Public Meetings - Stamford, Connecticut

The Steering Committee of the 32nd Board of Representatives met remotely on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 7:01 p.m. (adjourned at 8:19 p.m.) to set the agenda for the October 2026 committee meetings. Members reviewed and voted on dozens of items, including appointments, fiscal appropriations, legislative proposals, and review requests. A key debate centered on whether to add two review items concerning public safety incidents, one of which was defeated in a roll-call vote. Consent Calendar - Appointments Committee (5 items): Unanimously placed on the October agenda, including appointments to the Citation Officer, Environmental Protection Board, Patriotic and Special Events Commission, Zoning Board, and Planning Board. - Fiscal Committee (19 items): All 19 items, including agreements with Graviton Consulting, grants for police patrols and LifeVac kits, capital projects for street resurfacing, fire apparatus replacement, Lione Park, Scalzi Park tennis courts, Cove Island tennis courts, Glenbrook Community Center flood repairs, indoor air quality, fire training, capital project closeouts, website redesign, and the Stamford Harbor Boat Launch Feasibility Project, were unanimously moved to the October agenda. - Legislative & Rules Committee (3 of 4 items): Items LR32.021 (window safety legislation), LR32.023 (urban grocery store district ordinance), and LR32.024 (lease with Domus Kids for Glenbrook Community Center) were unanimously placed on the agenda. Item LR32.022 (FOIA procedures review) was not moved after extensive discussion. - Personnel Committee: No items submitted; committee will not meet in October. - Land Use & Urban Redevelopment Committee: No items submitted; committee will not meet in October. - Operations, Parks & Recreation Committee (2 items): Resolutions approving cost-recovery fee models for electric vehicle chargers at Bell Street Garage and Government Center Garage were unanimously placed on the agenda. - Public Safety & Health Committee: Items PS32.010 (blighted property procedures) and PS32.011 (police community engagement overview) were unanimously placed on the agenda. Items PS32.012 (pedestrian fatality review) and PS32.013 (Rippowam Park fires review) were debated separately. - Community Development, Housing, Education, Social Services, State & Commerce (CHESS) Committee (2 items): A review of Stamford’s non-compliance with CDBG expenditure requirements (CHESS32.021) and an ordinance amending the Stamford Housing Affordable Trust Fund (CHESS32.024) were unanimously placed on the agenda. - Transportation Committee: No items submitted; committee will not meet in October. - Approval of September 8, 2026 Regular Board Meeting Minutes: Unanimously placed on the October agenda. Discussion Items - LR32.022 – FOIA Procedures Review (Legislative & Rules): Representative Pavia submitted a review item to clarify procedures for elected and appointed officials upon receiving a public records request. Several representatives, including Majority Leader Morson and Reps. Weinberg, Wirz, and Sandford, argued that FOIA training had already been provided at the start of the term and that individual questions should be directed to legal counsel or the Board office. President Shaw concurred, noting that the request lacked prior outreach to department heads. No motion to move the item to the agenda was made; it was placed on the pending agenda by default. - PS32.012 – Pedestrian Fatality at Progress Drive & Stillwater Avenue (Public Safety & Health): Chair Bouchard initially included this item in his motion but removed it after learning that an arrest had been made and an investigation is ongoing. Rep. Walston, the submitter, clarified she wanted a review of the crosswalk’s safety, not the fatality itself. Despite this, the committee did not advance the item. - PS32.013 – Fires at Rippowam Park Apartments (Public Safety & Health): Chair Bouchard moved the item for discussion. Rep. Walston explained that constituents are afraid and want assurance about fire safety upgrades. Reps. Weinberg, Wirz, and Sanford expressed concerns about ongoing investigations and potential litigation. Majority Leader Morson warned that review items could compromise legal cases. Rep. Camporeale supported the item, noting that review items serve an important investigative function and that constituents’ concerns merit public discussion. After extended debate, a motion to move the item to the October agenda was made and seconded. Key Outcomes - All consent calendar items were approved by unanimous voice votes, placing them on the respective committee agendas for October 2026. - LR32.022 (FOIA review) was not placed on the agenda; it will remain on the pending agenda by default. - PS32.012 (pedestrian fatality) was not moved; it will be placed on the pending agenda. - PS32.013 (Rippowam Park fires) was defeated in a roll-call vote of 5.5 yes – 8.5 no – 0 abstentions. The motion failed, and the item was placed on the pending agenda. Members who voted yes: Adams, Bouchard, Camporeale, Gardner (1/2), Hughes (1/2), Shore, Sylvestre. Members who voted no: President Shaw, McKeown, Morson, Pollack, Price (1/2), Sandford, Weinberg, Wirz, Zachary. - Procedure for review items was emphasized: Chair Bouchard and President Shaw agreed to circulate clearer guidelines for submitting review items, including prior consultation with relevant department heads and confirmation that subject matter experts are prepared to present.

The Planning Board met to consider a lease agreement and capital appropriation for the Glenbrook Community Center, multiple capital project fund shifts, two park tennis court projects, and seven zoning text and map changes. All items were approved except one zoning text change that was tabled. Consent Calendar - Minutes of August 25, 2026: Approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Glenbrook Community Center Lease & Capital - The board authorized a 20-year lease (with two mutual 5-year extensions) with Domus, a nonprofit youth workforce development organization. Domus will pay $1/year rent and the city commits $50,000 annually for operating assistance. The city will invest $2.5 million in pre-possession capital improvements funded by $1.4 million in insurance proceeds, a $250,000 federal earmark, and $850,000 in city bonds. Domus must provide annual facility maintenance plans and can walk away if costs exceed projections. The board also approved the $2.5 million capital appropriation (Project CP4000076). - Capital Project Closeouts & Fund Shifts (Agenda Items 1–4) - Tony (Director of Administration) explained that four items shuffle ARP and bond funds with net zero impact: Street Patch & Resurfacing ($201,587 closeout; $213,066.99 reallocation), Lione Park ($150,190 closeout), Stillmeadow HVAC ($4,225.02 closeout), City-wide Drainage Study ($500 closeout), and District-wide Indoor Air Quality ($58,151.97 closeout; $51,397 reallocation). All approved. - Scalzi Park Tennis Courts - $200,000 from private contributions to complete reconstruction of ten 78-foot post-tension concrete tennis courts with blended lines, new fencing, and LED lighting. The project is substantially complete; this is a final closeout appropriation. Approved. - Cove Island Park Tennis Courts - $105,000 from private contributions for reconstruction of three 78-foot post-tension concrete tennis courts with blended lines, fencing, and an accessible path. The project has not yet started. Approved. - Zoning Board Referrals - ZB 226-14 (C-D District text change): Tabled to the next regular meeting pending revisions regarding senior housing. - ZB 226-15 (Corrections/Updates): Ralph Blessing presented numerous minor changes including adjusting BMR fee-in-lieu rates, adding public accessible amenity space (PAAS) requirements with free-of-charge bathrooms, and clarifying staff approval authority. Approved. - ZB 226-16 (C-N Neighborhood Commercial District regulations): Added design standards, sidewalk widths (10 ft standard, 15 ft on commercial streets), parking restrictions, and protections for abutting residential districts. Approved. - ZB 226-19 (Sign Regulations): Comprehensive update defining sign types, setting new illumination limits (off by 11 PM or close of business), prohibiting box signs, adding mural definitions, and relocating district-specific sign rules. Passed with two abstentions (Ravi and Jennifer) who expressed concerns about overregulation. - ZB 226-20 (M-L Light Industrial District regulations): Aligned structure with other districts, added setbacks and screening when abutting residential areas. Approved. - ZB 226-21 (Map Change – B-D to C-N): Rezoned the only B-D district (Newfield Green Shopping Center area) to C-N. Approved. - ZB 226-22 (Text Change – Delete B-D District): Companion to the map change; deleted the B-D zoning district from regulations. Approved. - New Business - Ravi requested a study of retail/restaurant supply relative to Stamford’s growing population. Ralph noted an existing economic development retail study and offered to share it; members suggested a future presentation to the board. Key Outcomes | Agenda Item | Vote | Notes | |-------------|------|-------| | Minutes Approval | Unanimous | – | | Glenbrook Lease Authorization | Approved (motion Chet, second Ashley) | – | | Glenbrook Capital Appropriation ($2.5M) | Approved (motion Ravi, second Jeremy) | – | | Capital Closeouts & Fund Shifts (Items 1–4) | Approved (separate votes, all unanimous) | Net zero budget impact | | Scalzi Park Tennis Courts ($200,000) | Approved (motion Chet, second Drew) | Private contributions, project nearly done | | Cove Island Park Tennis Courts ($105,000) | Approved (motion Chet, second Ravi) | Private contributions, project not started | | ZB 226-14 (C-D text) | Tabled (motion Drew, second Jeremy) | To next meeting | | ZB 226-15 (Corrections/Updates) | Approved (motion Ashley, second Ravi) | – | | ZB 226-16 (C-N regulations) | Approved (motion Ravi, second Drew) | – | | ZB 226-19 (Sign Regulations) | Approved (motion Chet, second Ashley) | Two abstentions (Ravi, Jennifer) | | ZB 226-20 (M-L regulations) | Approved (motion Drew, second Ravi) | – | | ZB 226-21 (Map change B-D to C-N) | Approved (motion Ravi, second Ashley) | – | | ZB 226-22 (Delete B-D district) | Approved (motion Chet, second Jeremy) | Companion to 226-21 | The meeting adjourned after noting upcoming meetings: September 22 (regular) and October 6, 13, 27 (capital budget).

The Board of Representatives of the City of Stamford held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 7:31 p.m. in the Legislative Chambers at 888 Washington Boulevard and remotely. President Rami Shaw presided with 40 members present, a quorum. The meeting included an invocation by Alice Knapp (CEO, Ferguson Library), a pledge of allegiance, moments of silence for Vito Colucci, John Henry Jones Jr., and the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, and communications about upcoming deadlines and meetings. Consent Calendar - Honorary Resolution (Item No. 1): Recognized the Back-to-School Shop for its 12th annual event providing clothing and supplies to over 450 underprivileged students. Approved unanimously by voice vote. Rep. Finkel read the resolution and presented it to the organization's board members. - Fiscal Committee Consent Items (F32.093–F32.111, except F32.107): Approved unanimously by voice vote, with Rep. Pavia abstaining on Item No. 8 (police overtime grant) and Rep. Graham abstaining on Items No. 9 and 10 (early voting grants). - Legislative & Rules Committee Consent Items (LR32.016, LR32.017, LR32.020): Approved unanimously by voice vote. - Personnel Committee Consent Items (P32.012–P32.014): Contracts for Clerks of the Works Orazio Cirelli, Larry Ho, and Paul Montanaro. Approved unanimously by voice vote. - CHESS Committee Consent Items (CHESS32.022, CHESS32.023): De-obligation and re-allocation of CDBG funds totaling $1,163,690.05 and $1,000,000. Approved unanimously by voice vote. - Minutes (August 3, 2026 Regular Meeting): Approved by voice vote of 37-0-1 (Rep. Weinberg abstained). Public Comments & Testimony Public participation session was held from 8:02 p.m. to 8:32 p.m. Nine individuals spoke. Key positions expressed: - Kieran Edmondson (remote): Voiced support for items F32.103 (police overtime for speed enforcement) and F32.106 (dispatcher salary funding), urging approval to enhance traffic safety and emergency response. - Valerie Jada (in person): Described the death of her son in police custody in 2019, alleging officers failed to provide medical aid and did not activate body cameras. She appealed to the board to require the police chief to answer directly about policy compliance and officer actions. - Josef Graham (Harbor Management Commission, in person): Spoke in strong support of the proposed boat ramp (F32.107), emphasizing its value as a public safety asset for fire and police marine response. He cited recent strain on resources and the need for redundancy. - Dr. Damian Ortelli (Chair, Harbor Management Commission, in person): Described the commission's role and expertise, reiterated the need for a boat ramp feasibility study, calling it the top priority for harbor access and safety. - Mike Papa (remote): Raised traffic safety concerns, questioned city maintenance priorities, and referenced a recent newspaper report about fire truck spending. - Other speakers: Laurie Chase, Russ Hollander, Diana Kolaj, Laura Martin (positions not detailed in transcript provided). Discussion Items - BOE Liaison Report: Rep. Noah Lapine reported a smooth start to the school year despite construction at Roxbury and West Hill, announced the new CFO Benjamin Chan, and encouraged members to meet the new superintendent. - Steering Committee: Under suspension of rules, the board took up two items: (1) appointment of members to attend Planning Board hearings for the Capital Program (S32.002) – approved unanimously; (2) Aquarion Water Authority Representative Policy Board resolution (S32.003) – approved 38-0-2 (Reps. Graham and Pollack abstained). - Fiscal Committee: Co-Chair Eric Morson reported. Items 2–11 approved on consent. Item 12 (F32.107, Stamford Harbor Boat Launch Feasibility Study) was discussed separately; it had previously failed 10-26-3 in June but was resubmitted. A roll call vote was taken. - Legislative & Rules Committee: Chair Michael McKeown reported. Three ordinances approved on consent (repeal of Appointments Commission, reporting requirements for mayoral appointments, delegation of Shellfish Commission authority to Harbor Management Commission). A resolution urging window safety legislation (LR32.021) was recommitted to Steering. - Personnel Committee: Chair Carl Weinberg reported; three clerk contracts approved on consent. - Land Use/Urban Redevelopment Committee: Co-Chair Ryan Hughes reported. Ordinance LU32.009 (establishing a Conservation Commission) was approved by roll call vote of 34-1-2 after the voice vote failed to be unanimous. - CHESS Committee: Co-Chair Stephanie Sylvestre reported. Item CHESS32.021 (discussion of CDBG non-compliance) was recommitted; items 2 and 3 approved on consent. Key Outcomes - F32.107 – Stamford Harbor Boat Launch Feasibility Study ($125,000): Approved by roll call vote of 31-9-0. Reps. Blank, Bouchard, Boudreau, Bradford, Camporeale, de la Cruz, Didelot, Field, Finkel, Gardner, Gilbride, Goldberg, Gross, Hill, Johnson, Lapine, Morson, Pavia, Pelliccia, Pollack, Price, Salas, Sandford, Shaw, Shore, Stone, Sylvestre, Weinberg, Wirz, Yeager, and Zachary voted to approve; Reps. Adams, Beckham, Dorsey, Graham, Hughes, Hyatt, McKeown, Walston, and Weathers voted against. - LU32.009 – Conservation Commission Ordinance: Approved by roll call vote of 34-1-2. Rep. Graham voted against; Reps. Gardner and Hughes abstained; Rep. Gilbride missed the vote; Rep. Walston left before the vote. - Other approvals: All remaining consent agenda items adopted as noted (unanimous voice votes or as tallied). - Next meetings: Steering Committee – September 14, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.; Regular Board – October 5, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 9:22 p.m.

Note: The meeting agenda, minutes, and transcript indicate the meeting took place on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. However, the provided instruction specifies the date as September 9, 2026. This summary follows the instruction date; readers should be aware of the discrepancy. The 32nd Board of Representatives of the City of Stamford held a regular meeting on September 9, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in the Legislative Chambers of the Government Center, 888 Washington Boulevard, 4th Floor, and remotely via Zoom. President Shaw called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. Roll call showed 40 members present, a quorum. The meeting included an invocation, pledge, moments of silence, communications, a report from the BOE liaison, honorary resolutions, public participation, and reports from standing committees. Consent Calendar - Fiscal Committee (F32.093–F32.106): Approved 11 items on the consent agenda, including contracts for an Information Security Analyst (Forum Consulting), appropriations for the West Broad Street bridge rehabilitation ($7,462,500), Roxbury School replacement ($44,000,000), Yerwood Center backflow preventer ($60,641.25), police overtime for speed enforcement ($39,477), early voting costs ($59,484.88), dispatcher salaries ($87,944), and associated bond authorizations. (Rep. Pavia abstained on F32.103; Rep. Graham abstained on F32.104 and F32.105.) - Legislative & Rules Committee (LR32.016, LR32.017, LR32.020): Approved three ordinances on consent: repeal of the Appointments Commission, establishment of information reporting for mayoral appointees, and delegation of Shellfish Commission authority to the Harbor Management Commission. - Personnel Committee (P32.012, P32.013, P32.014): Approved three Clerk of the Works contracts (Orazio Cirelli, Larry Ho, Paul Montanaro renewal) on consent. - CHESS Committee (CHESS32.022, CHESS32.023): Approved de-obligation of $1,163,690.05 in unspent CDBG funds and re-allocation of $1,000,000 in CDBG balances to new public improvement projects, both on consent. - August 3, 2026 Meeting Minutes: Approved via voice vote (37-0-1; Rep. Weinberg abstained). Public Comments & Testimony Nine members of the public spoke during the session (8:02 p.m. – 8:32 p.m.). - Laurie Chase (in person): Shared a personal story supporting the Back-to-School Shop, highlighting its importance for underprivileged children. - Russ Hollander (Harbor Management Commission, in person): Expressed full support for the Harbor Boat Launch Feasibility Study (F32.107), emphasizing safety, emergency access, and the harbor’s lack of a public ramp. He noted six years of site research and the need to prevent future boater fatalities. - Diana Kolaj (remote): Opposed the feasibility study, citing environmental harm from dredging at Kosciusko Park (a former landfill), loss of green space, and conflict with city sustainability goals. - Laura Martin (Hubbard Heights, in person): Raised concerns about unresolved traffic safety issues at Hubbard Avenue and Bridge Street, stating that approved improvements (including a roundabout) and $250,000 budgeted in 2023 were never implemented. She called for transparency and consistent prioritization. Discussion Items - Harbor Boat Launch Feasibility Study (F32.107): The Fiscal Committee report included this item, which had previously failed (10-26-3) in June 2026 but was resubmitted and recommended by committee. Board members debated the $125,000 appropriation for a feasibility study at Kosciusko Park. - Supporters (Reps. Finkel, Shore, Hill, Delacruz, Gilbride, Pollack, and others) argued that the study would provide essential information, including environmental, traffic, and emergency access data; that the park is underutilized; and that the primary benefit is emergency boat retrieval, not recreation. Several noted that the Harbor Commission had committed to conducting a traffic study and that the project could include park improvements. - Opponents (Reps. McKeown, Adams, Walston, Graham, Dorsey, Hughes, Hyatt, Beckham, Weathers) argued that the cost is unjustified when other city needs (including parks, roads, and schools) are underfunded; that it primarily benefits a small number of boaters (165 permits); that community engagement has been lacking; and that environmental impacts (landfill, dredging) and potential gentrification of the South End are concerns. Rep. Walston emphasized that the South End has experienced disproportionate development and loss of green space. - Conservation Commission Ordinance (LU32.009): Initially on the consent agenda, the voice vote was not unanimous (Rep. Graham opposed). A roll call was taken, and the ordinance was approved 34-1-2. No substantive debate was recorded. Key Outcomes - Steering Committee Items (S32.002, S32.003): Approved under suspension of rules. S32.002 (appointment of Rep. Andrew Zachary to attend Planning Board hearings) passed unanimously by voice vote. S32.003 (confirmation of Miguel Robles to the Aquarion Water Authority Representative Policy Board) passed 38-0-2 (Reps. Graham and Pollack abstained). - Fiscal Committee F32.107 (Harbor Boat Launch Study): Approved by roll call vote 31-9-0 (Reps. Adams, Beckham, Dorsey, Graham, Hughes, Hyatt, McKeown, Walston, Weathers voted no; all others yes). - Legislative & Rules Committee LR32.021 (Window Safety Resolution): No action taken; recommitted to Steering by committee 9-0-0. - CHESS Committee CHESS32.021 (CDBG Non-Compliance Review/Discussion): Recommitted by committee 8-0-0. - Land Use/Urban Redevelopment Committee LU32.009 (Conservation Commission Ordinance): Approved by roll call vote 34-1-2 (Rep. Graham opposed; Reps. Gardner and Hughes abstained; Reps. Gilbride and Walston absent). - All other consent items (Fiscal items 2-11, Legislative items 1-3, Personnel items 1-3, CHESS items 2-3, minutes) passed by unanimous voice votes with noted abstentions. Adjournment President Shaw adjourned the meeting at 9:22 p.m.

The CHESS (Community Development, Housing, Education, Social Services, State & Commerce) Committee held a special remote meeting on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 6:59 p.m. The sole agenda item was the approval of reallocating $1,000,000 in prior-year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) balances to fund a fire and sprinkler code compliance project at the Lathon Wider Community Center. The meeting was called after no action was taken on the item at the August 18, 2026 regular meeting. All committee members were present except Reps. Wirz and Yeager (excused/absent). The committee voted unanimously (7-0-0) to approve the amended motion. Discussion Items - Presentation and Rationale: Matt Quiñones, Director of Operations, and Anita Carpenter, Grants Officer, presented the project. The funding will support a building-wide life safety code compliance project, including installation of an automatic fire sprinkler system for the entire 72,000-square-foot community center. The project was previously submitted in the capital budget but cut at the Board of Finance level. This reallocation allows the city to use grant funding instead of city bonding. Quiñones emphasized that the project is critical to unlock other federal grant dollars for recreational space improvements and to demonstrate progress to HUD regarding the city’s timeliness with CDBG expenditures. The city plans to issue an RFP on September 10, 2026, with contractor selection anticipated by December 2026 to February 2027. - Questions on Timing and HUD Evaluation: Rep. McKeown asked about the threshold for demonstrating compliance with HUD’s timeliness requirements. Carpenter noted that the city will obligate 100% of the legacy funding before the end of the year and spend the bulk by then. Rep. Gross inquired about HUD-imposed deadlines. Carpenter explained that while no firm deadline exists, HUD will evaluate the city’s progress in September 2026 to determine PY52 funding; the goal is to show significant obligation and commitment. Rep. Johnson clarified that the $840,000 line item in the cost estimate covers the bulk of materials and work, not just legal or design costs. - Project Selection Methodology: Rep. Goldberg questioned why this project was chosen over other worthy projects. Quiñones explained that the project met all criteria: it was a previously submitted capital need, fully compliant with CDBG requirements, leveraged additional grant funding, and was “shovel-ready” (able to issue an RFP within 30 days). He also noted that a larger project is more efficient because environmental review costs would consume a disproportionate share of smaller projects. Rep. Johnson asked about legal capacity to execute contracts on the timeline; Carpenter confirmed that the city has overcome earlier hurdles and can move quickly with outside counsel. Key Outcomes - Motion to Amend: A motion to amend the agenda item language by striking “Public Improvement Project(s)” and replacing it with “Lathon Wider Community Center Fire and Sprinkler Code Compliance Project” was made, seconded, and approved unanimously by voice vote. - Final Approval: The main motion as amended—approval of the reallocation of $1,000,000 in prior-year CDBG balances to the Lathon Wider Community Center Fire and Sprinkler Code Compliance Project—was approved by a roll-call vote of 7-0-0 (Co-Chairs Pollack and Sylvestre, Reps. Goldberg, Gross, McKeown, Price, and Walston in favor; no opposition or abstentions). - Next Steps: The committee’s approval enables the administration to proceed with the RFP and design phase, with the goal of obligating and spending funds before the end of 2026 to demonstrate progress to HUD.

The Stamford Planning Board met on August 26, 2026 (noted in the agenda and transcript as August 25, 2026, per instruction to use the provided date). The meeting began at 6:30 PM and adjourned at 9:01 PM, covering a capital appropriation, subdivision matters, a zoning text change, a hospital campus expansion, and several variance referrals. The board approved multiple items and forwarded recommendations to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Consent Calendar - Minutes of August 11, 2026: Approved without corrections. - Supplemental Capital Appropriation – Fire Apparatus (Project C63005): $150,783.07 from an insurance settlement to replace a fire apparatus damaged in a motor vehicle accident. Approved unanimously. - Subdivision 3009 – 1589 Newfield Avenue (Joseph Altamura): Modification of Condition 1 from a 1978 certificate to allow a separate driveway. Approved unanimously. - Subdivision 4063 – 13 Wire Mill Road: 90-day extension to file the final map, new expiration January 4, 2027. Approved unanimously. Zoning Board Referral – Parking and Mobility Text Change (ZB 226-27) - Staff Presentation: Senior Transportation Planner Luke Buttonweezer presented a zoning text change to comply with Connecticut Public Act 25-01 (House Bill 8002) regarding residential parking requirements and to update Section 12 (Mobility) per the Comprehensive Plan. Key changes include eliminating parking minimums for developments with 16 or fewer units (except in designated traffic mitigation zones covering up to 4% of Stamford's land area), updating parking ratios based on a parking study, streamlining parking categories, and adding annual fee-in-lieu options. - Discussion: Board members questioned the impact on existing developments (prospective only), the benefit of reduced parking costs for housing affordability, and the targeting of mitigation zones (denser inner neighborhoods: Glenbrook, East Side, Cove, West Side, etc.). Staff noted the state mandate and the flexibility for developers while emphasizing market demand for parking. - Vote: Approved 3-2 (Ravi abstained; one other abstention recorded). The motion passed with three in favor and two abstentions. Zoning Board Referral – Stamford Hospital Campus Expansion (ZB 226-17 and ZB 226-18) - ZB 226-17 – Map Change: Request to rezone 171 Stillwater Avenue and 17 & 0 Stillwater Place from VC (Village Commercial) to HCD-D (Hospital Complex Design District) to allow parking and future redevelopment. The property includes a 75-foot buffer along Stillwater Avenue intended for eventual active use (e.g., retail, staff housing) per the Comprehensive Plan's ME-1 and Res-2 designations. Approved unanimously. - ZB 226-18 – Special Permit: Proposal to construct a ±73,000 sq. ft. Bennett Cancer Center (§275 million investment) and a ±355-space parking structure on the southwest corner of the campus, plus relocation of behavioral health and rehab services. Existing campus has 1,400 spaces; post-completion total will be about 1,696 spaces. Surface parking on Stillwater Avenue (49 spaces) was a concern; the hospital committed to removing it once the new garage is operational (condition tied to certificate of occupancy). The board also requested an updated Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plan to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips. Approved with conditions. Zoning Board of Appeals Referrals - ZBA 034-26 – 19 Berkeley Street (Brendan Hutchings): Variances for tandem parking and parking between building lines in an R-MF zone. Applicant seeks to legalize rear-yard parking and convert front-yard asphalt to grass. Staff supported as an improvement. Approved unanimously. - ZBA 035-26 – 47 Wellington Drive (Cliff Rodgerson): Variances for front street line setback (35.8 ft vs. 40 ft) and center street line setback (60.8 ft vs. 65 ft) to enclose an existing entryway. Minor change; approved unanimously. - ZBA 036-26 – 144 Shadow Ridge Road (Kumud V. Desai): Variances for front, side, and combined side yard setbacks to add a two-story garage with living space. Previously recommended denial (May 2026). Applicant reduced the number of variances from five to three and minimized dimensions. Hardship arguments included aging-in-place and impervious surface reduction. Board split: 3 recommended approval, 2 recommended denial (citing unclear hardship and precedent). Matter forwarded to ZBA. - ZBA 037-26 – 262 Strawberry Hill Avenue (Toby Schaffer): Variances for building coverage (27.98% vs. 20%), lot coverage (40.13% vs. 40%), and rear yard setback (17.8 ft vs. 30 ft) for a ground-floor bedroom/bathroom addition. Hardship due to a 50-ft private right-of-way that limits buildable area. Approved unanimously. - ZBA 038-26 – 33 Willowbrook Avenue (Jovita Carrera): Variances for front yard setback (25 ft vs. 30 ft) and front street center line setback (50.4 ft vs. 55 ft) for a second-floor ADU. Existing non-conforming add-on; new addition does not worsen non-conformance. Approved unanimously. - ZBA 039-26 – 13 North Meadows Lane (Kevin & Mary Thalmann): Variance to allow a pool and pavilion in the front yard of a corner lot (two front yards). Property buffered by vegetation and conservation easement; structure would be in rear relative to primary frontage. Approved 4-1 (Chest opposed, citing accessory structure in front yard setback). - ZBA 040-26 – 17 Westminster Road (Cristina Poulos & Benjamin Romeo): Variances for building coverage (20.2% vs. 15%), side yard setback (12.3 ft vs. 15 ft), combined side yard setback (24.5 ft vs. 35 ft), and rear yard setback (44.5 ft vs. 50 ft) for a two-story addition. Lot was subdivided under R10 zoning in 1973, but rezoned to R20 in 2006; existing non-conformity. Hardship recognized due to downzoning. Approved unanimously. Board suggested staff review appropriateness of R20 zoning in this area. Key Outcomes - Approved: Fire apparatus appropriation, both subdivision items, parking text change (3-2), hospital map change and special permit (with conditions), and six ZBA referrals (034, 035, 037, 038, 039 (4-1), 040). - Forwarded with split recommendation: ZBA 036-26 (3-2 recommending approval). - Next Regular Meetings: September 8 and September 22, 2026; Capital Budget meetings begin in October 2026. - Capital Budget: Board discussed electronic vs. hard-copy materials for upcoming budget review; preferences recorded.

The Legislative & Rules Committee of the Stamford Board of Representatives met on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 7:03 p.m. in the Democratic Caucus Room and remotely. Chair Michael McKeown presided with Vice Chair Karen Camporeale and members Reps. Blank, Boudreau, Hughes, Hyatt, Lapine, Stone, and Weinberg all present. Ex-officio members Reps. Johnson, Morson, Pelliccia, and Shaw also attended. The committee suspended the rules to take the agenda in reverse order. The meeting lasted 10 minutes, adjourning at 7:13 p.m. Four items were considered, including two public hearings with no public testimony. Item No. 4 – LR32.021: Resolution Urging Statewide Window Safety Legislation - Submitted by Reps. Stone, Pollack, Field, Price, Graham, Gross, Yeager, Sylvestre, and Shaw. - Rep. Stone, the primary sponsor, moved to recommit the resolution to the Steering Committee, explaining that Chief Morris and Director Durabus were unavailable to provide input and that he wanted the most meaningful resolution possible after hearing their expertise. - The motion was seconded and approved unanimously via voice vote (9-0-0), referring the item back to Steering for further work in September. Item No. 3 – LR32.020: Ordinance Delegating Shellfish Commission Authority to Harbor Management Commission - This ordinance amends Article XII of the Code of Ordinances to transfer authority from the Shellfish Commission to the Harbor Management Commission. - Chair McKeown opened the public hearing at 7:07 p.m. and closed it at 7:08 p.m. with no public speakers. - Prior to the vote, Rep. Weinberg identified two scrivener’s errors: in Section 52-11(c), add “or his” before “or her”; in Section 52-11(d), insert “of” after “number” and before “appointees” in the last sentence. - The committee voted unanimously (9-0-0) to approve the ordinance as amended, with the clerk directed to correct the errors before publication. Item No. 2 – LR32.017: Ordinance Establishing Reporting Requirements for Mayoral Appointees - This ordinance amends the Code of Ordinances to require the Office of the Mayor to report information on applicants and appointees to city boards and commissions. - Chair McKeown opened the public hearing at 7:08 p.m. and closed it at 7:09 p.m. with no public testimony. - Rep. Weinberg noted two scrivener’s errors: in Section 52-11(c), insert “or his” before “or her”; in Section 52-11(d), last sentence, insert “of” after “number” before “appointees.” - The item was approved unanimously (9-0-0). Item No. 1 – LR32.016: Ordinance to Repeal the Appointments Commission - This ordinance repeals Article XVII of Chapter 6 (Sections 6-121 through 6-124) of the Code of Ordinances, abolishing the Appointments Commission. - Rep. Blank spoke in support, noting the item had been delayed for months to align with LR32.017. He stated that while the amended reporting ordinance was weaker than hoped, it still provided a better path forward than retaining the Appointments Commission, which he argued is ineffective without a supportive mayor. - The committee voted unanimously (9-0-0) to approve the ordinance for final adoption.

The Fiscal Committee of the Stamford Board of Representatives met on August 24, 2026, at 7:02 PM to consider 12 agenda items, including contracts, capital appropriations, grant receipts, and a feasibility study. The meeting adjourned at 9:41 PM. All votes were voice votes unless noted. Discussion Items - F32.092 – Graviton Consulting Services (Oracle ERP Support): The committee discussed contract clarity regarding estimated costs, deliverables, and guardrails. A motion to approve was withdrawn; the item was recommitted to Steering by a voice vote of 8-0-0 pending additional information from the CIO. - F32.093 – Forum Consulting (Information Security Analyst): Approved 7-0-1 (Rep. Johnson abstained). Discussion covered deliverables and the option to convert the consultant to a city employee after 271 days. - F32.098 & F32.099 – West Broad Street Bridge Rehabilitation ($7,462,500): City Engineer Lou Casolo presented the project, funded 50% by a state grant. The bridge is in poor condition; work is expected to take two construction seasons (2029-2030) with two-way traffic maintained. Both items approved unanimously 8-0-0. - F32.100 & F32.101 – Roxbury School Replacement Project ($44,000,000): Director Katherine LoBalbo explained that the appropriation aligns the local authorization with a state-approved $130 million project budget. Both items approved unanimously 8-0-0. - F32.102 – Yerwood Center Backflow Preventer ($60,641.25): Fully FEMA-funded hazard mitigation. Approved unanimously 8-0-0. - F32.103 – Police Overtime for Speed Enforcement ($39,477): State grant for overtime. Approved unanimously 8-0-0. - F32.104 & F32.105 – Early Voting Grant ($59,484.88): State funding for election costs. Approved 7-0-1 (Rep. Graham abstained on both). - F32.106 – Dispatcher Salary Grant ($87,944): Federal 911 telecommunications funding reconciliation. Approved unanimously 8-0-0. - F32.107 – Stamford Harbor Boat Launch Feasibility Study ($125,000): Funded equally by the Harbor Commission’s restricted account ($62,500) and a Connecticut Port Authority grant ($62,500). Extensive discussion covered public safety, traffic impacts, park usage, and whether zoning board approval was required. Approved by roll call 7-1-0 (Rep. Graham voted no). Key Outcomes - Recommitted: Item F32.092 (Graviton contract) recommitted to Steering 8-0-0. - Approved: Items F32.093 (7-0-1), F32.098 (8-0-0), F32.099 (8-0-0), F32.100 (8-0-0), F32.101 (8-0-0), F32.102 (8-0-0), F32.103 (8-0-0), F32.104 (7-0-1), F32.105 (7-0-1), F32.106 (8-0-0), and F32.107 (7-1-0). - Next Steps: CIO to provide clarifying contract information for F32.092; Harbor Commission will proceed with RFP and zoning board consultation for the feasibility study.

On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the Land Use-Urban Redevelopment Committee of the Stamford Board of Representatives held a virtual public hearing and committee meeting at 7:00 PM to consider LU32.009, an ordinance establishing a Conservation Commission. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Co-Chair Ryan Hughes, the public hearing opened at 7:02 PM and closed at 7:49 PM, and the meeting adjourned at 7:59 PM. After hearing extensive public testimony, the committee voted 6-0-1 to approve the ordinance. Consent Calendar - There were no consent calendar items on this agenda. Public Comments & Testimony Eleven members of the public testified, the vast majority expressing strong support for establishing the Conservation Commission. One speaker described himself as neutral. No opposition was voiced. - Lee Shemetz (career environmentalist, 15+ year EPB member, head of Sound Waters): Spoke from three perspectives: as an environmentalist, EPB member, and local leader. Argued that the EPB is a regulatory workhorse focused on inland wetland oversight, leaving no capacity for broader conservation planning. Stated a Conservation Commission would augment and extend good environmental decision-making and planning. - Jack Egan (Stamford resident): Expressed very strong support, citing changes in Stamford from town to city, environmental threats, and the need for citizen science and local action. Highlighted that world is changing and local actions matter. - Mike Papa (Stamford resident): Described himself as "a little bit neutral." Discussed government being late to act, praised Stamford’s organic turf efforts, but criticized municipal management and lack of merit-based promotions. Did not state opposition to the ordinance. - Diane Colaiye (23, ecological landscaper, student): Supported the commission, describing how she grew up in an affordable housing community with no trees and now sees environmental inequities. Cited Fairgate development as an example of integrating conservation and housing. Argued the commission would influence how Stamford builds, not whether it builds. - Mary Ellen Lemay (Conservation Director, Aspatuck Land Trust; former Trumbull Town Council member and Conservation Commission chair for 17 years): Described her experience establishing a conservation commission in Trumbull. Said development did not stop; instead, the town gained capacity for natural resource inventories, GIS mapping, open space protection, and advisory services. Emphasized a conservation commission is advisory, not regulatory. - Anika Kamaff (engineer in renewable energy, moving to Stamford soon): Supported the commission, citing need for green spaces for her dog, health benefits, and childhood experiences in nature. Said urban green spaces are essential for all residents. - Paula Waldman (Stamford resident, technical advisor for Stanford 2035 comprehensive plan): Strongly supported, arguing that protecting the environment and encouraging development are not opposing goals. Emphasized that affordable housing should include healthy environments—trees, green space, shade. Urged the committee to support the commission. - Gina Calabries (Stamford resident, Cove neighborhood): Supported the commission, noting no public opposition was present. Criticized some newer board members for an anti-environment track record, including on the tree ordinance. Argued that environmental review concerns may be misinformed. - Michelle Cordray (resident, master's in climate society, 15 years conservation experience): Urged support, citing the need for biodiversity, green infrastructure, and climate resilience. Noted heat disparities of over 20°F in some Stamford neighborhoods due to lack of tree canopy. Called green spaces essential for quality of life. - Jerry Silver (45+ year resident, founder of People Friendly Stamford): Supported the commission, emphasizing the need to balance development with open space. Noted the EPB is too busy for such planning. - Dave Adams (Stamford resident): Stressed that creating a conservation commission is a "no-brainer," not a threat to development. Said it ensures development is done smartly and advised the committee to pass it. - Mara Kravitz (Waterside neighborhood resident): Supported, citing improvements to Mill River Park and roof deck vegetation. Advocated for collaboration between holistic stewardship and housing creation. - Jeanette Billichnanski (Stamford resident): Supported the stand-alone commission as an urgent need given federal deregulation. Mentioned the Mill River Plan as an example of a shelved study that, when acted on, became a major asset. Quoted Dr. Seuss to urge passage. Discussion Items - Representative Camporeale (lead sponsor): Thanked the public for testimony and the committee for debate. Emphasized that Stamford’s actions matter nationally. Reiterated that the commission is intended to balance economic development with long-term environmental stewardship. Invited qualified individuals like Michelle Cordray to apply for the commission. - Co-Chair Ryan Hughes: Thanked Rep. Camporeale for robust debate. Addressed concerns that the commission could hinder housing, noting his initial concern centered on one sentence in state statute. Acknowledged housing affordability as the top issue for his constituents but recognized common ground. Stated he cares about the environment and volunteered at a camp. - No other committee members sought the floor for further discussion. Key Outcomes - Vote on LU32.009 (Ordinance Establishing a Conservation Commission): Motion to approve made, seconded, and passed 6-0-1. Voting in favor: Co-Chair Price, Reps. Adams, Beckham, Boudreau, Finkel, Pelliccia. Abstaining: Co-Chair Hughes. Absent: Reps. Field and Gardner. The ordinance now proceeds to the full Board of Representatives. - The public hearing was opened at 7:02 PM and closed at 7:49 PM. The meeting was adjourned at 7:59 PM.