Large Housing Development Being Proposed In Stamford On Old Greenwich Border

STAMFORD, CT — A large residential complex could be coming to the site that formerly housed the Conair Corporation in Stamford right up against the Old Greenwich Border.

According to documents on file with the city, Continental Family Holdings LLC and Conair co-founder Leandro Rizzuto Jr. are proposing to construct 60 townhomes and a 201-unit apartment building with a total of 474 parking spaces and associated amenities at 23 Barry Place.

The property was originally part of an 11.7-acre site that was recently subdivided to allow for the new Wings Arena ice skating rink.

Old Greenwich's Innis Arden Golf Club borders the site on the western and southern sides.

There are also Metro-North train tracks and commercial/industrial uses along the entire northerly border, and much of the easterly border is across the street from Saint Clement Church, according to a project narrative submitted by Michael J. Cacace, who is representing the applicant.

Until recently, Cacace said, the property at 23 Barry Place contained one large building that served as a warehouse and office facility for Conair.

The building was demolished within the past few months, leaving mostly vacant land, Cacace explained.

The project narrative states that it's anticipated the area closest to Barry Place will contain 60 townhouses, and if market conditions allow, it's expected they'll be available for ownership.

View more renderings and plans here

The rear portion of the property would most likely contain 201 rental units, with 26 of them being classified as affordable housing, the project narrative says.

Cacace noted the project would satisfy a number of objectives outlined in the Stamford Planning Board's Master Plan, and it would encourage "revitalization of the neighborhood."

The Rev. Carlos Rodrigues of Saint Clement Church submitted a letter in support of the project.

"That property is currently in an industrial zone which frankly is out of character with our neighborhood," Rodrigues wrote, noting that he's spoken to many of his parishioners who live in the area and "strongly agree."

"Residential development should be encouraged at that site, and the owner's plan to put less dense townhouses on the first four acres with more intense development in the rear of the property will certainly respect the character of our church property as well as the residential character of our neighborhood," Rodrigues added. "This neighborhood could certainly benefit from much needed housing as well as affordable units."

The project is expected to be examined by the Stamford Planning Board and Zoning Board.

Full documents can be viewed on the city of Stamford website.