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Planning board recommends denial of rezoning request at 27 High Ridge Road
Summary
The planning board voted to recommend denial of a proposed rezoning of 27 High Ridge Road from R‑20 to CN, citing insufficient demonstration of immediate parking need, likely loss of mature trees and topographic disturbance, and substantial neighborhood opposition; the recommendation will go to the Zoning Board.
The Stamford City Planning Board on Nov. 18 voted to recommend denial of a zoning map change application for 27 High Ridge Road that would have rezoned the parcel from R‑20 (single‑family residential) to CN (commercial neighborhood).
Applicant counsel John FX Lyden Jr. and owner Edward Smith presented the application, arguing the parcel aligns with the city’s new MU‑3 (mixed‑use urban) comprehensive plan category and that the least intense commercial zone (CN) would permit modest changes — primarily to provide additional parking for an existing shopping center. Smith and counsel emphasized observed parking congestion during peak shopping times and proposed a redesigned, more intensive landscaping plan, noting a recent tree inventory that found a high proportion of invasive species on the site.
Several board members pushed back. Member Bill said he rarely observed the lot full and expressed concern about the steep slope and the extent of grading and tree removal that an expanded surface parking lot would demand. Board member Ravi similarly opposed the rezoning on environmental and visual grounds. Staff framed alternatives — shared parking agreements and improved circulation with adjacent parcels — as possible ways to address parking without rezoning. After discussion, Bill moved to recommend denial, seconded by Ravi; the motion carried and staff will forward the recommendation and the board’s rationale to the Zoning Board.
The board’s stated reasons for recommending denial included (1) lack of demonstrated immediate parking need, (2) likely extensive tree removal and grading that would alter the site’s landform and visibility, and (3) substantial neighborhood opposition documented in letters to the record. The applicant indicated willingness to continue working with neighbors on landscaping and connectivity options as the review continues before the Zoning Board.
