Zoning Commission Special Meeting - July 1, 2026

The Town of Stratford Zoning Commission held a special meeting on July 1, 2026, primarily to discuss a proposed text amendment to section 5.1 concerning transit-adjacent density adjustments for multifamily developments. The amendment sought to allow increased residential density in RS4 single-family residential districts adjacent to RM1 multifamily districts, aiming to align with Connecticut's new housing bill and promote for-sale housing units. The meeting featured extensive public comment, with many residents expressing strong opposition due to concerns about neighborhood character, traffic congestion, privacy, and incomplete application materials. Town staff and legal counsel highlighted procedural issues, incomplete filings, and ambiguities in the amendment's language, particularly regarding transit stop definitions and the removal of special permit requirements. After deliberation, the commission voted unanimously to deny both the special permit and site plan review related to the proposal, effectively rejecting the text amendment. The meeting underscored significant community resistance and procedural complexities surrounding the proposed zoning changes.