Outpatient Center Concept is Good on Paper

Another conceptual medical center is coming to Trumbull.

The concept of a new Bridgeport Hospital-based outpatient facility at 5520 Park Avenue has passed the Planning and Zoning Commission but plans have yet to be filed. A medical center could bring $700,000 in taxes to Trumbull, not including taxes on medical equipment.

The commission approved changes to the Zoning Regulations that would allow a regional medical center to be built there.

"This can lead to some significant developments that can take Trumbull to another level," said Attorney Ray Rizio, who represents the developer.

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He said the medical center would be consistent with the Master Plan to promote economic development.

"This 95,000 square-foot building would connect the two buildings," said Norman Roth, Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer at Bridgeport HospitalYale New Haven Health System.

The first floor would be for outpatient cancer care and would be attached to the rehabilitation and oncology center. It would run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The center would also bring 75 additional jobs to the town, officials said. If plans are filed and approved soon, it could open by fall of 2014.

The proposal was mostly supported but a neighbor the medical facilities already at 5520 Park Ave. opposed it.

Emanuele Basil of Bridgeport, on Plattsville Road, said he can see lights from the complex and has sunk thousands of dollars to landscape his property. He added he's concerned his property value will fall further.

Edward Card of Plattsville Road, Trumbull, did not oppose or support it, but said a thick buffer is necessary for neighbors.

Later, the commission approved a thickened barrier requirement.

Rizio added that a new facility would likely be state and nationally recognized.

The commission's approval came after a lengthy discussion in which more time for analysis was suggested.

Vice Chairwoman Arlyne Fox said taxpayers should come first. "I don't think we're exactly doing that tonight," she said at the meeting.