Planning board backs $2.5M supplemental appropriation for Latham Weider Community Center

The Stamford Planning Board on March 10 recommended authorization of a $2.5 million supplemental capital appropriation to fund renovations at the Latham Weider Community Center.

"This appropriation supports a total of 2,500,000 in planned renovations and capital improvements at the Latham Weider Community Center," Chair Jennifer Gonzino read into the record, and said, "Of this amount, dollars 1,500,000.0 has been awarded through a HUD Community Project Funding earmark secured through senators Blumenfeld and Murphy. An additional $1,000,000 is available from special revenue community development program funds." The board and staff confirmed that no new city general‑fund dollars were being requested.

Anita Mathew of the planning department (present as staff to answer questions) and other staff clarified that the $1 million portion comes from the community development special revenue account, and that the appropriation covers the current fiscal year rather than the next fiscal year. Board members asked procedural and accounting questions; staff confirmed the funding sources and that the appropriation would authorize use of the special‑revenue funds for the project.

The board moved and, after a roll call, approved the recommendation unanimously. The board’s recommendation will be forwarded to the relevant appropriating authorities for final action.

The planning board did not debate specific design elements at the March 10 meeting; staff said more detailed project decisions would proceed through the usual capital project and permitting channels.