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Planning board recommends rezoning four Melrose Place properties to industrial
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Summary
The Stamford Planning Board voted April 14 to recommend a zoning map change for four Melrose Place parcels to MG (General Industrial), concluding the reclassification would regularize long‑standing nonconforming uses. The board’s recommendation advances the application to the Zoning Board.
The Stamford Planning Board on April 14 voted unanimously to recommend that the Zoning Board approve a zoning map change for four parcels on the north side of Melrose Place, forwarding ZB application 226‑07 from Melrose Place LLC.
Applicant representatives told the board the parcels at 27, 29 and 31 Melrose Place and 445 Fairfield Avenue historically developed for industrial and trade uses before modern zoning, creating nonconforming uses that have persisted for decades. The applicant said rezoning to MG (General Industrial) would make those existing uses conforming and avoid what the applicant called “a tooth knocked out” effect on the block.
“You can’t wish nonconformities away,” the applicant said, describing the properties’ long history and arguing that the MG designation would better reflect surrounding uses to the north. Chair Jennifer Gazzano and other members asked about compatibility between permitted MG uses and adjacent residential lots, and about mitigation where needed; the applicant said height, bulk and setback standards are similar between ML and MG zones and that many objectionable uses would be constrained by other regulations.
Commissioner Chet Sallet moved that the board recommend approval of the rezoning; Jeremy Linder seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Why it matters: The reclassification would formally align zoning with existing commercial and light‑industrial activity on the north side of Melrose Place and could affect what uses are allowed and what future redevelopment is feasible. The board’s recommendation is advisory; final action rests with the Zoning Board and any subsequent permitting process.
