2007 was an active year for Trumbull, and 2008 promises more of the same

With several projects being approved, new organizations moving in or expanding their operations, and new development opportunities on the horizon, 2007 was an active year for Trumbull, and 2008 promises more of the same. Several examples of organizations moving in or expanding their existing operations in town include Unilever's R&D facility which added approximately 200 new jobs to their existing location at the Trumbull Corporate Park. Sacred Heart University leased an additional 43,500 s/f office building for classrooms and administration, and new 40,000 s/f of office space has been approved for CooperSurgical's division headquarters expansion. A number of businesses moved into Trumbull, including M Cubed, Santa's Best, Verify, Inc., Connecticut Children's Medical Center and Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County. In addition, AFLAC established their Connecticut headquarters at 115 Technology Dr. First Selectman Raymond Baldwin, Jr. said he is encouraged by anticipated developments and activity in 2008. Plans and construction for a number of new developments are underway, and others are expected. Sound Development recently received approval to develop a ten-acre parcel on the corner of Rte. 111 and Trefoil Dr. The developer will build an 80-bed assisted living facility for Sunrise Assisted Living, a 40,000 s/f building expansion for Interlude Home Headquarters, a 5,000 s/f full-service restaurant. In addition, a 60-unit condominium complex that will be comparatively affordable for the area will be constructed within the same parcel of land. Construction is expected to begin early this year. A new Target store will open in October at the Westfield-Trumbull Mall. The shopping center also expects to introduce additional changes as the year progresses. A 40,000 s/f medical office building will be built on Park Ave. and will provide sophisticated diagnostic equipment and services. The corner of Reservoir Ave. and Lindeman Dr. offers excellent opportunities for development. It is expected that property owners of some commercially zoned land will introduce plans for substantial developments this year. The almost empty building acquired by Sentinel Data Services, which provides data centers as well as disaster recovery systems and offices for large corporations, is about to reach full capacity after taking ownership about a year ago. A number of organizations operate their data centers, call centers, and other back office operations in Trumbull, and Sentinel's story is just one that illustrates Trumbull as an excellent location for companies requiring highly technical infrastructure capabilities. A draft of the town's revised zoning regulations has been released for public comment and it is expected to be finalized in early 2008. Trumbull's Economic Development Commission encouraged the addition of two zoning concepts to Trumbull's new regulations which have been adopted; a village district and a mixed-use zone. A mixed use zone would allow for retail establishments, offices and residential use in the same development. Such developments could inject more vibrancy into the Main St. area and provide additional nightlife to the town. The Economic Development Commission has also encouraged greater flexibility in building heights for selected industrial park areas in order to optimize commercial land usage. Trumbull is the home of some well recognized national companies, such as: Unilever, United Healthcare, Oce Imagistics, Affinion Group, CooperSurgical, Gardner Denver Nash, Gartner, ITT Flygt, Gen Re, Pilot Pen, Marriott, Sikorsky Helicopter Support, and Westfield. The town consistently proves to be an excellent location for businesses. Located in the north eastern part of prestigious Fairfield County, it is uniquely situated and designed for convenience and accessibility. Commercially developed areas are primarily found adjacent to major highways near the exterior borders of town, making it particularly convenient for commuters, business travelers, customers, and transportation vehicles. The region's workforce is well educated and skilled, and educational and career development resources are excellent. Trumbull's infrastructure is sophisticated and well suited to support the needs of all types of businesses. Trumbull's business climate is supportive and stable, as is its financially sound government. As noted by Connecticut Magazine and Money Magazine, Trumbull is a great place to live, work, and grow a business, and vacancies and development opportunities are available. Deborah Evans Cox is the economic development director for the Town of Trumbull.