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Committee forwards two Zoning Board of Appeals nominees to full Hartford City Council
Summary
The Planning, Economic Development and Housing Committee unanimously recommended that the City Council consider the mayor's appointments of Leonta Stapleton and Leah Reyes to the Zoning Board of Appeals; both nominations will be on the council agenda next Monday.
The Hartford Planning, Economic Development and Housing Committee voted on Nov. 5 to forward two mayoral nominees to the full City Council with favorable recommendations for appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Leonta Stapleton, who introduced himself as a Hartford resident originally from Brooklyn with a background in analysis and information technology, told the committee he wanted to volunteer and learn the work of the board. “I just haven't...I didn't know entirely what I wanted to do,” Stapleton said as he described his interest in joining the ZBA.
Why it matters: Committee members emphasized that the Zoning Board of Appeals acts in a quasi-judicial capacity, hearing variances and appeals that affect neighbors and businesses. Councilman Gayle told Stapleton the ZBA “sits like a little court” and urged nominees to balance regulatory text with practical community considerations: “We're putting you there as kind of the conscience of the community to make decisions,” he said.
The committee made a motion to send Stapleton’s nomination to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote with no objections. The chair said the item will appear on the council's agenda next Monday for a final vote.
Leah Reyes described a path from Florida to Hartford in 2021, work with nonprofits that serve people experiencing homelessness (including Mercy Housing and My Sister’s Place), involvement with the SoDo NRZ and recent homeownership behind the Rocks. “I wanted to be able to be a productive member of this community,” Reyes said.
Council members repeated prior encouragement about the ZBA’s workload and warned nominees about the time commitment and detailed deliberations zoning matters can require. A motion to forward Reyes’ nomination was made, seconded and approved by voice vote, and the chair again said the full council will consider the appointment at its next meeting.
What this does not say: The committee's action was a recommendation; the full City Council retains authority to confirm or reject the appointments at the upcoming meeting.
Next step: Both nominations will be on the City Council agenda next Monday for a final decision.
