Mayor Simmons Pulls Proposal To Redevelop Glenbrook Community Center

STAMFORD, CT — Citing a lack of support from the Board of Representatives, Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons has withdrawn a proposal that would've redeveloped the old Glenbrook Community Center into affordable housing units.

The Board of Reps. was scheduled to consider the item on Monday night, but Simmons notified the board earlier in the day that the item was pulled.

"My administration has said consistently that the 35 Crescent Street project is about affordability, inclusion, and building a stronger workforce in support of our local economy. It is clear that a vote on this project will not be successful based on those merits and the proposed contract as written will not be successfully approved by the Board of Representatives," Simmons said in a statement to Patch.

"While disappointed, I remain focused and intent on working with partners throughout our City to make Stamford more affordable for all its residents. The administration does not have any immediate plans for the 35 Crescent Street property," she added.

The proposal called for the construction of 51 below market rate or affordable units on the property, along with 4,300 square feet available for community space (1,300 for resident space and 3,000 for community space).

The facade of the historic building would've been preserved.

Simmons has said that more affordable housing options are needed in the city, but residents pushed back on the plan over the past several months, calling for the city to save the beloved community center.

A "Save Our Center" rally was held outside the Union Memorial Church last week.

"If they take that last building, that's the last thing we're going to have," one resident told News 12.

Sean Boeger (D-15), a member of the Stamford Board of Reps., told News 12 the center has had one of the largest AA meetings in the area, and the building provided dance classes for children along with a full gymnasium.

On Sept. 29, the Board of Reps. received a petition containing 1,152 signatures from residents who want the community center to be restored. They called for the board to "reflect the will of the people and vote against the proposed sale of our beloved community center."

The Stamford Advocate reported that board members had questions about how much it would cost to restore the community center, and how much the affordable units would be.

Read more from the Stamford Advocate