Planning board recommends approval of two‑lot subdivision at 188 Emery Drive

The Stamford City Planning Board on Nov. 18 recommended approval of a two‑lot subdivision at 188 Emery Drive, known in staff materials as Subdivision Number 4059. The board’s action follows a presentation from Len D’Andrea of D’Andrea Servane Engineering, who said the 1.0098‑acre parcel is subdividable under R‑20 zoning and that the owners propose to protect a small wetland pocket by dedicating a 10% open‑space/conservation easement.

D’Andrea told the board the existing house (built in 1956) would be preserved on one lot and that the proposed new lot meets the minimum zoning circles and setbacks. He said municipal water and sewer serve the site, so no septic design is required, and that onsite test pits indicate soils adequate for standard drainage design. D’Andrea also said the applicant met with two adjacent neighbors and agreed to install evergreen screening and a green privacy fence where needed.

Board members asked for clarification about side‑yard and developable envelopes; D’Andrea said the proposed conceptual house spacing shows roughly 17–18 feet on one side and that he would ensure a 15‑foot minimum setback in later submissions. Staff said the planning board’s role at this stage is to determine whether the lot configuration conforms to the city’s comprehensive plan and zoning rules rather than to approve a specific house design.

Bill moved to approve the subdivision with conditions reflecting the applicant’s mitigation commitments; Robbie seconded. The motion passed by roll call/raised hands and the board will forward the recommendation with standard engineering and agency conditions.

Next steps: the approval recommendation and any required conditions will be recorded in the referral letter to the zoning/recording authorities; site‑level permits (building, grading, drainage) will be required if and when a new house or improvements are proposed.