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Stamford Manor residents and housing authority ask planning board to keep $2M for repairs
Summary
Representatives from the housing authority and Stamford Manor residents urged the planning board at a Jan. 13 hearing to maintain funding for a $2 million renovation aimed at upgrading safety, accessibility and energy systems at the 215-unit affordable Stamford Manor building.
Representatives of Ripple Oak Corporation, the development arm of Charter Oak Communities, and residents of Stamford Manor urged the Stamford Planning Board on Jan. 13 to support funding for repairs and upgrades at Stamford Manor, a 215-unit building in downtown Stamford that primarily serves elderly and disabled residents.
John Gottlieb of Ripple Oak Corporation said the mayor’s original community development request included $3,000,000 for affordable housing; the planning board’s recommendation reduced that to $2,500,000, with the intention that $2,000,000 of the recommended amount be allocated to Stamford Manor and $500,000 to a related request.
Why it matters: Tyra Wallace, Stamford Manor’s property manager, described the building’s population mix (about 80% elderly, 20% disabled) and outlined urgent needs: upgrades to the heating system, fire alarms, electrical and plumbing work, improved accessibility for wheelchairs, exterior and masonry repairs, lighting and security improvements, and better laundry and community spaces.
Residents Maria Medina (26 years at Stamford Manor) and Wayne Esquivel described deteriorating unit interiors and shared spaces, and asked the board for the full assistance available in the capital budget to make the building safer and more livable.
Quotes: "We need to upgrade our apartments... I hope the city will give us the full amount to help make our building a better place to live," Maria Medina said. Tyra Wallace told the board the building is “one of the oldest” downtown and needs work to reduce utility costs and improve safety for vulnerable residents.
Board context and next steps: The planning board confirmed the $2.5 million recommendation is intended to include the $2.0 million Stamford Manor allocation, but emphasized this hearing was for input and not final action. Written testimony and tonight’s public remarks will be included in the record; staff said the board will meet again to consider revisions and prepare the transmittal to the mayor.
