Trumbull improves and protects its business base while preserving the town's character

As we check the gauge of progress, Trumbull Connecticut's economic development appears to be laser-focused to meet its 2010 goals. This spring, newly approved developments include five exciting projects. First is Bridgeport Hospital's Norma F. Pfriem Cancer Institute that received state and local approval to build a new, 10,000 s/f home for a Radiation Therapy Center at 5520 Park Ave. in Trumbull. The new structure will be adjacent to an existing medical building housing medical and surgical oncology services provided by physicians associated with Bridgeport Hospital, including chemotherapy, a laboratory draw station and patient support programs, creating a comprehensive, satellite outpatient cancer center. Ground will break in mid-May and the target date for completion is spring 2011. According to co-medical director Scott Thornton, the Park Ave. site will give patients upgraded surroundings and technology and more convenient access to care in a suburban setting. Second, Scan Tool & Mold, Inc. received approval to add 11,600 s/f to its 32,000 s/f of modern machine tool equipment and state of the art manufacturing technology. The company, an industry leader, has served the plastics industry for more than 30 years in Trumbull. Its customers are from the medical, dental, automotive, electronic, and cosmetic industries and look to Scan Tool as a single source solution for their injection molding and plastic mold fabrication requirements, from concept to completion. John Gotch, president of the company, said that Scan Tool offers unparallel design consultation, comprehensive manufacturing support, and exceptional value, and the expansion reflects the expanding customer base. The third development is around Long Hill Green. The first visible addition will be a new 3,500 s/f commercial building to be constructed in the overflow parking lot next to Marisa's Restaurant. Construction will begin in May and completed this fall. Tenants are already lined up and waiting for occupancy. In addition, the Planning and Zoning Commission is in the midst of considering a new Mixed Use Zone. If approved, the first application to make use of it will come in June from Benny Demarco, the owner of Luigi's Bakery. Demarco's application will incorporate a quaint pedestrian-friendly development with two retail-commercial buildings. A two-story building will house the existing bakery and an expanded restaurant, along with additional retail on the first floor. The second floor will hold eight apartments designed for professional workers. Across the walkway will be a new 3,000 s/f building which will be designated for a single retail or office user. The fourth project is designed to give downtown Trumbull Center a quaint, village-like feel. Residents are pleased that this long awaited revitalization is now underway. Two of four expected phases are almost completed. Phase One involved a streetscape that frames the center along White Plains Rd. with brick paved sidewalks and decorative LED lights. Trumbull Center owners followed suit by providing a significant facelift on the building that houses the O Bar and Grill Restaurant. Phases Three and Four, also expected to be completed this year, will also involve extensive lifts. The investment in downtown Trumbull Center is exciting and is already attracting prospective businesses. In fact, Sepore Deli just signed a lease this week. The fifth development is underway at Westfield-Trumbull Shopping Park where construction contractors are working around the clock to ensure the $40 million upscale renovation is completed by the end of the year. First selectman Timothy Herbst awed residents during a recent speech as he played a 3-minute simulated "fly-through" video which unveiled the expected end-result. Herbst expounded that the mall's physical transformation, combined with new food, retail, and service options, will guarantee Westfield-Trumbull's designation as a unique and popular regional destination, and will be a linchpin for economic development. In addition to the renovation, additional tenants are expected to be announced in the next few months. The economic development office is currently working with various developers and organizations to further develop commercial land and fill vacancies. The discussions are exciting and promising. We are pleased with Trumbull's continuous forward movement and focus. As an additional highlight, RelocateAmerica recently recognized Trumbull in the 2010 Top 100 Best Places to Live and the Top 10 Best Small Towns in the United States. For more information on Trumbull, visit www.trumbulleconomicdevelopment.com. Deborah Cox is director, economic development for the Town of Trumbull, Conn.