Trumbull Zoning Board Seeks Help with Development Vision

Trumbull's Planning and Zoning Commission will have help revising its Master Plan, but some members have asked why it should be changed.

"There will be professionals to help us. I think we really need to have some input from other people," said commission Chairman Anthony Chory.

At a recent meeting, Town Planner Bill Levin suggested a meeting with First Selectman Tim Herbst. "I'm not sure what the first selectman's vision is," he said.

Vice Chairwoman Arlyne Fox added, "I don't understand why it has to be done in such a short period of time."

Herbst is scheduled to address the commission today at 7 p.m. special meeting in .

The plan, dated 2006, has six parts:

• Water: Preserve and maintain natural resources, including streams, rivers, wetlands, steep slopes and woodlands;
• Land Use and Open Space: Preserve passive recreational open space areas and improve active recreation facilities;
• Economic Development: maintain compact commercial centers and strive to improve the appearance, traffic circulation and pedestrian environment of existing commercial areas and prevent strip development and the commercialization of the town's main roads; Establish a growth manangement policy for industrial uses that promotes efficient land use within existing industrial districts;
• Housing: Maintain and preserve Trumbull's existing single-family owner-occupied housing and the character of existing neighborhoods while also encouraging new housing opportunities for the elderly and housing affordable to working families and single individuals;
• Transportation: Preserve, maintain and enhance an efficient, multimodal transportation system;
• Communities and Neighborhoods: Maintain and enhance the colonial New England character of Trumbull, including its architectural quality and residential main roads.

Zoning Board member Tony Silber said most of Trumbull is single-family housing, adding that mixed use development is also good for Trumbull.

He said the panel needs a point of reference, questioning what to do with the former Henderson Hardware buildings on Reservoir Avenue and Lindeman Drive business offices. The town is also missing opportunities on Corporate Park and Technology Drive, Silber said.

"I think we're missing opportunities for development because we don't have a roadmap," the commissioner said.

Member Richard Deecken added, "What possibility do I have for a rental to purchase home in Trumbull?" He said he wanted "more options than just Avalon Gates."