaison will not report on policy matters outside board authority. - An honorary resolution honoring Melissa Mulrooney for 20 years of service as CEO of the Stamford Museum and Nature Center was approved for placement on the next board meeting agenda, moved by Chair Weinberg. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar was presented; all items were handled individually. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were heard. Discussion Items Appointments Committee - Co-Chair Gardner presented 8 individuals for interviews at the March 25th meeting: Larry Ginsberg (Assessment Appeals), James Fleischer (Assessment Appeals, later moved to pending), Jerry Bozak (Zoning Board), Keith Walker (Zoning Board), Chet Salad (Planning Board), Drew McKay (Planning Board alternate), Ashley Lay (Planning Board alternate). All except Fleischer were committed to the committee agenda; Fleischer was placed on pending after he requested rescheduling. Fiscal Committee - Co-Chair Zachary presented 10 items (F32.043–F32.061) covering funding for law department settlements, Boys & Girls Club rental loss, refunding bonds, cybersecurity grants, community center renovations, and more. - Amendment: Item 2 (F32.053) was amended to specify the location as the Yearwood Center to distinguish between Boys & Girls Club locations. The amendment passed. - Item 1 Debate: F32.043 (additional appropriation for law department wage settlements) sparked discussion about its relationship to a rejected tentative bargaining agreement. Confusion existed over whether the contract was rejected or approved (minutes from March 2, 2026, showed a vote to reject the rejection, effectively rejecting the contract). After parliamentary guidance, item 1 was moved to pending, and items 2–10 were committed to the fiscal committee agenda. Legislative and Rules Committee - Chair McEwen presented LR32.016 (ordinance to repeal the Appointments Commission) submitted late by Mayor Simmons. A roll call vote to consider the late item was unanimous (14–0). After debate on whether it belonged in Appointments or L&R, the item was committed to L&R with Appointments as a secondary committee. Meeting set for March 24 at 6:00 p.m. (note adjusted time). Personnel Committee - Chair Weinberg presented P32.003, a review item covering the city’s collective bargaining and disciplinary processes. It was committed to the committee agenda for March 16 at 7:00 p.m. Land Use Urban Redevelopment Committee - Co-Chair Price presented LU32.006 (acceptance of Pembroke Drive as a city street). It was committed to the committee agenda for March 18 at 7:00 p.m. (webinar only). Operations, Parks and Recreation Committee - Chair Sanford presented four items: building permit fees on commercial projects (OPR32.002), excavation permits enforcement (OPR32.003), street light audit and LED conversion agreement with Wendell Energy Services (OPR32.006), and a commercial building permit fee exemption for qualifying grocery stores downtown and in the South End (OPR32.007). All four were committed to the committee agenda. Meeting rescheduled to March 19 at 6:00 p.m. (webinar only) due to a conflict. Public Safety and Health Committee - Chair Bouchard presented two items: PS32.004 (security review of abandoned building at 200 Henry Street) and PS32.005 (originally an overview of Stamford Police Department, amended to overview of Stamford Fire Department). Both were committed; the meeting will be March 26 at 6:30 p.m. (webinar only). Community Development, Housing, Education, Social Services, State and Commerce (CHESS) Committee - Co-Chair Pollock presented items 1–5: DBI contract for Rippowam Indoor Air Quality, Arcadis contract for Newfield Elementary, two review items (CDBG process overview and state bill HB5283 on pet shop sales), and were committed. Order was changed to put housing-related reviews first. - Items 6–8 (resolutions endorsing state housing bills SB257, SB151, and HB5260) sparked extensive discussion. Several members opposed because it was too early in the legislative process, could undermine local control, and lacked precedent for endorsing state legislation. After debate, the motion was withdrawn by the chair (by leave of the body), and the items were placed on the pending agenda. Transportation Committee - Chair Weirs presented T32.003 (ordinance to dissolve the Stamford Transit District). It was committed to the committee agenda for March 16 at 6:30 p.m. (webinar, special meeting). Minutes Approval - The minutes of the March 2, 2026 regular board meeting were moved to the agenda for the April board meeting. A correction was noted regarding the personnel item vote (the rejection of the contract was approved, but minutes may have reflected the opposite); the correction will be addressed at the board meeting. Key Outcomes - New Liaison: Representative Noah Lepine appointed as Board of Representatives liaison to the Board of Education. - Honorary Resolution: Melissa Mulrooney honorary resolution approved for the next board meeting. - Committees: All committee agendas were set as detailed above, with many items committed and a few placed on pending (James Fleischer for Appointments; F32.043 for Fiscal; CHESS items 6–8). - Late Item Consideration: LR32.016 was considered via roll call and committed to L&R committee. - Amendment: Fiscal item 2 description amended to include “(location: Yearwood Center)”. - Meeting Schedule Changes: Transportation Committee moved to third Monday; L&R meeting rescheduled to 6:00 p.m.; Operations committee rescheduled to 6:00 p.m. - Motion Withdrawal: CHESS items 6–8 were withdrawn and placed on pending. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.

This special meeting of the Stamford Zoning Board, chaired by David Stein, was held via Zoom on March 4, 2026, at 6:38 PM. The meeting covered several applications, including a continuation of a daycare proposal at 60 Palmer's Hill Road, a text change for the CG Commercial District, and approvals for coastal site plans and special permits. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the February 9, 2026 meeting (4-0). - Approved CSPR 1226 (150 Davenport Drive) for a pool and drainage improvements (4-0). - Approved CSPR 1227 (229 Davenport Drive) for an addition over a garage (4-0). - Approved ZB 225-39 (80 Lockwood Avenue) special permit for a mosque, with conditions including parking management (4-0). - Approved ZB 225-46 (109 Tressor Boulevard) for a 305-unit affordable housing redevelopment, with conditions including 240 permanently deed-restricted units (4-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Nadine Greenwood (president, Palmer's Hill Homeowners Association) spoke against the daycare plan, citing safety risks from traffic, flooding concerns, and the need for a separate entrance and exit. She requested denial without prejudice. - Phil Pierce (attorney for Palmer Hill Community Association) argued that the daycare plan lacks enforceable access, will cause queuing and emergency access issues, and has incomplete drainage analysis. He urged denial without prejudice. - Mike Moore (president, Stamford Downtown) spoke in favor of the CG text change, praising its design guidelines and the special permit requirement for large uses. - Monica Twilight spoke against the CG text change, stating it is inconsistent and will harm residential neighborhoods. Discussion Items - Application ZB 225-48 (60 Palmer's Hill Road): Continued from February 9, 2026. The applicant (Children's Learning Center) proposes to expand a daycare to serve up to 220 children, adding 60 parking spaces and 11 classrooms. The applicant presented a traffic video and argued that concerns are overblown. The board requested a detailed drop-off/pickup operations plan, queuing analysis, separate parking and transportation demand management documents, and a response from the city's traffic engineer (TTP) to the opponent's traffic engineer. The applicant agreed to provide additional videos (including pickup and 9:00-9:30 AM periods) and revised plans. The item was continued to March 9, 2026. - Application ZB 225-38 (CG District Text Change): Presented by Ralph Blessing. The change adds comprehensive regulations for the CG Commercial District, divides it into CG1 (north of North Street, up to 8 stories) and CG2 (closer to downtown, up to 16 stories), adds lot coverage limits, urban design requirements (e.g., ground-floor glazing, active uses), and rationalizes approval processes (staff architectural review for smaller projects, board special permit for larger ones). The board discussed the need to clarify when board input is required. The item was postponed to March 9, 2026, for further deliberation. Key Outcomes - Application ZB 225-48 (60 Palmer's Hill Road) was continued to March 9, 2026, for further testimony and revised materials. - Application ZB 225-38 (CG Text Change) was held over to March 9, 2026, pending board discussion. - All other applications (CSPR 1226, CSPR 1227, ZB 225-39, ZB 225-46) were approved with conditions, as detailed above.