Planning Board authorizes demolition at West Hill High School

The Stamford Planning Board unanimously approved authorization Dec. 16 for demolition work on the West Hill High School campus, following a presentation by the school construction team and their consultants.

Presenters from the Colliers/SLAM/contractor team described a phased approach: selective demolition of an auxiliary gymnasium and an area referred to as the 'Old VOAG' beginning after graduation in June 2026, installation of site fencing, and creation of haul roads to move truck traffic off campus circulation. The team said the front field and most of the campus will remain in use while demolition and new construction progress, but some areas will be regraded and repurposed temporarily for staff parking and busing logistics.

The presenters also told the board the project anticipates installing approximately 240 geothermal wells on campus, which will require regrading and will shift the location of some baseball and softball fields; the baseball/softball fields are expected to be reopened in 2029. Board members asked when the geothermal wells will be installed and how field orientation and stadium access would be managed during construction; presenters said geothermal work will occur early in the schedule and that further grading and temporary parking will follow to maintain operations during construction.

After questions, a board member moved to authorize the demolition as presented; the motion passed unanimously. Staff said the demolition authorization is an early implementation step ahead of later, larger demolition and construction phases that will take place as the new campus design is completed and students are transferred into new facilities.