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The Stamford Board of Representatives voted overwhelmingly Monday evening to recommend closing a portion of Henry Street in order to allow construction of a mixed-use development. The vote was 37-2. "I think it's very good for the city of Stamford," said Rep. Philip J. Giordano, who voted in favor of the project.
Michael L. Molgano also favored the measure. "It [Henry Street] goes to nowhere right now," Molgano said. "I agree with the assessment they made."
The project, known as Gateway, would revitalize Stamford's South End, according to proponents. They cite job creation, tax revenue, and infrastructural and aesthetic improvements as project amenities. The west end portion of Henry Street, from Washington Boulevard on, would be discontinued. That would allow for two land parcels to be joined, which is essential for the project to move forward as planned, according to developer Building & Land Technology.
Opponents of the street closing have expressed misgivings at previous public meetings. A major concern is traffic congestion, but supporters say that is not a street-closing issue.
Last Wednesday, the Board of Representatives' Land Use-Urban Redevelopment Committee voted to approve the closing. The Board of Finance followed suit in a special meeting a day later.
The project has had a rocky history. In June, the Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend discontinuing it. However, in a letter to Mayor Michael Pavia dated June 16, Planning Board Chair Theresa Dell said the board "does recognize that there are legitimate transportation concerns in the South End. We urge the developer of the Gateway Project, along with the City, State and other major stakeholders to work together to develop a coordinated response to the traffic and transportation issues in a timely manner."
The project must now obtain final Zoning approval. If it does, BLT construction is looking to begin the 22-month construction period this fall.
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