May 12, 2026 Economic & Community Development Commission Regular Meeting

001America. >> Okay. I call the order uh meeting of the economic development commission to order. >> Start with the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for its one nation indivisible with liberty and justice and justice for all. Thank you. Yeah. >> Um, and we need to a motion to approve the minutes of the April meeting. >> So, second. >> Okay. Do you have that, Zia? >> Pat, >> I was the motion. >> Pat and Leila. >> Oh, Dustin. >> Yes. I I third it. Okay. All those in favor? I >> opposed. All right. The meetings uh the minutes are approved. I don't have anything um to add at this point. I want to get into the discussion once we're >> we're back in that. Um

002but I do want to take a moment to thank and to acknowledge uh Gia her I don't know how many of you have experience with me with minutes but her minutes are outstanding >> and we're very very lucky to have her. So thank you Gia. >> Thank you. >> Okay, are you ready? >> Yes. Yes. Um, >> what? I didn't hear you. I didn't. Um, can you hear me? >> Yes. >> Oh, okay. Um, I wanted to start by um addressing something that we talked about in our last meeting. Um, and that is the development project on the Trumbull Monroe line. It was called Gateway Commons and I've been referring to it as Gateway Commons, but I want we have to start we have to do a name change because they have renamed the development

003and it's going to be called Crossing at Puquanic. >> Crossing at Pawuanic. >> Whoa. [laughter] >> And and we'll have to just switch our mind on that. Um but the crossing at the Puquanic um is an 88,000 square foot development. That's a substantial development. I think I reported in the last meeting that that that development not only does it cross the line town line, but it is 61% in Trumble, 39% in Monroe. We're working across borders to coordinate all the permitting and all of that once that property closes. We expect a closing on that property hopefully by the end of the month. They're very close to just, you know, their closing date. Um, and they will be at our um Fairfield County Broker Network meeting on the 29th of May. I've invited all of you

004there. You're welcome to come. That is the commercial brokers get together and they talk about what's happening in the commercial broker world, deals that are happening, properties that are, you know, um for sale or what have you. And then they feature a a town or a community each meeting. And this meeting will uh in May they will be featuring us and our colleagues from Monroe will join Vicki and I as well and Gia um and we'll we'll be there for that meeting and hosting that meeting and we will feature this um I got to get Puquan crossing at the crossing at Pquuanic development and we will also try to get the commercial brokers to know this opportunity because while they have interest from some major tenants, you know, restaurant type tenants already, they have to

005fill 20 20 it's roughly 28,000 square ft of commercial space will be in that development on the first floor and the other two floors will be one-bedroom apartments with I think four two-bedroom apartments in the whole development, something like that. So, it's really a good project. It's taken a lot for the two communities to work together. It took a lot for the owner and uh previous owner of the property or soon to be former owner of the property and now the new incoming owners of the property to really get this deal moving. It's been probably close to seven years from when it first started and we first met with the people who own the property to the point where we're getting ready to close on the property. They've gone through COVID. They've gone through, you

006know, the financing debacles that were out there because interest rates were, you know, escalating, costs of construction were escalating. All of those issues they've had to clear through in their own issues as well. So, the fact that this probably from start to groundbreaking will be a seven-year process. And that's something that people, you know, have to really think about as well. People think about, well, I want it here now. But to get a commercial plaza of 88,000 square feet mixeduse built, it takes more than just, you know, it takes time. It takes resources. You have to weather the storms. I don't know if folks remember this, but in Shelton there was there's a major um plaza that has mar um what's the name of it? Marcado is in there. A new Korean place. Huge uh

007plaza is in there, right? That plaza sat for almost 5 years half built. People that don't live in here don't know that. But because it ran into financing problems, it ran into all kinds of problems along the way. And then then it had to go to construction after that, right? Finish construction. So these projects take time to build out. And people, you know, when they do get built out, people seem to really appreciate it and really enjoy it, but they want it to happen sooner. And I get that. And I think everybody's trying to make that happen, but there's just realities of development >> um that you know are difficult. So that's just one point. So we're going to have that event. We're going to hopefully uh attract some additional interest in the project. They

008already have a lot of interest in um you know, businesses that want to locate there. I've talked to a number of them. I'm sure my colleague in Monroe has also talked to businesses in his community, you know, that'll occupy their their sections, but you know, I think it's going to be a real gem for the town. Um, I think it's going to be a really nice development and I think it's going to draw a lot of commerce to the town. So, we will be getting a date for the um groundbreaking out to you. I think it's going to be in June. I don't have an exact date yet. Um, but I'll know more as the end of the month comes and we'll get it out to everybody and hopefully folks can come. But it's it's

009time for people if people want to start talking about it. it is close enough to done that you can share that that there's going to be this new you know you you can start to share that if anybody's interested in seeing the you know I don't want to call it the renderings but the um you know the basic the concepts for the building and stuff GI we have that in the planning and zoning office we can send that to people if people want to get a better grasp on what it looks like and how it's going to sit on the property. We can do that. >> Okay. And Reena, I'm sure you're going to work with the Connecticut Post reporter >> to get some PR. >> Oh, absolutely. We've already met um they are aware

010of the project, some of the people that are there. It's and they've they've you know they will do well we've had musical we've had changes in our reporters and we keep getting new reporters and reporters are leaving so I think we might have to refresh some of our reporters but we've had this on a list of possible you know of not possible of projects that were in the works for a while. So we'll continue to do that. Right. There was a there was a um not to jump over to the mall yet, but there was an article in today's paper about the mall. I don't know if anybody saw it. Or was it today or yesterday? Might have been yesterday. >> How did you see it? >> Yeah, it's it's on where we are with

011the mall, you know, development kind of thing. Um I'll gee, did we put it in the packet? I don't know. >> I didn't have it when I sent out the packet, but I plan to send it out with the follow-up material. >> Oh, great. Yeah, that'll be fine. >> About about the new property with the property lying in two separate towns. >> Yeah. >> Can you can you explain the grand list impact for each town and just what would be expected? >> Yeah. >> As well as as well as infrastructure impact and commitment for each town. >> Yeah. So, let me let me start with the how the grand list would be. they they will value the property and they will um value the development investment through the building permit process. They they put a

012sort of price tag on what it you know you know when they're doing the outlining the permitting and the value of the construction there combined with you know um well that that goes into what the value of the construction value is. Okay, that's the first thing. And then as this goes on the commercial grand list, it will go on in phases because it won't be all built in one grand list year probably, right? So it'll be phased into your grand list in either town, you know, into the value. So for example, you know, if you have, let's say they come out of the ground just in June, July, they start, you know, they'd get their foundation permits, they start doing all that, that has value. So on the October one when the grand list you

013know by October one whatever portion of that is built each community will put a value to that um for our grand list you know for that percentage of what's built in each of their towns and the way we will be looking at it is we look at the whole project and what percentage of the project is in which town. So we know that 61% is in um >> is in uh Trumble and you know uh what do you call it the balance 39% is in >> Marina you cut out. Yep. Hello. >> Can you hear me? >> Yes. >> Oh, okay. Sorry about that. So, we already know the percentage and whatever. It depends on how much of it's built for each, you know, by October one of each year to see how much is

014captured on the grand list. And then, you know, from there, each community has their own um mill rate and all of that. So, did I answer some of your question, Justin? I just want to >> Yes, thank you for the explanation. I guess the other concern is the impact on infrastructure. >> Is it is it just on Trumble? >> That's a really important question. So, the first phase of the sewer was the sewer connection was installed back in the fall. The second phase will be installed now um now. And that will just bring the you know utility I mean excuse me the um what do you call it the sewer to the site right that is being paid for by the developer not the by the current owner is paying for that sewer installation as

015part of their deal with the new developer so to speak. So they're paying for that installation. The town is not paying for that. They are bringing the sewer line. You you saw it probably last year if you drove by. They're bringing the sewer line from Spring Hill Road um to the site on their dime. Does everybody get what I'm saying there? I just want to make sure. >> Okay. Um so they are they're that's not on the town from the site I mean excuse me from the street to the actual development site. the new developer, the new owner who's purchasing the property, they're responsible for that piece of the um the sewer line. Okay. Um as it relates to infrastructure, I think you were also hinting at well um who you know who's responsible for

016the sewer line. I'm I'm re I'm not Am I going where you were going? I don't know. >> No, you answered the question. Okay. So, it's being paid for by the developer and then um there's also a per unit um fee that gets charged, you know, by WPCA and there's other things that that you know, and there's a formula for how they do that, >> right? So, it doesn't matter that the units are in Monroe. There's still a cost that's being paid like Thank you very much. >> Yep. Um, and it's the idea that it's one one building is the reason why our WPCA was open to it because RWPCA generally doesn't want to um get involved with projects that um are sep you know that are in Monroe on Monroe land but you know

017trying to ask Trumbull to um you know open up their sewer. We don't do that traditionally or the WPCA doesn't do that. But because this is one building and it's one development that crosses the town line, you know, it's hard to split a building in half in the middle of it and say you can have sewer and you can't. You know what I mean? >> Right. >> So, but anyway, it's a very um exciting project. It's been a long time getting here. I need help for people to start to understand and we will get some press on it, but I think to start to talk about it is really important and the broker community um we'll hear a lot more about it um at the end of the month and I hope you'll come. >>

018Marina, where is that event on the 29th? >> It's at town hall in the uh council chambers. We're going to do it there. Um because we're not we can't do it on the site yet. It's too busy and there's too many. Yeah, we can't do it on site. There's nowhere to do it. So, we're going to do it at town hall. >> Okay. And do you need any help? >> Um I I don't know. G, do you think we need any more? I think the broker network does a lot of it. We do the food planning um and the agenda stuff we're already kind of almost done with. So, and the promotion they do, but we also push it out. So, I think we're in good shape. >> Yeah, I Nora from the Fairfield County

019Commercial Broker Network does all the registration and sign in and stuff, which is usually where we need help. So, thank you. >> Great. >> And she's she's great and she knows us really well, so she works really well with us. >> That's good. >> Yeah. So, um, that's let's I want to move over to another project that's that's new. Um, that I think I've mentioned it a little bit in our previous meeting last month or our meeting last month. Um, and there's going to be a mixeduse development proposal for uh Reservoir Avenue and White Plains Road. That corner where there's two houses there. It's next door to the board of realtors. Mhm. >> So that is in wetlands right now for for their review. Um it's been publicly announced, you know, entered into wetlands and

020people are aware of the project. So I'm not speaking out of school. So um this is a mixeduse development and it will be about approximately 8500 square ft of commercial development on the first floor and approximately 8,500 square ft of commercial development on the second floor. And those will be one-bedroom apartments. It'll be similar to how Franco Giani's above that. You have the the restaurants and the um and the businesses. And then the second floor is are small apartments and there are one-bedroom apartments that they're proposing. I believe it's in wetlands right now. So that could be, you know, changed or tweaked along the way, but that's the concept right now. Um the zoning is in place for that already. So, um it's not a zoning issue. It is a site plan review, you know,

021for that development. We expect that they'll be in, you know, they're going to be in um in wetlands for a month or two and then they'll be over to planning and zoning after that. So, that'll be right on, you know, in our Trumble Center area. And we're excited about that project. and we've been working with them for at least at least three years. They from the first time they came in just to discuss their concept, they weren't quite ready to go forward with it. And um now they're to a point where they've done their engineering, they're in wetlands, you know, they they've got the zonings in place. So this is I I'm saying this because I want you to understand how long the process takes and I want us to start talking about that more

022because I think it'll help people out in the community to understand more what goes into this. >> Um there's a whole lot that goes into it before a project comes out of the ground if you're allergic to it. Seriously, get [clears throat] medical helping or swallowing up >> if somebody can shut their volume. I mean their Yeah. >> Yeah. Someone's TV. >> Oh, okay. Um, so that's the project. That project I'm not aware of what we're calling that project yet. So, right now I'm just calling it the project on the corner Reservoir Avenue and White Plains Road. I love it. You know, it's like Reservoir and White Plains. But, um, you know, we'll report back on that as it moves along. Um, who's the builder on that? >> It's Kenny. Um, oh, wow. What's Kenny's

023last name? >> It'll come to me. Um, he's he's the developer. Um, builder Kenny Espazito. >> Espazito. Yeah. >> Nice guy. Real nice guy. >> Okay. >> I want to just take note while we're discussing that area. You know, there was a lot of people, you know, online criticizing the law office on White Plains Road, but I thought it came out nice. Um, the new law office that was built there. >> I don't know if folks have gone by it. I thought it looked it looked pretty nice now that it's all done and trimmed out and and so forth. So, um, sometimes things don't look as good when they're in the construction phase. I don't know if anybody's seen it and has any comment on it. I I Yeah. I just drove by it today

024actually. I was going to Unity Park. Um I thought it looked great. >> Yeah, it looks good. >> It caught my eye. I thought, "Oh, what's that building?" Like, I haven't noticed it before. >> Yeah. Yeah. I think style everybody had likes a different style, you know, but it it appealed to me actually. I thought it was nicely done. And um the >> like any style that is not from 1970 and makes our town look like it's run down. >> Yes, that sounds like a good framework. Um I want to go over to I I'm going to ask I'll I'll open the floor to other development questions, but I just want to go over to some business stuff if if we jump now to that. Um >> I went by the um lake in Maine.

025>> Yesterday. That's very nice looking building. >> Which one is that? The >> That's the convenience store gas station at Lake Maine. >> Yeah, it's starting to take is quite large. >> Yeah, >> very large. >> Yep. that's starting to take shape and um hopefully it moves quick from here. Hopefully. >> Do we know why the it suddenly halted construction? >> Um wintertime was one of the things, but there was some type of they they needed some final paperwork for engineering sign off or or wait, let me think. Yeah, the I think it was the engineering plans need to be signed off and a couple of other things that they needed to boxes they needed to check. One was to finalize their I don't think I don't know if it was environmental trying to remember

026now what it was. Um but they were they were held up with some of their things that they needed signed off for their their plans, their actual construction plans. Um, so that delayed things and then you know they weren't you know you have to wintertime stalled them. So I think those were some of the reasons. >> Gotcha. Thanks. >> Um, so just jumping over to some business stuff and then we can come back to development projects if you'd like to talk about any specific ones. But I think people have heard that there's Prime 111 is doing like an expansion. Has everyone heard that? >> Yeah, I go by there. I saw the windows all covered coming soon. >> Yeah. So, OG is the gelato place coming and it's under construction and hopefully they'll be open

027by June. It, you know, um I know they're moving along, but u you know that's the gelato season we're coming into. I guess I guess it's in all seasons, but uh but Prime I think it's going to be called Prime Prohibitions, which is the new section of Prime 111, sort of an expansion. And they have a concept of more of a a membership. I don't know if it's membership. I don't want to misspeak, but more of a membership and a I don't want to call it a speak easy because I'm not sure if that's what they're terming it, but that concept that they're getting out there now. Lounge concept. So, more of a a lounge concept added to the regular restaurant concepts. So, it's very popular now and I think it's going to be a

028very interesting addition. the town. >> Are they taking that whole piece that was originally the massage and the are they expanding the restaurant side into there and attaching the uh gelato? Is that what it is? >> So, the gelato will be a separate business, right? >> Separate store. Um but that'll be to the front there, you know, where the front of Massage Envy was. And then the piece that's expanding to prime 111 is more the piece to the back of that. >> Oh, okay. >> Uh-huh. >> You know, so and sort of to the back and the side. So, it's going to um it's going to be a really interesting I think it's a great mix of businesses there. I think the gelato is going to be very popular there. But I think the one

029that we have coming um to where Corner Deli is, they're doing I think that's going to be popular, too. I mean um I think they have a different setting and I think it'll be really nice for families and stuff to go there as well. So >> hearing from neighbors um about it and they're kind of excited because it's walk they can walk there, you know. >> Yeah. Yep. Um I've already talked with you about um Muzzi, the deli and catering place that's going to open on 25 Nico's um Arthur Avenue Market in Delhi. That is the name of the business that's going where um Mariana's was. Um it's so it's going to be U Nico's Arthur Avenue Market in Delhi. Um it is I've been hearing a lot about their plans. I think it's going

030to be a really um well-received concept. I know people were sensitive to what happened with Mariana's and their lease and what have you. Um and I hope someday she does come back here because I think she was a really valued business here and loved. Uh but I do think that um the new business that's going to go in there is going to be extremely popular. Um, I think it's going to be they're really giving a lot of thought to their concept and a lot of work is going into it and I think it's going to be extremely wellreceived. I don't have an opening date yet. You know what, G, did you let me see? Did you hear anything from anyone further about the opening date? Cuz I I can't remember who I talked to about

031a um what do you call it? Ribbon cutting. Was it you? >> No. No, I haven't heard anything about that in particular. >> All right, I'll I'll circle back with you because I had a conversation with somebody about it and I have to remember who it was >> on the fly, but we'll get it done. And Danny um you know who owns Echo is is involved with this business as well. So, he does a great job. I mean, everything they do is done nicely. So, I don't expect anything different from that. But, I think I'll get you a a opening date. get everybody an opening date once I have it. >> Are they Are they going to have be using the patio? >> Yes, I believe they are. >> So, there will be table. It's

032not just a store. >> It's I I believe there's going to be outdoor seating just like there is now. >> Uhhuh. >> Um Yeah. So, I don't think anything's changing like that. Okay. >> Um, so they're moving pretty pretty quick, I think. So, I think they're going to be Yeah, I'll I'll get you a like I said, I'll get you guys an opening date. I can't cannot remember who stopped me um about it. There's also a new Pilates um going in. Do you know the space where Town Hall is? Uh Town Hall uh cleaners is, you know, the um the plaza right across from town hall. I'm trying to think of the name of it. Minute Man Cleaners is in there. Um >> doctors in there. Um >> Red's Willis Citch Cabinets is in there.

033>> There's an empty space there. It's been empty for a long time. We've had a number of businesses want to go in there. The problem was they had some issues with how much capacity was left on the septic there. So, they could only put certain kinds of businesses in there. So, it kind of stalled um the ability to get a bakery wanted to go in there. We had a bunch of businesses that were, you know, uh wanting to go in there, but the use the use of the septic was too much for that kind of a location. >> So, you know, the efforts were were crushed, so to speak. So, um, now this is going to be a Pilates and I think they're going to do some dance out of there as well, but Pilates

034studio, um, across and I think that the family is a local family. They're very ex, you know, she's very experienced with Pilates. So, I think it's going to be a great new business. I've been working with them, um, the the husband on a lot of things related to opening their business and they he's been really great to work with. So very smart people, very motivated. So it'll be great to have another Trumbull family open a Trumble business in a Trumble, you know, longtime location there. >> That's Cider Mill, right? >> Yes, that's it. I was trying to think of >> Yeah, >> you got it. Cider Mill, >> right? >> Yes. Um, so that uh I'll get to you about an opening date when I have it, but they're moving along. They, you know, they're

035they've signed their lease. They're they're moving along swiftly. Um there's a lot, you know, I don't know if anybody's been past Wonder. They're not open yet. Um they're working toward a temporary co. >> Um but they are not open yet, but it it will be open soon. Um and I think people are very curious about it. Leila, we talked about it at a previous meeting. you have maybe a little more experience with these kinds of businesses, but um people are really excited about it. I've talked to a number of people personally that said they've tried it in different somebody tried it in, you know, Fairfield, somebody tried it in another location and they said it's really cool. >> Can you just quickly explain how that works? Yeah, they call it a food hall. And what

036it is is um they offer up meals that are from different restaurants. Um and they are able like they they may have menus that you know you can go in and order something you got at PF Chens. I'm just making this up right at the moment, but you got it PF Changens and you can get it from them and they have a whole process by which they um make their meals, store their meals, cook their meals, distribute the meals that they have to their other to their locations and make them available. Um, >> I think there's also some fresh stuff too that they do. >> Well, I think it's also like you can choose from different menus. So, it's like, you know, like you use PFS as an example. Maybe there's, you know, um an

037Italian menu and then there's a there's a sushi menu, like, you know, and then you you can order multiple things from different quote unquote restaurants in one place. So, if your family wants if everyone in your family wants something different, you can get it's kind of fast casual. They must it must be like suvid where like they it's already preackaged and cooked, but then they cook it. Yes, it is. That's what it is. >> Um, exactly. And um they, you're right, the advertisement for the place, it says like, you know, mom got this, you know, brother got, you know, my, you know, but this, you know, you're, you know, everybody can get something different, you know, it's a great thing for families because, you know, not everybody wants the same thing or likes the same

038thing and you don't want to be cooking five different things for people. So you have an opportunity to go out and get whatever you want. >> And that one, two, three, what is it? One, two, three pronto. >> They do so so well. >> Like the people love being able to just go pick up like freshly cooked meals on the way home from soccer practice or whatever. And you know, it's reasonably priced and they they do really well. So, I think something like that on the other side of town, which I think Wonder is comparable, uh, will be really great. >> It's a good point. Um, you know, while I was sick. Um, >> and where is it going to be located? >> It's it's going to be in in uh Trumbull Center on, you

039know, next to Starbucks. >> Okay. >> And it took the rest of that. you know though it took four over 4,000 square ft. So normally there'd be two businesses there, right? But it's they took enough space for for to fill it all. So that whole plaza is full now. Um but you know the one 123 pronto concept the quality of their food is really good. the value is good and when I was you know sick and can't you know cook every all the time and everything um friends were helping me you know getting food from there and you can freeze it and cook it right out of the oven it's it's really a great place pronto they're on to something you know I know it's wonder is probably on to something similar but I think

040pronto has really gotten that down to pat and I think it's a great thing in town and people love it. >> Absolutely. >> I have sent a ton of people there since I started. I mean, always, but since I started using it and they never heard of it and they're like, "Oh my god, my friend goes there from Stratford just to get their stuff." >> Wow. >> Yeah. So, we're lucky to have them. And I I I don't know if you guys have got stopped into the sushi place next door to them recently. We did a ribbon cutting. J uh Justin, you were there. >> I've been there a few times and every time they ask me like for tips on trying to get more people there, but they seem to do well with delivery

041orders because they're always, you know, packaging stuff up and people come pick them up to I don't know if it's Uber Eats or whatever. So, but they're always they always ask me, "Oh, do you have any tips for us? Yeah. I mean, I'll have to go in and see them again, but every time I've been in there, it's been busy. I mean, it was one day I was in there, they couldn't Well, it was they couldn't really handle I don't want to say couldn't handle, but they they had trouble handling the people. But then that's not all the time, you know. You get your busy times like on a Thursday or Friday night, you know, or Saturday, but you have to fill the rest of that time up, you know. So, I'll have to stop

042in and talk to them. >> I've only been there a couple times since the ribbon cutting, and they're always very friendly. Food's very fresh. >> I love their food. I love their sushi. I think it's for me, I think it's a great thing. I I It's my go-to there. And I haven't been since I got sick, but I will go again. >> It It is incredibly fresh. That's what stood out to me, too, Justin. >> Yeah. Um, I want to Is there anything about businesses opening or anything like that? Anything else? I think everybody heard the news that the Apple store is closing. Um, it's very disappointing, but you know, if folks, you know, it's very disappointing. We have t tried some efforts to get them to reconsider and so far they have not. Uh,

043but, you know, we'll we'll survive it. uh the mall had, you know, was here before uh Apple and it'll be here, you know, the retail aspect of things will will be here afterward. But, um I think that one of the things people don't know and I know and some people that have been around a while is that the Apple store did not want to be in Trumble in the beginning at all. they wanted flagship locations or major locations with certain populations and so forth. Westfield um negotiated because of that at that time they had a lot of negotiating power for more locations cuz they were still at their height, you know, and so they kind of said to Apple, you have to put a store here otherwise we're not going to give you a flagship

044location here and here. So that was how it happened. So the history of them coming here is comp is is has that and then staying here. But I will tell you that they had a lease through 2028. Um so it kind of was surprising that they be you know without them finalizing their lease you know finishing off their lease that they moved. But one thing I found out, you know, also is that the way their lease was crafted had some things that allowed them to get out of their lease. And I don't know, I don't want to get into all of that, but so it's a it's a big loss. Um, but I think that, you know, we will go on. Um and I don't think it interrupted um any of the potential ret major

045interest in the mall purchasing the mall. >> Um so I think >> Okay. Yes. >> Do you know anything about the uh event that the mall is advertising over several days? It's like over a weekend. They're bringing some kind of a a troop, a show. >> I have I have not heard that. >> I've seen it on on Facebook. >> Okay. >> They said it's going to be at the at the mall for I think three days. >> Um is it's not the food truck thing, is it? >> No. No. This looks like something like a circus or a >> Oh, yes. They've done that before. It It is. They I I I don't have the dates. And they did that a few years ago. >> It is. Um >> I think it was last

046year. >> It's Cir de Paris June 11th to the 21st. >> Uhhuh. >> Do you know about that, Gia? What it's about? >> Um I I pulled up the mall website. Um it says it's a family circus. It's going to be in the parking lot between J. C. Penny and Macy's. >> Okay. >> An immersive journey says. >> Okay. I think they did this a few years ago. I I I >> I think it when I early on when I first started here, there was something like that. >> Yeah. So, we'll get some more information. Um, speaking about Apple, like depending on what ends up going in the mall space in the future, could they possibly, you know, be revisited to come back? Like, is it, you know, there's still like hope like in the

047future, right, for >> um I can't, you know, I I I don't know because, you know, once something leaves, it's it's certainly hard to get it back, but you never know. I mean there might be you know there's been some efforts to raise the concerns not just by um not just by our first selectman but by other parties in the area that have an interest in in in them staying. So, I don't want to talk about what other people are, you know, but um so, you know, who knows? They could come back, but you know, I don't I'm don't see it's harder to bring somebody back, Leila, than it is to, you know, keep a tenant. That's what they always say in the >> Yeah, >> in the uh leasing world, it's easier to keep

048somebody than bring them back or, you know, get someone >> leasing of the mall or Yeah. possible sale. How is the Lord and Taylor section fit into all that? >> Okay, that's a really good question. So, the Lord and Taylor building is a separately owned building. It's owned by Hudson Bay. >> Mhm. Um the land underneath the building, okay, is owned by the owner of the mall. Okay. So the they own Hudson Bay owns the vertical um real estate. Okay. Um it is my guess. Okay. I don't want to call it a guess, but it's my uh it's not a guess. It's my thought that, you know, if the mall sells to a new owner or when the mall sells to a new owner, they may want to also purchase that space. It's possible. It's

049not absolute, >> but it is possible because then they would have control over that site. It's o over more of the site. It's hard to have, you know, multiple tenants on a site because you have to get approval, right? When you do anything from all those other owners. So, for example, when we were doing the research for the mall study, you know, we had to research what all the leases were saying. I mean, and what they what limitations they put on the property. There's tons of limitations on the property, who you can lease to. this and that based on who owns it or who you know things about you know tenants. So for example um in order for certain things to happen on the on the property on the mall property the PE Hudson Bay

050has to sign off on certain things. >> Okay. >> So they have a lot of control as to what can happen in the parking lot. That's one of the things that they have a lot of control over what can happen in that front parking lot or around their building. Um, and they can, you know, any changes you're trying to make to that area, they have to sign off on, right? >> So, that's a thing. Target is a different example. So, Target is a tenant, right? So, the mall owns the property that Target's on. However, they have a very strong lease. And you know, when we were looking at things in their lease, you can't have certain things within 800 ft of the of the target building. You can't have a bowling alley. You can't have

051there's limitations. >> Can you hear me? >> Yes. Yes. >> Oh. on on what you can put in that within 800 ft of that target property or I can't remember it was 600 ft or 800 ft whatever of that target property. So, and that's not unusual leases um when we talk about um other areas. I'll give you another example, not on the mall property. Um, when you talk about the Home Depot property, you know, in the back, so you have the Home Depot there, which, you know, has a hefty lease that they pay, right? Right. >> And they have a lot of restrictions >> as to what can go next to them and what can't that impacts the ability to lease that space. Now, that's not the only dynamic happening there, but it is certainly

052restrictive. Um, and lots of different things. Like at one point we were trying to think, "Wow, this would be a great location for um like a brewery or or you know, beer hall kind of thing." I don't call beer hole. There's better names for it, but you know, the fancier name. >> What is it called? Brew Pub. >> Sports Bar. >> Yeah. Yes. Or brew pub or >> brewery or whatever. And you know you can't one of the restrictions is you know if more if more than 10% of your um sales I think it's 10% or 20% of your sales come from alcohol you can't go there it so they were only looking you know so you can't be there. So there was there was there's all kinds of things that get baked into leases

053and when a national tenant comes or s a significant tenant comes regional national tenant they bring with them all these restrictions to their lease or to their property and you know it limits what can happen. Um, one member of the community uh was writing me knows me and was writing me sorry. Why can't Marshalls go to um they're having trouble in Bridgeport? Their roof collapsed, right? >> So, she was I I felt the same way. We I would love like I like discount, you know, fashion kinds of things. I like that option. And I said she said, "Why can't a Marshalls go there?" And what I was trying to explain is that right now we have at least two of our major tenants um and one being, you know, like the Macy's and stuff that

054they don't allow discount fashion to be on their site. You I mean to to lease their on their site, it affects their lease. >> You know what I'm saying? >> Yeah. But h so is there another portion of the mall that's uh the building it like in the same situation as um Lord and Taylor's building or No, for some reason I thought >> Yes. No. Yes. Um so the LA Fitness building >> Yeah. >> that is owned separately. >> Okay. So um that's a separate you know the vertical is owned separately um for that uh so yeah we have a lot of strange little situations. >> Um I had a question about the listing that was sent around for the mall property. Um I noticed that it didn't mention anything about the survey that the

055town did or have any renderings of like what's possible. I I was wondering if there's a reason for that, if it's >> intentional or Yeah. >> Yep. So, it does reference the mall uh study, the broker listing, and it does reference the reasonzoning in and all of that in the study. It's all referenced in the broker listing. However, in order to get more information on everything, you have to do a confidential um you had to do a um confidentiality. Yeah, a confidential inquiry for the rest of the information and behind that was the full study they gave out and you know all of the everything else >> so in just the listing but yes they were >> I felt like the renderings would make the listing look more appealing than than what it looked like.

056So yeah, so the renderings are a um like aspirational you know not as you know so we can't put forward the renderings as if you know this is part of the listing. So that's why it's it's in part of the it's in the study content. They've seen it. Trust me, they've seen all of it. they've seen and in there are all the concepts they've been giving all >> that's just like real I mean I know this is a different category but it's just like real estate with housing you don't give out all the information on the screen you wait for someone that may possibly be interested and have them come to you >> so that you could actually sit and talk with them one on one >> yeah I guess what I'm saying is that

057what what the listing that was put together I felt like it didn't look so great and it it could have been more appealing uh just to show like what's possible in that I don't know it just looked really they got they got all of that because you're seeing something what it's a different process so it's not like it's it's you're not you don't need to see all that because they they get a property listing the people who are getting this the kinds of people that would purchase this they don't want to see a lot on the front and they want to know what's the pro, what's the deal, and then they sign up for um they sign um confidentiality agreements to get more information. That's part of the process with any major commercial trans, you

058know, real estate inquiries. So, it wouldn't be appropriate for them to get more than they got on that. And >> it's appropriate in the next phase. and they got all kinds of stuff in the next phase, believe me. >> Okay, understood. I I just felt like it would probably have even been better if they didn't put anything at all than what they had for the for the just the home the home um image. >> Well, we got over there was over a hundred formal inquiries on >> Oh, good. >> more than more than any property I've ever heard of on this kind of a commercial thing. and they all had to sign up and for everything we're saying. So, they definitely marketed it very well as far as I'm concerned. And again, it's a different

059process because they don't want they know what they're doing. They're looking at they want the basic information. The most important thing is what can I do with the property? They it said something about the zoning. It said about the study and all that. And then they link it into they they uh send them through the next part of the process. And I know from my involvement that they're getting the full study document, all the zoning documents, they're getting all kinds of other things that they have on the property information. Um in fact one of the articles talked about and this was no information I gave them. They they put it out there I guess themselves or research it was on um you know it was it talked about you know is it profitable you know

060is the mall profitable. So they definitely had to turn over they definitely provided some kind of information on how the property is doing and you know that kind of thing. So, that's all part of what they got as part of the confidential um thing. I'm not I don't have the whole confidential thing. I just know that they I know what they were the stuff that we were involved with creating was in the package. >> Good. Just quickly too, you mentioned the Home Depot that the building that's in the back there. Is there any hope of that getting um is it being marketed even? >> It is on it is being marketed. Um I think one of the problems is and you know one it's a tough location for retail. Two it's because you you're you

061know drawing smaller retail. I think it'd be great for medical actually. Um so I think they've they've talked to people that you know sort of like medical providers or whatever that might be good. that I know they've probably talked to several. I know of at least one. >> Yeah. >> Um but that they talked to they did they didn't go there, but they were, you know, talking with somebody. But part of it is there's a lot of things that cannot go there and there's, you know, like lots of things that cannot go there. We talked about a daycare going there prohibited. We can't put a daycare there like a preschool cuz I thought that'd be a great, you know, site for a preschool because you don't need a lot of frontage for something like that.

062>> But you that's restricted. So they have a lot of restrictions. They also have some kind of usage of the Home Depot parking lot. I don't know if like if you go there this time of year, there's a lot of like stuff for flowers and you know stuff. So, they expand into that parking lot. So, I don't know what kind of an agreement they have or don't have with Home Depot and I know they use some of the surface parking lot. Um, so I think there's a combination of things there, but I do know that they are interested in, you know, they for the right kind of use and tenant, they definitely are interested in trying to lease it cuz I know of at least, like I said, one medical group that looked, you know,

063that they were interested in. >> It looked recently when I was over there, it looked like they had painted it. I don't know if that actually is what happened or if it just if the old paint job has just held up really well. Um, but it looked pretty clean and like newly freshly painted. I don't know. Uh, maybe it's just, you know, in good good condition because nobody's in there. But >> yeah, I don't know if they painted it. I haven't been there in a in a six months or so, but um I'm not sure. But uh they keep it clean definitely. They've always, you know, they keep their property very clean and nice there. I mean, Home Depot is a really important tenant. So, >> sure is. >> And they they are strict about

064how their property looks, you know. So, um, what did, you know, I've we talked about a lot of things and there a lot of things we didn't get to this meeting, but we got to last meeting. So what do um I think I talked last meeting about on the community development side about the schoolhouse um and the you know involvement to you know rebuild, renovate, rehab the schoolhouse. So you should have all gotten a write up on that. Did everybody get a right? We've given it out before but maybe we can get it out again. >> Yep. Um, and it's it's really a great project. And >> my question about that, >> yeah, >> sorry, it's Pat. Um, my question about that is how are we is the word collaborating with um the historical society?

065Is this the town project? Are they helping us? How how is a list being created for possible um donors? I just I'm just not familiar. >> Yeah. So, um yes, the historical society is on our steering committee. Um Nancy Fiser and her Yber are our people. We [clears throat] work with them very closely. Um they've been very helpful. Um in fact um you know Deb Silber I think we're is working with us on some research about Sakorski you know and how what his relationship was to the schoolhouse or his relatives or whatever because we are looking at um connecting with people for fundraising purposes you know or people or institutions that have some tie to Sakorski. So that's something we're following up on. So, John Ner, I wanted to say if you don't know John

066Ner, he's a fantastic human being. Uh he's with Christian Heritage um school and he really did right out in front of the school there's that house that historic >> Yes. >> reconstructed house. Um John, you know, was the foreman so to speak on that project. He lives in the house. Um he's our foreman. so to speak, on this project. He's all in. Um he has been um amazing um helping to recruit people to donate supplies and labor for the project. Um I'm working on donation of money for the project. So, um, I've been meeting with various people trying to move commitments for more of the, you know, sponsorship side of it. He's been working on the labor material side more so. Um, and we've invited all kinds of people to help us and there's been

067inquiries from people in town or people that are on town boards and stuff um, that may want to get involved and help and so forth. We have a whole written uh, package. It's out in the community. We need to get this out further. There was just a a news article. I don't know if folks saw it, but and it made its way to Facebook a couple of times on the project. So, uh we're trying to do publicity, fundraising, um materials, and then volunteer work. There's going to be at least two community build dates. uh they're not set yet, but they would be dates that the community can come in and help with the landscaping or if they have some skills around carpentry, help with pieces of that. And John is with um Phil Catz is

068also volunteering. He's an engineer. He's been helping with the design and making sure that we're ready for our permitting process. Bob Dunn has been working with us. G is on our team. Um who am I missing? Oh, Dimmitri, I can't forget him. Dmitri Paris, our park superintendent. He's been amazing. He's working with us on that and the visioning around it and the getting ready for it. Um preparing the area. >> Do you have some kind of a calendar >> that you're working towards? >> Yes. Um we do. Um we are hoping to begin to build in in the fall. This is not a long This is only a 600 foot building. So, it's not a long build process. So, we're looking toward the fall, but we do need, you know, to raise more money, which

069is what I've been more dug in on recently. >> Um, so we have a upcoming some upcoming meetings and conversations. Um, so if anybody has any interest in getting involved with the fundraising side of it or with any aspect of the project, please let me know and I'll hook you up directly with the right person depending on what it is you're interested in. Um, but we do anticipate there, you know, and we anticipate there being some type of and we it hasn't been designed yet, but like marker on the site as to who contributed, who the sponsors were, who the people were, that kind of thing that contributed to it. >> So, I it's Evelyn. Um, as you probably are or not aware, my in-laws were in Trumble. They were the very first of our

070gen my family 1942 came to Trumbull and bought that property from peace. That was the name of the people that owned the house on Main Street. >> Ps I believe. >> Okay. >> Um so I can't physically do anything but I might be interested in donating in their memory. That would be really great. >> Yeah. >> So, um we can you and I can talk about that process. >> Okay. Yes. >> Um absolutely. And we can make sure that you know we're inviting you and your family to the um community dates as well. We have a meeting tomorrow. We've been focused internally on we you know the I don't know if everybody saw the article. So the whole building was deconstructed, dailed and stored and then um the budget had to be put together which

071we have. We had to go through a process with that. Um the design had to be done so that you know what kind of foundation is does it have you know all that. So that's where Phil Katz has been helping on the engineering side. And now we're in a lot of the volunteer stuff, labor, materials has already been pledged and donated. And really what I have to bring in is is definitely and anyone else who wants to help some made, you know, some some sponsors to help us. And then we're going to open something up to the community. We've already been giving information out to the community, but I think we need to do a bigger push on individual donations, too. So, we'll talk about that in our meeting tomorrow. Um, >> yep. >> What

072was Sakorski's connection to this building? >> It sounds like his children went to the school. Did I I I have to follow up on this with Deb Silver. I We have our meeting tomorrow, Barl. So, is it tomorrow or Thursday? Our meeting, G, >> it's tomorrow. >> Tomorrow. So, um we'll I'll know more, you know, tomorrow. Uh because I know we were emailing about this and um >> son who's still alive. >> What? >> Sakorski has a son who is still alive. >> Oh, really? Okay. >> Maybe it was Sakorski who went there. >> I think it was Sakorski because he was born in Trumbull. [laughter] >> Trumble's his hometown. Yeah, let me let me get some info from from Deb Silver. I'm talking out of school right now. I just asked them to do

073the the research. I had met with um our friend. Is Fred on here? >> No. No. he's so you know I'm talking about him and he's not here but I had a meeting with him about you know helping out with a few aspects of our fundraising and um we discussed the connection to Sakorski and then I reached out to um John Deb and uh Nancy and they were looking into it and I think we they did look into it so and get back to us but I I have to firm that up tomorrow. >> So, I remembered last year that Amazon made a lovely grant to the Trumbull Historical Society and I think it was unexpected, but this is I mean that is the kind of thing that's so non um nonpartisan, non-denominational. That's such

074a positive thing to >> uh I just wonder if that'd be something they'd be receptive to. And it was a ton of money. I think it was $10,000. >> So, somebody reached out to Amazon. Who? >> Okay. Well, I'm not >> No, no, no. I'm talking No, I'm talking out loud. I want I'm writing this down. >> Okay. >> I know. Um, Reena, I know we recently connected someone for u fundraising for something else. >> Was it something else? >> Yeah. Um, >> and my other thought about fundraising was that um, you have a pretty strong um, corporate um, community here and I just wonder if they would like to underwrite a particular aspect within the fundraising. >> Yes, definitely. So, uh, I have a hit list, so to speak, of certain corporations and people

075that I'm working through, but I would like some help if anybody's interested or would like to get more involved. Um, I know some of the some other people are are starting to get involved as well. So um you know anybody that's interested u I definitely take the help and you know if anybody is very passionate about this um from ECDC here and want to join our steering committee like we would be happy to have a representative uh from ECDC on our steering committee. >> What does that involve? >> Uh we meet right now we're meeting once a month but we're going to start meeting probably twice a month. We go through all aspects of the project, fundraising, um budget, um um like I said, the engineering, where is that? The design, the volunteer recruitment, everything.

076We're, you know, labor and material donations, all of this. Um I need to think on this and then I'll talk to you. >> How about I touch base with you next week? I'm out of town until Friday. Maybe I'll touch base with you next week. >> Yeah, >> definitely. Um I think it would really be good to have someone from ECDC, too. Or and we're happy to have two people from ECDC. I mean, it's a really good committee. I think I don't know, you know, um it's a really passionate committee that's in it for nobody's in it for the it's everybody's just wants to get this done. So, um I think you would you would like to be a part of it. It, you know, it's a good group. >> Rea, the other person involved

077um that we forgot um to mention was Stefan from the library. [clears throat] >> Oh, yeah. Thank you, Jay. Oh my goodness. Yeah. And he's been great because, you know, we're going to be his neighbor. you know, this building's going to be his neighbor. >> And the building will have, you know, heat. It will have uh, you know, utilities to it, but it will not have its own bathroom. There'll be a sidewalk connection. Um, and which is totally legitimate by code, but they'll use the the restrooms in the library, and there'll be a pet paved, you know, walkway to make sure they're there safely and all that. Um so you know he's involved making sure that you know the connections are appropriate and all of that and there'll be some joint programming I'm sure um

078once the building opens and the building is >> yeah I can see that as a real opportunity for the library in terms of expanding its umformational mission beyond books. >> Definitely. Yeah. So, anybody interested if we want to have a few people um on board that would be all help is you know appreciated. Um if anybody has a specific just like you know we're talking about Sakorski but if anybody has a specific you know strategy or somebody that you think we should approach like somebody mentioned now Amazon so I just wrote that down and I will reach out to them. I do have a contact there. Um, and they have donated to some things that, you know, I get a lot of inquiries about Amazon. So, I send people, you know, that inquire with me

079to Amazon for their consideration. So, I have to remember who I'm sending where. But, you know, um, it's I would love to see Amazon involved. I mean, I think that would be great. >> They need all the good public relations they can get. >> That's true. That's true. They're doing another huge like warehouse somewhere else. I don't know. >> Like enormous like >> enormous. Yeah, I read that. >> Yeah. >> So, um, is there anything else right now that we want to touch base on that we didn't touch base on today? I think in the next meeting, I think I'm going to put some time down just for a mall update. um you know just just chunk of time and hopefully we'll have you know a little bit more to share but if we don't

080we'll just recap what we've already discussed in more detail. Does that sound So I did want to ask about one thing. You may have already covered it. I I was trying to do things at once but um I think the bottom line is I I think Evelyn brought it up. I think Leila brought it up this whole communication piece, what we can share and what we can't share, >> but the the the process of sharing something regularly about this is where we were and this is where we are now. I mean, that report that you shared about how many new businesses, you know, opened their doors and Trumble in 2025 was staggering. you know, do we do I think you used to do a newsletter in the past if I'm not mistaken. It'd be great

081to to see if we can share more positive news about the town more broadly. >> Yeah, I think we're talking about that um sharing more stuff because we do have so much positive going on >> um to share. So, we're thinking of strategies. The newsletter is great and maybe as we get more capacity, we'll bring back the newsletter. Um, but you know, it's it's really a lot of work when I >> It's an enormous amount of work. I know >> it is. And we have we never really had a um what do you call it? Town. >> We actually now have like a town newsletter. They're trying to up it to, you know, just to make it more >> readable and stuff like that. But they've done a good job. So, they're covering every month

082an update on certain economic development things, >> okay, >> already in there. But again, it's getting people to read those things. Um, >> you know, people want the quick social media. They don't want the whole story always even too. >> No, you're absolutely right. Is there um is there an ECDC uh like Instagram page or Facebook page that just things can just get posted there? And >> because I know the historical society has one. I know um the town has one that the police has one like so many of the different entities in Trumbull have have them. >> Yeah. So, >> you know, I have I have a lot of discussion. So I I've I've traditionally not wanted to get involved with a a social media page because development is controversial. It is detailed. It's

083it you know >> and it takes time. It has a lot of nuance and nuance doesn't work on social media. >> It does not. And most of my there are some towns that have social media pages. It's very mixed reviews and a lot of them are dead. they don't put enough content up, you know what I mean? So, it's like, so we have a restaurant week one that we do restaurant week with, right? >> Right. >> And then we that's like its own project. And we also put a lot of things, you know, up on the town page that represent, you know, whether it's a ribbon cutting or this or that. That all goes on the town page. It gets so much more visibility than any of these like little pages that go up. The

084police department's different. that gets a lot of I think attention, but a lot of these other pages, they don't really get a lot of traction. So, we're trying to almost, you know, put our message where most people are going to read it, but we need to do more of it. I mean, we we we're trying to right now we're going through, you know, communications. How what's the best thing? A lot of these projects, the mall and it's really the mall and Trumbull Center because most of our other real estate in town is full. >> Yeah. >> So, it's the mall and Trumble Center and any new development um or development that's in progress. You know, >> I wanted to actually hear everyone's thoughts on having a mall update as a regular specific agenda item every

085month. >> Yes. Yeah. So, I know there's I know there's there's a lot of people that are just wondering where are we, >> what's going on, and and just because there's not any new information doesn't mean that we we stopped engagement. So, I think just by having that is something to point to to say here's here's our last discussion. I think it's a great suggestion, Justin, because as as Reena pointed out before there because it's such a complex project, you don't really see things that are going on and it's not in the newspaper. So, there's there's a role here for it to be front and center for us once a month. >> So, let's put it on as just we we do talk about it most months, but let's put it on the top of

086the list. We can just start with it. Like you know how we have business, we have four different categories for the agenda or three or four different categories. We just put it on as a standard agenda item so that we don't have to post the ag, you know, change the agenda every month. We can just put put it on as an agenda item. >> Yep. >> Right. >> Yeah. Specifically for the mall study. That way even if there isn't an update, we can at least address it and say we addressed it this month. >> I think it's great. That's a really good and you know um I think we we are I don't know who is saying this but we are looking at other ways to get the message out and I think you know

087I don't rule out I don't rule out us bringing back a you know a quarterly newsletter. We did that for years and then it got like to a point where it was it's a lot of work. >> Enormous. Yeah, I know. >> And people were saying, "Oh, I don't, you know, I never see it. I don't want to, you know, it's like they don't read it." >> No, they don't. >> Right. And it can't be it can't be too long. >> No, it has to be very short. >> Sweet. I have an idea which I'll discuss with you. Maybe we could do a a mockup example and see what the uh commission thinks. [snorts] >> Okay. [clears throat] >> Well, give me a call. Let me know. >> Okay. >> Um and I think that,

088you know, I don't know if folks know that they've kind of well, they kind of half did this, so we're trying to stroke square this away, but they're they're I used to only have half of Gia's time. She does planning uh zoning board of appeals and other stuff related to planning and zoning as the other part of her job. So the the I think board of finance and then town council, you know, supported making the economic development thing full-time. What we do need to straighten out is the sal, you know, the salary piece of it and stuff. We have to make sure that's all in place. Um so you know I think that having a full-time second economic development um associate you know associate working with us Gia does a lot of this but she

089doesn't do you know she's limited because she has to do her other work um and she's only got so many hours in the day. So for her to be fully dedicated to stuff that we're doing with economic development is huge. And if it's not Gia, if it's somebody else, you know, down the line, whatever. I mean, that's, you know, the position is important. >> I mean, you can't have massive development underway and expect one person to have be on top of everything that's happening. Um, we have at any given time. um you know 20 projects that are in some you know some uh at some place in the development um trajectory you know it's it's it's just you cannot do that. So >> you have a lot in the pipeline. >> Yeah there's a lot

090and and we have community development and other things under the department as well. So in the community development, I think Leila brought this up earlier, you know, the connecting of those things, making want connecting senses of place, those kinds of things. You know, we have I know we we were going to wrap this up, but we we have nodes of development. We don't have commercial corridors. So nodes of development are hard for people to see all that the town has. Never mind. We do have the issue with the um transformation of the mall and Trumble Center, but those are, you know, projects that are going to, you know, play out over time. But you have nodes of development that you can't see when you're looking at Bridgeport Avenue in Shelton or Milford, the corridor there,

091Orange, you can see everything that's there. Do you know what I mean? And see what's available. You know what I mean? We have >> I think that's a really big important point. I would wager that 25% at least of Trumbull residents have never been to um your uh merit center >> for example. >> Oh yeah, definitely. Haven't been to No way have they been to any of the corporate part most of the corporate parks and even just the nodes of development that are retail. I mean, some people never go over to where like Romanis and Sitting Duck and that. Some people don't live on that side of town. They're never over there. But if you have a major commercial corridor in your town, people are going there for their entertainment, for their We have broken

092up nodes around town and mostly on the borders of our town because that's our historic development pattern here. So if you're coming here looking for, you know, XYZ in one strip, you're not and you're not going to see it. But we have a lot of smaller nodes that have lots of businesses in them. >> You know what I mean? And >> pockets. >> Yeah. >> And with gateway the I don't know what the name of it is now. What was the name of it? Crossing at Puquanic coming and with the other we're we're going to have some more nodes. That's another node of development. It's not a major corridor, but it's going to be a popular destination node in certain sections of town and in Monroe and you know the area. So we have that

093we just people are looking well where is everything where well it's not in one major corridor and it's not going to be because the town was not developed that way historically. So Trumbull Center is a small node of development. It's not a big commercial corridor. >> You know, it's got one primary property owner. I mean, it's got other property owners, but it's got one major holding, you know, property owner. And, you know, it's really not as much. If you look at the total acreage just on the White Plains Road side where the side of the road where um the grosser was and and um where uh you know um what do you call it the Quick and Pack just opened that whole that whole thing that's eight acres right there. Okay, that's not a lot

094of property. Do you know what I mean? It's not it's not it's property and there's stuff we're going to do with it and it's going to be done with it, but it's not a lot of real estate for a town center concept. You know what I mean? >> You have other areas of town centers that are much longer that are, you know, they're they're corridors. They're bigger areas. >> You know, this is a small relatively small area. Now it's starting to spread a little bit down, you know, White Plains Road. are. So, but that's something too I think you know part of I mean I had often thought and I don't know if people would like listen to this or how we get it out but doing a show on economic development I've talked to

095about this over the years doing just like a something that goes on um what's that the community television or something like that just on an economic and community development topic each month. You Le Ila, where's Laya? She can maybe help us with this. She knows how to do the stuff. Um, you know, doing a a a format that we just pick a topic within economic development or community development and do a show around it and, you know, then people the problem is you can't really or have some guests with you on it. So, you can have >> you know what I'd recommend? Um the library has their display window there. Um you wouldn't be able to be in there all the time, but uh the sustainability committee did an absolutely bangup job with sustainable resources

096and information. You could showcase a project there once or twice a year. >> That's a great idea. or even a map showing centers of development because we don't have the main street that some people think of as the strip for commercial activity, retail activity, I should probably say. >> Yeah, >> that's a great idea. >> Yeah, it's a good idea. >> I really like that idea about using >> You know how many people go in and out of the library and people stop? Everybody goes to the bathroom and it's right there. >> Yeah. Yeah, that's a really good idea. >> Um, let's I think I think we're going to need to to activate that idea. I really like that idea, the showcase. >> I'd love to help you with that. >> Yes, I'd love for

097your help. >> I think that's fabulous. >> Yeah. And I mean, even like >> one of the reasons I'm going to cut you off. I'm sorry. But one of the things that it helps accomplish is a lot of people say, "I pay my taxes. You know, what does the town do for me? Okay, we've got great schools, but what else?" This is a physical demonstration of what's going on and we're trying to do to keep our community economically vibrant. >> Yeah, that's a I love the idea. And we can do a section on we can do like actually as a development project gets approved too. We can put you know con even if it's not approved yet. I mean I guess it will have to be approved but um we can do concepts up there.

098We have concepts we have we can as you know the project evolves we can feature it or you know whatever else. It doesn't have to be all project based, but there's enough projects or properties that can get exposure and and we can write about where it's going. I mean, you know, the mall obviously is a big one, but we have just like this, like I said, the um now that the uh crossing at Puquanic is getting closer to I I'm never going to remember that is is getting closer to opening. I mean that could be the of the first one that people have no idea what that is and they have no idea that it's >> and the name is not gonna help us. >> No, I know. Crossing. Um they if people don't they

099just stay in the area that they know and they don't drive around town. They don't see what's happening. >> Right. >> Exactly. How many people will go up Main Street and see that new facility at Lake and Maine? They'll only go, you know, only if they are on 25. >> Yeah. >> Well, that's why I think like it could be helpful to have social media because you can post those things. It doesn't have to be up and upcoming things or proposals. It could be actual things that we have that are already existing and you know if maybe it's the Hankle building and you know expansion and you just but you need a visual to go with it. I think it's it's hard to just like verbally tell people and expect them to retain it or

100um like it's it's just yeah everybody's so visual now. It's like we want this quick >> quick fix quick visual that gives us the idea and then move on. You know, Reena, this will this will cost money, but years ago, we had a bus tour. >> Oh, yeah. >> People we have people >> going we took them to all the the top spots. >> Yeah, we did. We did. What we did was when I got here um probably you know or when you know I think Vicki was here like because you know she came here in 17 18. Yeah. So I had only been here about 15 months and when she got here we were discussing I'm pretty sure she was here. We were discussing the vacancies and we did a bus tour to all

101of the vacant real estate. We really focused on the vacant real estate and and the potential um for that real estate. Um and we brought with us the broker network. There was like 90 people on this, but they were all most of them were commercial brokers, but then we had other people that were related to the industry there, too. And we took two not Yeah, they were like city buses. They weren't small buses. They were giant buses and we filled two. And >> I did a tour off one and I can't remember who was my speaker on the other one that helped. We had an organized tour and we mapped it out and um it was really successful. And if you go now to see all those vacancies then and what's been re occupied, it's

102pretty good. >> Well, I think that that Leila's idea is the visual equivalent of the bus tour. >> Yeah. I think what I would what I'm not I don't want to get into is a Facebook page for economic development. >> Yeah. You don't want commentary. >> That that is not something I'm >> Well, you can you can restrict whatever whether it's Instagram or Facebook or or whatever. You can restrict comments so nobody can comment. It's just a post. >> But then they'll be angry that they can't comment. [laughter] >> Well, they're going to be angry at something. >> Yeah. be angry that they don't know what's going on. There's always, you know, they just want to complain. >> But the amount of work it would take to to explain and to would deal with comments

103and that kind of thing. And I don't know most of the I don't know if most of our Facebook pages like for the senior center and stuff, do they take comments? I think they do. >> I'm sure there's a policy on it. >> Yeah, there might be a policy on that. So, it's like for economic development. I I could tell you that I'm in a a group of people and they're like, "Nobody wants to touch it." >> Well, so let's just say though that this has been a big discussion about how we communicate and how we share. And maybe the good thing to do would be to sort of >> revisit it perhaps um at the next meeting after we have sifted through all the options that were discussed. >> Yeah. And I think I

104think that our first selectman's important for this discussion because I think she's um you know looking at different things as well. So I've got to kind of bring her into mix. We like I was saying we we've already started this discussion internally and we've been thinking about you know especially as it relates to the mall but not exclusively just getting the information out better more >> I'm sorry I didn't mean to interrupt you. >> No go ahead. I was just gonna say I think that um idea was good with uh once or twice a year showcasing it in the library because everyone must go to the library at some point. >> Oh, I think we should defin She said she'd work with me on that. That's a definite >> we need to do. need to

105do more information out um you know and and come back you know figure what >> how to do it in a way that is >> doesn't doesn't affect confidentiality >> doesn't get you know doesn't even ramp up the controversy in craziness more because some people are really well-intentioned with their questions and their inquiries And I can tell by reading some of it that some people are just looking to put out a narrative in a certain way. So, you know, it's it it's just not helpful and it doesn't I have to be concerned about the people reading it that are coming from out of town looking to invest in the town. >> Hi, Gabe. >> Hi. >> Hey, I'm sorry. I'm gonna have to sign off. >> Yes. Okay. Um, but anyway, so we can revisit

106it next time and I can probably give you some updates. >> And you know, if if it's possible to do a bus, I like that idea. Not necessarily for um it might be something to keep it in the back burner, so to speak. When I was very active quite a few years back in the real estate business, we used to take uh people that were coming into town on bus tours to show them the different sections of town and what was happening. >> So that may be something we could think about um at some point because you can't do it for the town folks. We don't we can't have that many buses, number one. Um, but it might be a good way to think about it for people interested in coming or doing business here,

107something to that effect, you know. >> Yeah. And I think, you know, finding other forums to get the word out is important >> without, you know, creating a forum that's not productive. >> Exactly. >> Okay. Um, Marina, was there anything you wanted to add as far as >> No, >> grants go. >> Um, >> or events? >> Well, we have the event, as I mentioned, the broker network event is our next event coming up, >> right? >> And um I don't think, let me just see my grant. I think I reported on the grants last month, so I think we're fine. >> Yes, you did. >> Yeah. >> Um and I do have um because Fred and Dan are not here, Dan did send me an email this evening with some info to share with

108you guys. Um if you'd like. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> You want to share his >> Yeah, let me read what he sent us. Um, so as always, he encourages members um as they're out and about in town to please ask in um or encourage individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses to come as guests to any upcoming Trumbull Chamber of Commerce meetings. The next meeting is Thursday, May 28th at the Mayfair Center for Health and Rehabilitation at 8:30 a.m. That's 21 Mayfair Court in Trumbull. Um, people can register to attend um as a guest at the brbc.org website under the events calendar and I can share that with the commission if you'd like. Um, he also noted that they're hosting several business resource events throughout the region. Um, there are two that he wanted to highlight specifically.

109He said, "We've met with many business owners over the past several weeks, and a reoccurring theme among them is the unpredictable nature of our economy right now." So, the BRBC is co-sponsoring the session with our chief executive peer group for a free webinar where they will share their experiences around overcoming uncertainty. The webinar is this Thursday, May 14th, at 10:00 a.m. Registration details are in attached flyer, which I can circulate. And the other one is that he'd like to highlight a recent event hosted at Connoisseur Media Milford exclusively for nonprofit partners where they had I think that's um it says Jan Carl Casa um president and CEO of the Connecticut Nonprofit Alliance and she gave a state of the nonprofit sector um talk as a followup. one of the resource partners and member of the

110Trumbull Chamber um is hosting an information session on a mobile app they've developed to support the nonprofit community. For those interested in leveraging the free tool in the nonprofit space, you can register for one of the freeformational sessions at brbc.org under the event calendar. Um so that sounds like it's a nonprofit tool. Um, so maybe Reena and I will look at it to see if it's something that we want to add to our resource center. Um, and that's it. >> Yeah. >> Something that struck me, I know we have to all get off, but the uncertainty of the economy, I mean, this is this is really um starting to it has not sort of played out in development yet. I think things, you know, but if stuff starts to get, you know, less and less

111stable, let's just say it start that that will start impacting projects that are in the queue. So hopefully that's doesn't happen to any of our projects right now. But that's, you know, there is a lot going on in the economy and I I think that when is that that um thing? >> Um that is Thursday, May 14th at 10:00 a.m. I can I can send that out tomorrow. >> Yeah, I might. Yeah, that's a really good one. We might want to blast that out. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> So, we have I don't know if people see our blasts, but we have blasts that go out to the business community for resources and stuff like that. >> All right. Anybody have anything else they'd like to discuss? No. Motion to adjurnn. Can >> we have

112a motion to adjurnn? I'll second that. Evelyn, >> is it all those in favor? >> I opposed. All right, the meeting is adjourned. >> Thank you. >> This was a great meeting. Very informative. Thank you. Thank you. >> I think we have to get together before the next meeting and brainstorm. Evelyn maybe >> or maybe Leila >> sure anybody else that's in >> just um a reminder I don't think you could have more than three people from the commission without having to do agenda and whatnot. >> Sure. >> That's true. >> Really? >> Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Well then we'll keep it to three people. Does that [laughter] include the staff? >> No it does. No, just just met commissioners. [laughter] >> They don't want us to brainstorm.