Planning Commission - June 16, 2026

The Town of Stratford Planning Commission held a regular meeting on June 16, 2026, focusing primarily on zoning text amendments and municipal reviews related to residential development and affordable housing. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing a proposed text amendment allowing increased residential density near transit stops, which included changes to multi-family residential standards and transit access criteria. The commission expressed concerns about unclear language, removal of special permit requirements, and the potential impact on neighborhood review processes, ultimately passing a unanimous motion to recommend against the amendment. Additionally, the commission reviewed amendments to zoning regulations mandated by recent state housing legislation, including definitions for multi-family housing, transit-oriented communities, and summary review processes. They voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the zoning commission on these amendments, with one abstention. The meeting also addressed affordable housing goals under state statute 8-30g, discussing the need for inclusionary zoning and the role of a hired consultant to provide technical market analysis. The commission considered collaboration with the local housing partnership to inform future planning. No contract awards or procurement decisions were made, but the discussions have implications for future development projects and regulatory compliance.