Trumbull Veterans Propose New Center At Current Site

TRUMBULL, CT — Local veterans are looking for ways to fund a proposed veteran center building after their current building was condemned. A presentation was made to the Town Council at its Jan. 6 meeting to build a new center at the current site.

The current building on Whitney Avenue is beyond repair and has been moth-balled for two years. The Veterans Association has around 62 years remaining on its 99 year lease with the Town of Trumbull for the property, said Ray Baldwin Jr., according to Town Council meeting minutes. Baldwin is a Marine Corps veteran and member of the Trumbull Foreign Wars Post 10059 and American Legion Post 141.

George Wiles of Wiles and Associates Architecture said the proposed center would be a one-story, 4,500 square foot building with a gathering space and a learning center that could be used by the community.

Cost estimates for the center are $2.4 million to $2.8 million and proponents aren’t asking for town bonding money now, but are exploring funding opportunities from the state, federal government, private donors and corporations. The current proposal doesn’t include an operating bar and only includes a beverage counter for events only, which is different than many other veteran centers.

Police Chief Michael Lombardo said the department could use the larger gathering space for department and regional training as their current largest space in police headquarters only has room for 20 to 25 people and visitor parking is limited.

Baldwin said that adding the project to the town’s capital project list would send a message that the town values the service and sacrifice of veterans.

Several veterans spoke in favor of the project at the Jan. 6 meeting and said it would help serve area veterans and the community in general.