Planning Board approves $350,000 for Eastside Library design; deed restriction and community input to be reviewed

The Stamford Planning Board voted unanimously to appropriate $350,000 for schematic and architectural design work for a proposed Eastside Library branch on Cortland Avenue, a satellite of the Ferguson Library.

Bridget Fox, chief of staff to Mayor Caroline Simmons, said the project already has a $3 million federal earmark secured through Congressman Jim Himes and that the requested $350,000 will move the design through the city's capital process (the Board of Finance asked the project be resubmitted through the regular capital projects procedure). Alice Knapp, CEO of the Ferguson Library, said the library's operating model would mirror other small branches with a part-time supervisor and one full-time staffer; the library projects an annual operating cost around $272,000 when fully staffed but could phase service if operating revenues are delayed.

Board members and staff noted a letter from the Parks Commission raising concerns about using park land. City staff said corporation counsel has reviewed the deed and concluded the proposal is likely acceptable but that they will seek a formal opinion from the Attorney General's Office before spending design funds. Staff said the proposed building footprint would not exceed the prior Hunt Center building footprint and that designs would aim to enhance park access and paths.

Questions from the board covered operating costs, long-term maintenance planning, whether the deed restriction will be cleared before design funds are spent, and how community engagement would be incorporated into schematic design. Bridget Fox said community conversations with the architect are part of the design phase and expected to inform final planning.

The board approved the appropriation by motion and unanimous vote. Staff said they will seek the Attorney General's blessing on the deed use and return with further design details and maintenance/operating plans.