Herbst: Excited to Move Forward With Land Purchase

TRUMBULL, CT—First Selectman Tim Herbst said that there will be additional steps, meetings and chances to gather public input following the Town Council's decision to move forward with acquiring properties near Town Hall and the library.

"There will be public hearings to vet plans associated with these steps," he said. "As plans develop for the area in the coming months and years, I intend to reach out to residents in the immediate area to hear their concerns and get their ideas on pedestrian access, buffering, and other design features associated with future projects."

The Town Council voted to authorize the purchase two properties near Town Hall.
The decision wasn't without controversy. Some of the process before the meeting was criticized by Planning and Zoning Chair Fred Garrity who in turn was criticized by Republican Town Committee Chairman Jack Testani.

"Change or fear of the unknown can be unsettling for those in the immediate area," Herbst said. "I want to assure residents that we will take great care and concern to protect the residential character of the area as we determine future uses for the site."
The move will help the town set itself up for the future, Herbst said.
"As the State of Connecticut continues to struggle with budget challenges and the exodus of residents and good jobs, it is incumbent upon local communities to distinguish themselves as modern, relevant and attractive for residents and businesses into the future," he said.