1/12/18. The North Stamford Association (NSA) Board of Directors commences its work in 2018 reminded of our mission to preserve, protect, and enhance the quality of life in North Stamford. We do so this year with a robust schedule of member events and the implementation of a strategic plan focused on increasing member engagement and communication via in-person, email, and social media conduits.
The recent election elevated the dialog about land use, zoning, and development to new heights. The North Stamford Association actively participated in several planning and zoning meetings to express great concern and on occasion, direct opposition to proposals that were in direct conflict with our mission. Several proposals, whether within or outside of the 06903 zip code would, if implemented, negatively impact traffic, availability of city services, or strain existing infrastructures, with significant overflow or ripple implications for our North Stamford community. Large parcels of land abound in North Stamford and developers often seek out new ways to use these parcels inconsistent with current zoning. In addition, smaller parcels occupied by houses of worship and residential style farms have increasingly become the target for development outside of existing permissible uses. The NSA has met with several such developers to state our position of opposing uses inconsistent with current land use, and/or to challenge concepts that will increase traffic or damage our environment or property values. Some developers withdraw their ideas and others return with revised proposals. In this regard, the unique character and strength of the many smaller neighborhood associations in North Stamford are vital to any effort to preserve and protect, so those efforts in tandem with those of the NSA are strongly encouraged and supported.
The enforcement of existing zoning rules and regulations will remain a priority area of focus in 2018. New commercial and residential arrivals to North Stamford are often unaware or frankly unwilling to be considerate of lighting, signage codes, parking rules, and other issues detrimental to the quality of life of residents. These efforts are challenging and city officials do collaborate with the NSA in enforcing existing regulations.
The North Stamford Association is a volunteer member organization. Membership dues allow for community forums on issues critical to members, shredding and recycling events, and for use to legally challenge inappropriate land use in our community. I ask you to encourage your friends and neighbors to join the NSA. Our collective voice is very strong and carries enormous weight with our partners in city government. Please be reminded to utilize the Citizens Service Center hotline at 203-977-4140. Using this hotline creates an important documentation trail and commences a timeline for any and all issues of concern. NSA members report a very favorable response rate to issues reported through this telephone number. Please watch your emails for member only events and news items affecting North Stamford.
Thank you for your membership in the North Stamford Association.
Douglas York
President – North Stamford Association