2 Projects Extended, Potential Dr. Office Debated

Dave Anand's children, both doctors, need an office, but a town policy is complicating things.

He owns two rundown properties at 5010 Main St. that he wants to raze but he can't because they were built before 1995.

"We want to demolish those two and create a medical center there," Anand said. The basement would be for storage, the first floor a medical office and the second floor retail offices, he said.

Anand bought in the houses in 2010.

Although he did not have more specifics, Planning and Zoning Chairman Tony Chory suggested Anand work with Town Planner Bill Levin to change the regulations.

"It will be state of the art," Anand said. "I think it will do good to Trumbull," including green technology.

According to Town Planner Bill Levin, the original intent of the regulation was to provide an incentive to have older homes that were in disrepair to be restored by permitting professional uses there, while still maintaining the character of the neighborhood.

The panel agreed that "the prohibition on new structures for professional use merited further discussion but that proper controls would be needed to insure that the character of the neighborhood was maintained."

Levin said he would have draft language in February.      

Two Extensions

Attorney John Fallon, representing the Village at Long Hill Green, said financial problems are holding up construction of retail and apartment space on the Long Hill Green. A liquor store that was granted approval has pulled out of the project, he added.

"We're asking for the one-year extension as [zoning] regulations allow for," he said. "We're still excited about this project. It's a great project for Trumbull. We're seeing some significant interest."

Chory replied, "I don't see an issue."

Calvary Evangelical Church was allowed to expand the front of its building but unforseen circumstances have delayed it, said Phil Katz, representing the church on White Plains Road.

The church's senior pastor died and the church is fundraising, Katz said. He added that he anticipated starting work this year.

More Than a Zone Change

Finally, a small parcel in a parking lot at 5520 Park Ave. drew complaints from neighbors concerned that the current medical building there did not comply with conditions such as lighting and landscaping. Specifically, one said the buffering trees are insufficient and the light shines onto their property all night.

Although the change was approved, zoning officials said the neighbor's issues will be addressed if a proposal is submitted for the area. The plot is owned by St. Nicholas Syrian Orthodox Church of Bridgeport Inc. at 5458 Park Ave.

Attorney Ray Rizio said the site has been an office building for 30 years.