Zoning Board plays vital role in shaping city

To the editor,

Your article regarding the Zoning Board (Dec. 26 news story, “Zoning Board seat still unfilled”) was certainly newsworthy to those of us who have been following zoning issues and development.

It was good to hear that Barry Michelson is still interested in being on the Zoning Board. He proved his mettle when the State of Connecticut planned to build a new railroad station as part of a very large mixed-use development while moving the parking garage a quarter mile from the station platform.

After researching the issue, Mr. Michelson created a zoning ordinance which was passed, allowing the city to view any plans to develop within its boundaries. While the city has no oversight on state property, it opens a door for discussion. This kind of community service, experience and expertise is needed as the city grows.

Many people in this city are concerned about how regulations and agreements were ignored in the case of the former boatyard, along with recommendations made by the Planning Board and the Stamford Harbor Management Commission.

These two panels are made up of some very dedicated, hard-working people who also serve our city. Perhaps Michael Pollard’s (the mayor’s chief of staff) view about getting “new views, new ideas” is what has added a political element to how the administration sees its responsibility to regulations under pressure by developers. This can be a slippery slope as public awareness grows.