Stamford reviews zoning regs as UConn drafts plans
The university wants a ‘world-leading data science institute’ in the city
STAMFORD — With the University of Connecticut’s draft plans for a “world-leading data science institute” in Stamford, city officials are looking at how they could accommodate such from a zoning standpoint.
The university is seeking to capitalize on the Stamford campus with the advent of new programs as well as a Stamford Technology Incubation Program that would involve university and non-university startups, similar to ones already in place at the Storrs and Farmington campuses.
As early as June, the Stamford’s Office of Economic Development has looked into possibly designating a “research-university zone” in the city that would help the university with their plans to expand, according to meeting minutes.
“At this time, Economic Development is working with the Land Use Bureau on reviewing current zoning regulations and studying the implementation process of other university zones across the country,” said Director of Economic Development Thomas Madden.
The university’s plans, obtained through a public records request, propose “the creation of a world-leading data science institute in Stamford seeded with industry-friendly and entrepreneurially-minded faculty” that would focus on various fields like biotech, health care, fintech and insurance among others.
In previous reporting, university officials have not yet released budget details on the plan as these are still being finalized according to Vice President for Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Radenka Maric.
Madden did not elaborate further on details nor a potential timeline regarding the zoning regulations review. John Varamo, an analyst with the Office of Economic Development, said the review is still a work in progress and has periodically provided updates on the proposed zoning, according to meeting minutes.
In an Economic Development Commission meeting earlier this month, Varamo said reviewing zoning regulations would entail considering a variety of factors. Among these would be looking into parking spots and how many students and faculty would be expected to move into Stamford if the university’s plans materialized.
“We’re reviewing the dorm parking minimums and minimums for the university itself to see if anything could be adjusted,” Varamo said.
Land Use Bureau Chief Ralph Blessing said he and the Office of Economic Development were working on coming up with an overlay district but that there was no draft plan or map yet.
“Some ideas that we’re toying with are allowing university related uses,” said Blessing, referring to possible research facilities, labs or start-up spaces as well as student and faculty housing that could be part of the university’s plans.
“Obviously we want to work closely with UConn on that,” Blessing said.
UConn spokesperson Stephanie Reitz said that it was too early for the university to be specific about potential discussions or engagements with Stamford city officials or departments.
“This is in a very early stage of planning and visioning, so there isn’t much to share at this point yet,” Reitz said.
In early January, Economic Development Commission Chairman Jon Winkel had suggested that the city could reach out to UConn and invite representatives for a presentation or something similar on their plans for Stamford. As of now, Madden did not say if his department or the Economic Development Commission had issued a formal invite to the university for a meeting or presentation regarding the proposal.
Though planning stages are still preliminary, city officials are hoping that UConn follows through with its strategic plan, something that would bolster the university’s campus and footing in the city.
“I think that as a city, we’re very excited to have UConn continuing to expand,” Varamo said in an interview. “And anything we can do to keep that growing to have more of a dynamic university environment here in Stamford is really the goal.”
The university’s plans, obtained through a public records request, propose “the creation of a world-leading data science institute in Stamford seeded with industry-friendly and entrepreneurially-minded faculty” that would focus on various fields like biotech, health care, fintech and insurance among others.