Trumbull Plan of Conservation and Development Edges Toward Draft

Planimetrics, the firm helping to revise the Trumbull Plan of Conservation and Development, has heard enough to start writing.

"I am ready to start putting pen to paper," said Heidi Samokar, Planimetrics senior planner.

The Planning and Zoning Commission first agreed that the current document should be revised, rather than starting from zero. They also agreed on a one-page vision statement to precede the plan.

It will state "who we are today and what we aspire to do," Samokar said.

Nothing is locked in at this point, said zoning board member Tony Silber.

Preservation and Trails

Specifically, she said the presentation of the Trumbull Historical Society was "right on the ball."

"Our past provides our town with an identity that makes it what it is today. Remnants of that past—what we call 'historic assets'—offer a blueprint for what our town may become. In our view, it is critically important that town planners recognize the role that these historic assets play in maintaining town character, as well as the necessity of their role as advocates for preservation of those assets," according to the society's recent presenation.

In the vein of historical preservation, Silber asked for markers to commemorate historical spots in town.

One important aspect is a landscape preservation ordinance, which would help preserve tree-lined streets.

More suggestions were to add to the community facilities section and expand use of the existing fields.

But Zoning Vice Chair Arlyne Fox opposed waystations to the trails.

"We haven't talked about supporting facilities," Samokar said.

Fox also asked for the bicycle trail going across Route 111 to be made safer.

The commission also covered the Long Hill Village mixed-use concept. There was talk of expanding it, but Silber cautioned, "I'd like to see what mixed-use property actually looks like before we expand it."

The zoning panel had approved the concept for the Green but financial problems have delayed it.

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It was noted that a new real estate office was moving into 6523 Main St., the former location of Paul's Haircutters. The business has since moved into Monroe.

Town Hall Square and More

Further along on Route 111, Town Hall Square is another spot that has drawn interest from residents and planning officials. "Town Hall Squareis the best example of commercial space that works," said Jamie Bratt, director of planning and development.

Moving on to Trumbull Center, zoning member Rich Deecken said the area is a "haphazard array of properties."

He also noted there is one immovable site: a 19th-century graveyard.

As the owners of the Trumbull Center shopping plaza make renovations, the area was hit with the closure of two major tenants: Marie's Sandwich Shop and Porricelli's.

But CVS has taken over MacKenzie's Pharmacy, and the plaza owners have said more new businesses will be coming. The renovation is aimed at a "courtyard" feel.

On another side of town, the panel addressed Route 108 and Nichols, which borders on Stratford. Nichols has many colonial-era homes.

Samokar suggested adopting tax breaks for homes that are preserved because some owners say they can't afford the upkeep. The area, which includes the Hawley Lane Mall, is commercial.

She said the Nichols area should be kept residential where possible.

There are also several properties in town that are grandfathered in, such as P.J.'s Garden Center, which closed in late 2012 after nearly 80 years.

White Plains Road

Meanwhile, the state has not yet begun widening White Plains Road near Reservoir Avenue.

According to Silber, who opposes widening the road, "People go faster and it alienates" pedestrians.

Over all, the commission wanted to see more sidewalks connected trails and different areas of town.

After the draft is released about two months from now, the public will be able to make suggestions.

Numerous residents have publicized their feelings on Trumbull Patch, from the Historical Society to lower Main Street residents near the Westfield Trumbull Mall.

Comments can always be sent via www.Plan-Trumbull.com.