Commission conditionally approves CommLinc 'Majestic Place' affordable housing text amendment and site plan

The Stratford Zoning Commission conditionally approved a text amendment and site plan for CommLinc’s Majestic Place project, a mixed‑use redevelopment at 520 Success Avenue that will include 40 residential units overall and a set‑aside of 10 deed‑restricted affordable units in Stratford under Conn. Gen. Stat. 8‑30g.

Attorney Steven Bellas said the proposal arises from a settlement obligation and was submitted under the 8‑30g statute; he described a set‑aside scheme in which 32 units are located in Stratford (10 affordable: five at 60% AMI and five at 80% AMI) and 8 units are in neighboring Bridgeport. Bellas told the commission the developer will restrict affordability for 40 years and will contribute approximately $160,000 to install a 12‑inch sewer main on Success Avenue that officials said would benefit the development and adjacent properties.

Engineer Chris DeAngelis and architect Pat Rose walked commissioners through revised plans that reduced the project from an earlier 45‑unit concept to 40 units, updated parking (applicant reported 56 on‑site spaces, including three ADA stalls), and described planned drainage and MS4/stormwater revisions to satisfy Bridgeport review because portions of site flows enter that city’s system. Staff requested an updated drainage report, a revised affordability plan and a text amendment that reflected the final unit counts and affordability breakdown; the commission kept the public hearing open to receive those materials and then, in the administrative session, approved the text amendment and the site plan review subject to the recommended conditions and required submittals.

Commissioners discussed building height, ARB recommendations and indoor‑air considerations raised by a health‑department memo; staff recommended compliance with ARB design suggestions, MS4 stormwater requirements, and prior conditions of approval. The commission’s conditional approval requires the applicant to submit revised floor plans, a revised affordability plan and a revised text amendment that will be incorporated into deed or regulatory documents so compliance can be tracked during building‑permit review.

The approvals advance a project the applicant and staff characterized as filling a local housing need while triggering statutory 8‑30g standards that constrain denials. The project will still require final engineering submittals, referrals to other departments (fire marshal, WPCA/Bridgeport), and the separate Bridgeport municipal approvals for the units located across the municipal line.