001Okay. All right. I call the meeting to order. >> We'll start with the pledge to the flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay. >> Any changes, any omissions to the minutes? If not, can we have a move to accept the minutes of the last meeting? >> So moved. This is Justin. >> Okay. I second it that this is up. >> Do you have a second? Zia. >> Yeah, >> I second it. >> Neighbor. >> Yes. >> Anyone against? >> All right. If not, the me the minutes are accepted. Um I do not have anything to report um other than that I uh Reena is looking better feeling better
002and um I did want to comment on uh the attachment that G has sent and I I'd like to commend the I'm an old uh civics teacher and I'd like to commend the Chamber of Commerce uh foundation for initiating this national civics B. Um are uh Fred are we involved at all? Our chamber. Um, no, Barl. The Trumble Chamber is not, but other surrounding um, chambers, including the state of Connecticut is, and we're thankful to be proud participant sponsors of this. Um, Dan and I have worked hard throughout the networking of our local communities to gather support. This is the third year we're doing it, and we're very optimistic and encouraged by the growth that we see uh, behind the Civics B. Uh, and um, is there any way of knowing if anyone from Trumbull
003participated? >> I I don't know as of this minute. I Ken can can circulate back to the commission more information if necessary unless Dan has some content that he would like to share specifically about Trumbull. >> Okay. Well, anyway, I think it's a ter terrific idea and I'm I applaud them for doing this. >> Thanks, Barl. This is Dan on on and hopefully you can hear me. Um, yeah, just to reiterate what Fred mentioned. So, the BRBC and all three of our chambers have been uh uh pretty active and and more importantly our p our government relations committee has been very supportive of of this particular program. Um, I haven't seen the essays that were submitted this year. Um, not yet anyway, but uh usually we get one or two from the Trumbull system. Um,
004I the last time I checked it was over 30 days ago. We didn't have any submissions from uh Trumbull at that time and it was just a few days before the deadline. So, um I don't know. I have I have to look because what happens is they go into a pool and then uh the judges kind of go through the essays and then from there I'll find out who the finalists are um and who uh from our region and from Connecticut for that matter um had submitted an essay. So hopefully we get a couple from from Trumbull that that that did submit but right now the deadline is passed. >> Okay. And I hope hopefully it will grow as time goes on. All right. Um Reena, I think you're up next. >> Yes. If I
005go out for any reason, please. Um I will um somebody tell me that my internet is saying it's a little bit unstable right now for some reason. I just had it refixed and had uh what do you call it? Frontier here. And now I don't know why this is happening again. Um, so I just want to say hello and say I have sort of a list of things that I prepared that I want to touch base on. And the first thing that I want to talk about is the mall and the sale of the mall. Um, and I and let me back into this by saying many of you will remember that the property went into uh foreclosure. It was then in receiverhip. Um, Trigild was named the receiver. Um, Centennial was named the um,
006management entity for the mall. You remember that? >> And the process was moving through the courts. Um, at this point the um, the uh, debt holders have been um, allowed to start to market. Can you hear me? Yes, >> the debt holders have been uh allowed to start to market the property um which is good um in that you know it's starting to move forward and um hopefully we'll stay out of Namar's hands although you know uh they can certainly bid on the property. I don't think that would happen, but you know, I just uh it's not, you know, absolutely out of the realm of possibility, but I don't see that happening at all. So, I don't want to start any rumor. Um, but the property is being marketed. It is um a gentleman named
007Tom Dumbrossski. He is the um the uh broker that we're dealing with. He's got a whole team he's dealing with. Um, and I was telling Gia earlier today, I realized I know Tom. Um, so that was good that I had had previous conversations with him, so that was excellent. Um, he and I are meeting. Gee, did we nail down a time? >> Um, I know you were working to calendar it. >> I can't, but >> Okay. >> I'm sorry. I think I'm having some connection issues myself, but um, you're scheduled for Monday. >> Yeah. So that's great. So um I'm probably going to invite um Vicki if she's available to sit in on that. Um we spoke about that today, G. So we can probably add her to the invite if she's available. Uh but
008if not, we'll we'll get her in next time. But what we're going to do is go through um all the the listing, all the the way they're marketing, what they're doing, um how we can support that, what we're doing on the property. A lot of this you're aware of from previous um you know efforts to inform you, but you know that for a long time we've been anybody that's talking about the mall or people that we've reached out to. We're keeping sort of a we actually have a binder a book of everybody that's sort of connected with us about the mall property and their interest in it. So, I will be uh working through that um with the broker. So, um I'm actually excited that they finally got a broker in place and they're going
009to start to market the property. They're marketing it nationally, of course, and regionally, but um I've seen I've had multiple phone calls from people >> picture >> people that um >> tell me what you're what you're doing. Are you I can't hear what you're saying, Barl. >> I'm having trouble getting the picture. >> Oh, okay. Um, >> Simon, don't leave. >> Okay. Um, so can would you like me to continue talking or do you want me to? >> Yes. >> Oh, okay. So um you know we will be you know meeting and talking about the property and the opportunity to address >> get as much interest as possible and and again those folks that we've already spoken with. I'll be you know connecting them into the system. Some are people that have an interest in
010purchasing the mall potentially. Certainly the price of it is is the big uh big issue. uh but other people who have an interest in some aspect of redevelopment. So making sure that the broker knows about all of that because whether they're interested in potential purchase of the property or they're interested in some aspect of it that has value to whoever's looking um at the property. I see Pat's hand up. >> Yes. What's the price or is that public? We can't that's not that's not something I can say here yet. I'm going to be meeting with um folks and whether they're going to actually market it with a specific price tag or they're going to go into more confidential discussions about the price. I don't >> there. Okay. >> Thanks. Um but one thing I can
011tell you Pat is that um the property had I believe approximately at a few years ago but you know they may have paid down some of this but it had approximately $152 million in debt on it that some of that's been paid down. I'm, you know, and I don't know, um, you know, if if they're going to get that, but, you know, they certainly want to get as much as they can for the property. Um, being that they hold the debt and also we certainly want them to get as much as they we can for the property because that, you know, affects our our grand list. So, I'll I'll know more coming up, but I wanted you to know that the property is for sale formally. Um, great. >> And we'll continue to talk about
012that um in in subsequent conversations and meetings. >> Um, the next thing I wanted to mention to you if unless anybody has questions about that before I move on. >> Well, >> okay. So, uh, the next thing I wanted to mention is the Gateway Commons project. It is changing its name. um it's going to be something on the puquanic or you know something like that but we refer to it based on its approval right now of to Gateway Commons that's the property on the Trumble Monroe line that is partially in Trumbull the real estate is partially in Trumbull partially in um um >> Monroe so that project we've started we've been meeting um there is a um a development group that is very seriously um sort of finalizing uh their interest in the property. I'm
013short of saying that they're ready to close because no deal is done until it's done and anything can happen. But uh I met with them last week again and by all indications they're very serious in their position to acquire the project. Um and you know we've been working with them. Um we're in the process of setting up a meeting uh just to get Monroe and Trumble folks all together. We're going to bring the metrocog into it as well uh because we want to talk with them about the trail that runs behind um the property and some other aspects of the property that we may look to Metricco to see if they have some funding to support. So, in addition to just checking in on where the project is, how close they are to closing, are
014there any issues, those kinds of things, we're going to talk about some other funding um for because the trail system is there and it would be great for the community or both communities to have a, you know, a connection in that area. >> So, um that meeting is being set up for a few weeks from now. Um, we're also in the process of putting a meeting together. We haven't done this yet, but I spoke with Rob and Vicki and Jim today. Uh, we want to get the permitting departments in both towns together um so that they can start to meet um on the permitting process. it because you're coordinating two towns and not, you know, they both follow a state statute, you know, under the building code and under the fire code and so forth,
015but everybody does things a little differently. So, we need to instead of just coordinating our folks, we have to coordinate our folks and the Monroe folks so that we're all aligned in the project being that it's one, you know, one building that's connected. But, you know, it so it's a little bit extra is the word. I think um in this scenario to get this project done, we're not going to have that meeting um for the permitting departments until the property is absolutely ready to close or has closed. Uh because again, anything can happen last minute, but we're working on um you know communicating about date and process. So that project was um not moving forward for a long time as you know for a variety of reasons but it really has taken some uh giant
016steps forward and I think that the retail commercial aspect of it will be very popular. I can tell you I've already gotten inquiries regarding the property um now that people know it's it's probably going to be uh a go. you know, there's a uptick in activity and inquiry regarding that property and I think you're probably going to see some restaurants there. I think you're probably going to see um another mix another mix of uses there and um you know I think it's going to be a really um great uh addition for both Trumbull and Monroe. >> So that's the Gateway Commons soon to be renamed a new name. Um, I wanted to talk with you about the Vessel project. That project, um, was an 830G affordable housing application under the state statute. Um, they came
017into planning and zoning, um, in they started their process in December. Um, they came, no, excuse. Yeah, they started in December and they came back in um, January and again in February. In February, the commission um turned, you know, it denied the pro the application. Um and so as a when they deny an this type of application, there's an appeal that the applicant files to the state under the 830G uh statutes. >> So that process is underway. Um, some might know that they were at um they were at WPCA just the other day um because they're the way they look at it is they're continuing their process for you know toward a final approval. So they were at WPCA. they did um have some uh decisions made at WPCA about uh cost sharing on certain
018aspects of the project um the of the sewer um and infrastructure and so forth. So I expect there'll be more dialogue about this. I I said before and I know this is somewhat controversial for me to say this but that project is somewhere well the commission had negotiated with them down the number of units but now that it's there's a denial on the record they can go back up to however many units they decide they want to put there. >> So um but you know I have mixed feelings about the denial. It's the commission has a tough job and they did they did what they felt was right but I felt and just this is not I'm not speaking for anybody except myself but I think that um what we what I am hoping for
019is that we earn enough uh points uh toward a moratorum uh so that we can get a stay we can work toward a stay for four years on applications that doesn't mean there won't be development happening but it means it'll be um not forced on us as much. It will be um more um you know uh what's the word uh >> collaborative is exactly the word it'll be more collaborative. So however um that you know now that um so anyway so my feeling was if they came in with this project and could earn about 105 moratorum points and we need and we don't we haven't finalized how many we need but we need somewhere around that many points to get a moratorium there's still process that has to happen the project has to be built
020and coed in order to you know get an actual moratorum and there's lots. >> Yeah. >> Can't hear you. Reena Gia, are you texting her? >> Can you hear me now? >> Yes. >> Now we can hear you. >> Sorry. Would I Can you hear me now? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, just tell me if it goes out and I'll click on and off. Um, and that generally does it. If you if you know, I don't know. Um hopefully we're not going to deal with this all night, but um so you know, I was hoping you know this one project, let's say. Oh, you're out again. >> Am I out >> now? You're back in. Okay. Um it looks like we're in striking distance for a moratorum. Um and this project builds very quickly. It's
021a modular build um construction. So it it builds instead of a traditional project that builds in 18 to 24 months, right? This builds and it could be longer, but this builds in nine months start to finish. It's it's a very quick build. So the, you know, you're cutting the amount of time in half. And so another benefit of getting toward a moratorum quicker because you have to co the units in order to start filing for them, you know, and file for the actual moratorum points. So I don't know. So you know, again, the commission has a tough job. they have to, you know, think things through and the the law is tricky in a sense and it puts, you know, it's sort of adversarial at times and that's unfortunate. So, that's where we stand. Um,
022you know, I think there's going to be additional discussions. They're, you know, their legal folks are going to have to file within so many days, whatever they have to do um for the appeal because it's an appeal statute. Pat Yes. So, I realize I'm asking a lot of questions. I'm >> That's okay. >> Can you just remind me how many was the original number of units, the location, and how long the appeal process usually takes? >> Yep. So, the location is on Reservoir Avenue. Okay. >> Um, one property off the corner of Reservoir and Lindamman. I don't have the address in front of me. Um that so that is the location. You asked about the number of units. I think that initially it was 150. I think that they were negotiating down to I don't
023remember. I think it was 130 something. Do you know G? >> Um you might not have been Abby. >> Yeah Aby's on that commission. I there's it was I want to say 136, but I >> Yeah, that sounds 130 something. They had negotiated down the number of units. Um it didn't get approved. I mean, it got denied, so it doesn't matter anyway, but they were trying to get it down a little bit. Um they had reduced the height of it was one of the things. Um there was additional landscaping that they agreed to. um sidewalking, landscaping, other things that a regular 830G a lot of people come in and they feel like they're going straight to an appeal, so they don't really care and they don't add anything extra. But this group was working with
024us, but that's okay. Whatever happens, you know, it's going to play out one way or another. And I think, you know, we'll have to just see what happens. Um, you know, it's not an easy situation that we're in. Do you have anything else, Pat? You have your arm hand up. >> No, sorry. Let me take that down. >> It's okay. Um >> I have a question right now. >> Yeah, sure. >> As far as mortorium points, we get a a point per unit of the entire project, not just the affordable housing units. Correct. >> Um well, it's broken up. So, you get a quarter of a point for certain units there that are not a I mean are not um restricted, affordable housing restricted. then you get two points I believe it is for um
025those those units that are restricted um under the um affordability part. So you add all that up by the number of units and you get, you know, you get to it was 105 be, you know, if they lowered the um unit number to say 136 units, then there's a few points that we would lose there. But that's okay. We can make them up other ways because you're close enough. But if you're at 150, I believe it was 104.5 was I think the exact number of points we'd earn. Um, in the town, we need probably somewhere close to that. Maybe we need a little bit more than that, but we have also um some other things that Gia and um our other person um Abby are working on. um you know, cleaning up some old uh
026sort of um accessory apartments that don't have all the paperwork or whatever. We're trying to get all that cleaned up because those add some points for us too. So that that's we have multiple efforts underway to try to move toward a moratorum and again this project based on the shortened time based on the fact that they were trying to work with us somewhat you know and other things could have gotten us closer. Now, you asked someone asked the question, I think it was you, Justin, how long does a uh or might have been Pat, how long could something like this take? You know, I I don't have an exact how long it takes to work through the court system or through the um appeal system, but I do think it's gotten quicker is my perception.
027Um and um it can be a year, two years, you know, depending on the complexity and what's happening. Um but there's they they are moving these applications through. >> Um and it it seems to me anecdotally that they're moving through faster than they used to. Um so you know and then you're only so you're delaying moratorum points right and delaying a moratorium so now your subject your town your community is subject to more approvals right >> right >> so you know is that the way to go if you hold it up in court two years or somebody else's plan holding it up this one that one you're you're subjecting yourself to more and more of these and once it's filed. Okay, you know, let's say you have a few of them in the works. Okay,
028once they're in the works, even if you get a moratorum, you don't get excused on those projects that are already in the works. Do you understand what I'm saying? >> Yeah. >> So, there's a lot to this. It's there's no easy answer. Um, I've spoken out for the last probably 15 years or longer or 20 years, probably nearing 20 years on what I think is flawed in this legislation. Um, it's from the '9s. They've, you know, tweaked little pieces of it almost to, you know, not necessarily helpful tweaks, but, uh, I don't, you know, they've really changed it very little. Um, it's really difficult. I think we could have so much better policy and get so much better outcomes if we had a more collaborative, you know, process and and you know, but this is
029what it is. >> So, does anyone have any questions? Justin, do you have any other questions? Because I don't know if I cut you off. >> No, I guess I just wanted to confirm. So, it's essentially a quarter of a point for the market rate department. Is that standard? Yes, I believe that is standard for this type of project. Um, >> got that's all I got. Thank you. >> Quick question. What is on the property as it stands right now? Is it vacant or is it developed with residential property? >> So, it's a residential property that looks like it's sort of been used as like a a construction yard for years. I don't know how that got came to play that it got grandfathered or whatever into that. There's a couple of other buildings like
030homes almost uh residences on the property. There's um a junkyard. I'll call it a junkyard. I don't It's It's a It's a construction yard, but there's lots of extra things on the property. Um it's not a it's not a great situation as it is. So the property definitely needs improvement. Um and you know so I think you know it it's it's not like we had this beautiful pristine area that's now being considered for development. The the area has been an eyesore. discussed it when we were doing the plan for the um that area. We did the municipal development plan for the uh Reservoir Avenue, Lindamman Drive area and we discussed this property quite a few times and just saying, you know, it's really not it's it's kind of a detracting from the area, let's say.
031>> So, we'll see what happens with that. Um I have not I missed um the Jan obviously missed the January meeting and um I missed the uh February meeting as well. I did not attend it. I was briefed on what happened um by um Jim Cordone and Rob and Vicki um and others. But you know just to catch myself up on what happened um and you know like I said I have mixed feelings on it. I actually think if it could be improved a bit more, you know, you know, maybe it maybe it helps us more than it hurts us. I know nobody wants any of this. But, you know, if we can get something that would sort of let make us less susceptible to this, then maybe it's something we should discuss further. >>
032And Reena, one more question if I could. How big is the lot size? >> I think it's about six acres. >> Okay. Thank you for sharing that. izable. >> Yeah, I was trying to imagine that. Yeah. >> Yeah, it butts up to um where um 12 Cambridge that whole area, you know, backs up to that. >> Got >> any other questions on that? So, just while we're here, just to update you on 12 Cambridge and six Cambridge, if you if you have an opportunity to go take a ride, I don't know, um folks may not get over to this area, but I would take a ride over to Six Cambridge in the last just even in the last few days. Um, Rob and Gio told me I had pictures that were I think from like
033midl last week or maybe Thursday of last week um sent to me by the developer and then I think you got those. I think G sent them I G did you send those out? >> You got those? Yes. >> Yeah. So, it's even a lot different that those pictures were taken. Um, so it's really opening up the site and you're going to see, you know, it looks like it's it's really moving quick. So try to, you know, just zip over there someday. Um, >> just watch. It's interesting to see the thing come down and how much actual land is there, you know, um, once it's opened up. I did talk to a number of the tenants around there who were, you know, wanting to know what was going on. And I talked to the gentleman
034who owns um owns uh 7 Cambridge and they were thrilled that something was happening. Um Fred, did you end up talking any further to the chamber about this property? I know a lot of people wanted to know where it stood. Um yes, Reena, I did share information with the chamber um last week on this subject and they were very thankful for that information and took it well. >> Good. Good. Because I know um was was um Synergy Health at the meeting. I don't know cuz they >> Yeah, he that gentleman Jay Codley was at the meeting. >> Yeah. >> Yes. I spoke to Jay as well and she was very very happy with the progress. >> Lost Rita. >> Yeah, I can't hear you. >> Okay, just give me a second. >> Oh, you're back.
035>> Okay. Whenever that happens, I'll be back as long as you tell me. You can hear me now? >> Yes. >> Okay. Um Justin, have you been over there? Have you Have you driven down there? I I have not though. >> Yeah, I would do it. I mean, it's just especially even in the next week or so. This thing's going to come down really quick. >> She had did send an email with some pictures, so you know, everyone I think was able to see the progress. >> Yeah. But I what I was saying though was it's much much more since then. Just even then. Yeah. >> To go by there. >> Yeah. So, >> if anybody um does go by and wants to take some pictures, um I can circulate those as well. >> Great.
036Thank you. So, you know, six Cambridge is under demolition and it will be under construction very soon. Um, everything is going well. Um, 12 Cambridge is going to be they're gearing up to uh get their project moving, which is the senior housing right next door to that. Um, and um, just to to confirm to the group here, just to make sure everybody understands, the office building at 12 Cambridge will be staying there. This project is next to that on surplus property. I just want to be clear because I was speaking with one of our reporters today and he a very good guy and he was clarifying, you know, he had a bunch of questions for me and he thought perhaps he thought the building was staying up and I said to myself, you know, he's
037the second person who said that to me. I better make sure the commission knows that that building I mean he thought the building was coming down. I'm sorry, but I'm telling them it's staying up. So, I wanted the commission to be sure they understood the situation there. Does everybody know that? I don't Did everybody know that? Okay, good. >> That's great. So, um, those projects are moving along and they're going to be going, you know, they're going to be coming out of the ground. They're already, you know, going to be coming out of the ground really quick. Um, I wanted to just mention two other things. Um, Hankle, I think you all heard about Hankle and the big expansion they're doing in Trumble, >> right? >> So, they're going to be having a groundbreaking. I
038think the only two people that got an actual invitation were me and Vicki. Um, and I'm not Vickiy's away and um, I have some things that are conflicting with it, but I'm working on that. But we're going to send somebody to represent the town, probably Rob or Cindy Katsky or somebody like that. Um, if if we can't go, but we're really excited. This is just the groundbreaking. There'll be a whole, you know, ribbon cutting and everything as the project moves forward. But it's really exciting and I think they as a company are excited and they're excited to be expanding in Trumble. And we've had some some publicity on it, but not as much as I think we should probably have. So, I'm going to try to circle back on that. Um we also you you
039are aware that Cubek is um getting all their um construction planning in order to uh and underway to get their project their renovation underway. They want to be in in the summer. I don't know that may be Maron may not be ambitious. So, they may be, you know, maybe into the fall or whatever, uh, depending on how smooth everything goes for them. But we're really excited to have them in Trump coming to Trumbull. Um, and I know, um, I they reached out to me actually today on some things that I have to get back to them on tomorrow. So, they've been ve very much in communication and um I think they're a great addition to the town and to our corporate park, but also to our our sort of ecos system of um technology um
040R&D, those kinds of jobs and companies that we are growing here. Um, I I mean I got a list of stuff, but I'm going to pause there and I'm working with a number of small businesses on space needs and things like that that we'll talk about as they firm up. Um, you know, people have heard that I I think people have heard pretty much that Prime 111 is expanding their space. So part of the space that was um the massage envy um is going to be taken over by um Prime 111 so that they can expand their footprint and do some new things and unique things to um grow their business. Um and there also is um another business that will be sharing some of that space that that Massage Envy was in. It is
041not public the name of that business yet, but um we'll be able to at some point announce that. Um on a another note, um Rob and Gia, you know, let me know that the um exp little expansion they're doing on um Corner Deli, they're going to be doing, you'll see where the patio was. They're going to be doing an expansion of their space to serve um gelato and similar product there. I think it's a nice addition to town and to their business that was approved a few month you probably about November or maybe it was even earlier. I think it might have been was it November G did they go through? >> I think it was a little earlier. It was like end of summer, early fall. >> Okay. So, they've been approved. So, they're
042moving forward with their um they're readying for their develop their construction there. >> Um that'll be that'll be great. Just what just what I need some gelato to fatten me up because, you know, I did I did take a few pounds off during this that I got to everybody's telling me I got to put back on. So, I'm trying my darnest. Um >> gelato's a good step in the right direction. >> Yep. I think we lost her again. >> Are you there? >> Yes. >> Welcome back. >> Um, yeah, there's there's a whole lot of other things going on. Um, you know, I can open the floor in case somebody wants to talk about specific things right now. I know we're >> I'll jump in. Uh, pediatric healthcare associates. >> Yeah. Do you are you
043aware of any of the plans for aesthetics or plantings? >> Yeah, you know, I don't I don't know the landscaping plan. I I know that there they definitely will be doing more, but I haven't Rob would know the um cuz he has to do the the planting plans and stuff like that with them. But we have heard a lot of complaints. You know, it's interesting. There are people complaining about it. There are people yelling at people for complaining about it. So, I don't know what to think. Um, but you know, I do think that it is um once it grows in and goes into the landscape, I'm sure it will look better. Would I have liked better um facade or whatever? Yeah, I mean, I can see why people um are are, you know, voicing
044things, but it is a medical office building, so you know, >> but I think it's a great business. It's going to be very nice inside. Um I think they uh did they did a good job. I think um planning for it and um I think people uh will they're going to be doing the ribbon cutting and open house. I think we circulated that date u or no we didn't we may not have circulated but I I had met with them and and we put a list together of people that they did not have to invite you know that were not yet invited. Um and I hope that got to were we Gee when you when you sent the list over the after my meeting did they um have the ECDC on it? Um, no, but
045I can certainly circulate the information on it. >> Definitely circulate it. >> They may have been invited previously. I don't or on a previous list. Um, but I definitely think we should invite them and I'll I'll let them know that that we're going to invite them. And that is um on the 12th >> 11 >> the 11th of March. And what time would say >> yes >> going back to a corner deli >> the first thing that comes to my mind is a parking problem. >> It's there there's already parking is an issue there. >> You can park in the back. >> Yeah, there's a lot in the back. Um and they have side street parking but I it is tight there. No doubt. But I think that, you know, the gelato business sort of
046is a little off of their primary hour, you know, their hours. We'll have to to see how it plays out, but it's, you know, I don't think it's I think it's going to be manageable, but we'll see. Um, the commission, you know, reviewed it. They they asked a lot of questions. Um, one of the neighbors was, you know, kind of asking but ended up satisfied. So, we didn't get a lot of neighborhood opposition or anything like that at the end. There were some people asking questions about it, >> but then, you know, it seemed to. But, yeah, we'll we'll we'll have to deal with whatever um >> or we'll we'll see. >> Yeah, we'll see. >> Other question is, do are you free to tell us any more about um plans for Emma's? >> No,
047I'm not. I had a discussion about it today, but nothing I can't I there I can't re, you know, discuss anything more at this point. >> Okay. >> So, Reena, what happened with Marianas? I thought they found a place here in Trumbull and I just see they opened in Stratford. >> They were they were looking at a number of places here and none of them worked out. Uh so um they they are saying they're going to open in Straford and they are you know they're also saying that they're still looking for a location in addition to that and Trumbull and there's some things that are out there that could be possibilities for them but you know it's not going to be you know it's not like a red you know they're going to have to
048make some changes. in order to accomplish that. >> So, you know, I'm sorry that they're leaving. I think it's a loss for the town. >> It's it's a business decision. You know, their lease was not renewed. And it's not for me to say why or or why it wasn't and you know, or what should be there, what shouldn't. People when your lease comes to an end, they have an ability to make a business decision. >> And I think that's what happened. So, I hope that she's a great person and she does a great job with her team. So, I'm hoping that um we can find something that um would would work for her into the future. I mean, you know, I don't want to say much more. You know, I think Straford, I wish her
049really good luck there. Um you know, it's a tough business. you know, you have to really, it's not easy. And Dan, you know, um, you've owned a business and it's very difficult. So, especially with margins very tight and rents high and our rents are high in Trumbull compared to like a Stratford or some of these other places where, >> you know, they they don't demand as much rent there. So, that comes into your equation as well. >> Um, Pat, did you have something? All right. So, but you know, I'm hopeful that we can get her back here in another location at some point in the future. Um, there is a small business opening where um, Drew was. Um, I have not spoken with them directly yet. Um but um Robin G has sent me some
050information that they you know had and it looks like it's going to be some type of you know takeout. I don't know if it's takeout but um small Italian type beastro takeout um um place. So hopefully they'll um be a nice addition to the community and offer something a little bit hopefully a little bit different, you know, so that people uh get excited about it. Um I don't know a lot yet about the business, but we certainly welcome them and and wish them the best and we'll reach out to them as they move forward with their renovation. Um so they're going to be occupying that space. Um, there was another kind of restaurant looking at it and I guess they fell off. Um, there's another thing I can't I can't really get into uh one
051other restaurant uh change up going on. It's not it's not somebody leaving. It's somebody moving to a different space, but I can't really get into that at the moment. Um, I want to say something. these people that are going into the spot where Mariana's was. Um they're good people. They do a great job. Um they're a great addition. They're a great, you know, presence in town. Um I'm so I'm always sorry when people um for whatever reason take sides and start bashing, you know, our businesses, but I guess it's a reality of our world today. Um, but you know, Ekko has been terrific. They want they had an opportunity to move into a space. It's a business decision again. Um, they're going to be bringing something pretty great to the town. I think they're going
052to be doing kind of like um folks that know Sarrento, ANS, those kind, you know, Guyatanos, that kind of a concept. They're going to be doing their first one here in Trumbull. uh and maybe they'll probably take that model elsewhere if it's successful um from what I have heard. So, um I think it's going to be very very wellreceived um in town. And again, I don't want to see Marianas leave either, but you know, I'm here to support the businesses um and I don't make the decisions about tenants leases and stuff like that. So, um, that that that's under construction now. I believe they're starting the construction already >> on that. Um, >> so there's there's things happening. >> Yeah, there's there's so many things going on. There's a lot of things in process. Um
053so you know that at the right time we'll we'll discuss further. >> Do we know anything about the the plans for St. Joe's? when are they planning to >> so there's discussions happening that I'm not at liberty to to um talk about publicly but um there are there is some activity being considered on the property >> for the property u but we're not far enough along where I would bring it to this forum um but as soon as I can I certainly Well, >> okay. >> Any other >> We have a lot to look forward to. A lot of good things. >> Yes. Any other things uh that that anybody feels like I have that needs information on? You could always call me between meetings or text me or call me or whatever was good
054for you. Email me. Um, >> what's happening on tree foil as far as the >> So, that's still moving forward. It's under appeal. So, they filed some other type of thing with the appeal just recently. So, that's just going to delay it a little longer. >> So, they're just working to delay it as long as they can. Um, the people who are developing the property are committed, so it's just got to play out, unfortunately. >> Yeah. and done on white plains any do we know if there's going to be any what kind of construction or >> so they haven't started to move forward with the the real activity toward construction yet um I know they're they're certainly positioning to do so but they're they haven't from what I know started actually moving on the on
055the actual ready to you know construction activity moving that forward, but I think they're they're definitely working toward that. >> Um, you know, and I think I think there's been some progress in Trumbull Center, uh, with tenants. Um, you know, this whole wonder thing is they're taking up a large, you know, they're taking up over 4,000 square feet there. That's not a small amount of space, right? >> Um, that'll be full. And you know, they're bringing, you know, they have some other new tenants coming. I think you all know that um the Fatty Patty space is under construction um and renovation for um a restaurant and it'll be owned by the same people that own Trumble Cafe and Grill. >> We >> Yeah. So, um that's you if you drive by there, you'll see Well,
056I don't know if you can see in the window. I think he can actually, but if you go by there, you'll see that it's under construction. >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> All right. Do you want do you want to move on, Raina, to the next item? >> Yeah. So, I mean, I don't think I'm going to get into too much more except to say, um, we already discussed the grants last the new grants that were, um, awarded last month, but, um, I just want to say the applications for congressionally directed spending are out. I sat through the webinar the other day. Um the turnaround's kind of short, so we I need to meet with um Vicki and George Estrada and a couple of others just to see what kinds of projects we might want to
057forward. So that's um something I'll be doing. Um though that congressionally directed spending, it's aka eararks. You know, remember we had the old earmark program years ago. It came back. So, we've been really successful as a town. Um, we received um money for the Veterans and First Responder Center both from both from the um Senate side and from the House side. Congressman H I mean Congressman and Blumenthal and Murphy Centers. Blumenthal and Murphy supported separate applications for that project. Um so that they were really um behind the veterans and first responder center very much. Um then we got just recently as we discussed the Beardsley U pump station I mean the Beardsley infrastructure pump station and whatever else I don't know what the name of it um the project is actually going to be but
058the it's the Beardsley force main that's what it is Beardsley force main that's sort of infrastructure sewer and infrastru infrastructure water and sewer infrastructure so that we have to go to contract on and that's not the contract's not out yet, but there's a meeting coming up to discuss how to go to contract on that money and then so we've gotten all that money from this process. So, you know, we've been successful. So, I'm hoping that we can put together a compelling shovel ready. They really stress shovel shovel ready. They don't want projects that are going to sit around. So, it's got to be something that the town can move on really quickly and that the town can demonstrate that it's a priority. So, we're going to look through that lens, those lenses, and come up
059with some projects and see if we can't secure some additional funding for the town infrastructure. >> You know, um, two other things I just came to mind, the Unity Road >> and, um, what's the other is it Plum Tree? Yeah, Plum Tree is I have to tune into where that is at the moment. I believe that because it is both in Easton and Trumbull, there's been lots of um back and forth. I think it's still in wetlands. >> Okay. >> Um and you know, I think there's a lot of upheaval around this project and this development and I think it's definitely something that they're trying to overbuild and so forth. So, um, you know, hopefully, um, this thing, um, I don't want to say dies a quiet death because that won't happen, but I mean,
060maybe there's something that can be greatly reduced and be can coexist with, you know, on the land nicely rather than this really overbuilt and intrusive um, project. So hopefully they can take a different kind of look at this over time because I think they're going to have they they must be realizing they're going to have a very hard road on this. I would think they're realizing this. >> Yes. >> Uh but we'll see. I you know again these same statutes um come back you know time and time again where you know >> so the unity road um that's a tricky situation as well. It's a big piece of property. Um it's going to be developed not because I want it to be developed or somebody else wants it. It's people have a right to do
061something with their property. And again, we have a lot of um concerns when we have certain kinds of policy out there that makes us sort of susceptible. That's why we're working toward a moratorum, but that make us more susceptible to these kinds of um projects that are less collaborative. So I think that there is there's discussion about trying to, you know, come to some agreement on what could be done there and so forth. I have not been on in on recent meetings again because I've been out. So I need to catch up on where exactly that stands. Um but I know there's Rob Rob primarily. I I traditionally don't get overly involved in regular um you know single family housing projects that are single family. >> Um it's not that I have have nothing to
062do with it but I really don't I have a lot of other things to do and that's not my >> area that I focus on. It's when projects are more scaled and are contributing to more, you know, that are more commercial in nature, >> right? >> Like apartments are commercial development. Um I know people don't see it that way, but they're they're commercial in nature. Uh but this this project, you know, I I have had my eye on it a little bit. Um and I need to tune back into it. I believe it was continued at the last planning and zoning meeting. I don't believe they went forward. So, I think I don't know if they're going to be um on the next agenda for March. I have to tune into that. Um if you
063have questions about it, I think Rob's probably a better person to talk to. He's been out front more on what's happening, >> right? >> Project. Okay. >> Can you speak at all about this um program or the funding that we got a notice on from the town regarding getting funding for education? I mean, I know that's not necessarily in our part of the economic development, but I was just wondering. All right. >> Yeah. I I don't know a lot about it, but I um I do believe that there are some bills or some movement at the legislature to give more of an allocation to certain towns or to all towns or certain towns around the educational cost sharing. Um I think there's been a long belief that some of it is not it's you know
064the the levels of it are not really fair across the system, >> right? So, I think there's a movement to do something about that and I think Trumbull may benefit from that. Um, I don't again I don't know a lot about it. I think if you call if you guys have more questions I think call Vickiy's office. She's very involved in this because >> you know she feels strongly that we're not getting what we should be getting. Therefore, we have to pay more and it affects our taxes and other things. So, if we can get a more appropriate allocation for our town, that that would be a real positive um and help alleviate some of the increases in education. >> That's my understanding. And I don't want to speak too much further on it because
065I'm not in the middle of it. >> Yeah, I stay away from the board of ed stuff because I don't, you know, I don't know all the details. >> Okay. Thank you though. >> You've got enough on your hands. Yeah, definitely. >> All right. Did you have anything to report on events coming up? >> So, I we have a bunch of ribbon cutings. Um I think we went through the ribbon cutting list last meeting and I think G is we we just pushed some of them out because some of our businesses weren't ready for the ribbon cutings and so forth. So, and we had dates and we're trying to get, you know, the right dates and the right people. So, I think most of them are them are in April now, right, G? We pushed
066them out. >> Um, yeah, that's what it's looking like. They're going to be in April. I don't think they're gonna >> It might be the last week of March for one of them, but April for the most part. >> Yeah. >> But we'll I'll circulate any dates to the commission then. >> Yeah. So the, you know, I think we talked about several of them are in our corporate park actually, >> right? >> So yeah, we'll get we'll get information out to you. >> All right. Now we'll move on to the BRBC. Fred or Dan, you have >> Yeah, good evening everyone. >> Yeah, thank thank you Fred. and then just jump in because I know I wasn't at the last chamber meeting, uh, Trumbull Chamber meeting, so if I'm missing something, but I just really
067had three things. Always good to see everyone. Uh, and always good to hear your voice, Reena. I'm glad to hear that you're uh sounds like you're recovering well, so that's good. Didn't expect anything less >> uh from you, so that's good. Um, but three things uh from a uh an event perspective, uh we do have um we've been doing this the last several years. Uh on March 19th is the tip off for uh March Madness and we've been leveraging in sports. Uh they've got a great space there for watching the games and the basketball courts and all that. So um on our website we we do have registration open for that March 19th. It'll be 4:30. It's an after hours. Uh you know invite um any businesses or or people within the community that might
068want to hang out and network for a bit. Um but there'll be you know food and drink and good camaraderie um uh on that uh on that evening. So hope to see you all there and uh other Trumbull businesses and and businesses from around the region. Uh locally outside of that uh the Trumbull Chamber uh I mentioned it I kind of alluded to it last week but or last meeting but um we are reinforcing our board. Uh what I mean by that is, you know, we we we put a call to action out at the end of at the end of the calendar year in 2025 to solicit some new bodies, some new blood to join our Trumbull Chamber of Commerce board. Um we had a great respon response. Um you know, Fred and Phil
069uh from my office have a really great job of keeping momentum going uh with the chamber. We just want to broaden the tent a little bit within uh the Trumal business community. Um, so, uh, next month, uh, you know, we'll we'll be, um, officiating or whatever you want to call it, initiating, uh, the new board members into the Trumbull Chamber. That was, uh, what that email was about, Reena, and I'll, I'll send a follow-up for you, but nothing's really changing in terms of the meeting schedule or anything like that. Just some new bodies, uh, formalized a little bit since coming off the pandemic. We haven't it's been more of a committee type sessions more than board meetings necessarily. So, I I just want to formalize it a little bit more. Um, but the ask of
070this group if if you can um you know, you're all active within the Trumble business community and and Reena and Gia do a great job of connecting us, you know, particularly with the ribbon cutings and all that, but as you go and frequent businesses around uh Trumbull, um we've had really good growth over the last couple years within the chamber. Um so, but any introductions, you know, we can't get to all the businesses on our own. is just Phil and I and and you know Fred has a full-time job and you know he volunteers in this role which is why I wanted to to get some more bodies on the board that can be ambassadors for us but any chance you get to um make an introduction to the Trumbull Chamber would be great. We
071are a great resource for um the business community on a number of fronts. Uh and we love working with uh Reena and and Gia and and the office of economic uh and community development um you know on all sorts of initiatives you know from restaurant week to the business breakfast and and other things. So um it's a great partnership. I want to continue that and I just want to continue to provide the valuable resources for the business community uh within Trumbull. Um, so those are the two Trumble specific items I wanted to talk about. The broader BRBC uh business regional uh regional business council activity. We do have and I'm not sure if you saw Reena, I know uh you've been in and out with the email, but um on March 12th, next Thursday, we
072are bringing in uh Jeff Speck, who is an urban planner uh and and the conversation will be focused on Bridgeport, but he wrote a book called Walkable uh Livable Cities and um it's about, you know, reviving downtown communities. Uh so it is open to the public. Uh I believe the registration it's free. uh the registration link uh I should have tomorrow and I'll circulate that. I'll send Gia the flyers uh that you can circulate with your notes uh uh GIA from this meeting so people can see what what's going on. But it it should be a really great conversation. We have partnerships with um obviously the city of Bridgeport uh the town of Straford uh Shelton is uh participating in it as well and bringing some of their folks. Um but it is open to
073the public. It's free. I hope uh anybody that's interested in learning on how to make your downtown communities um thriving. Uh Jeff Spec should add some uh good content for us to uh to learn from and share and and and really make Greater Bridgeport a place where people do want to not only live but work and and bring their businesses here. So, uh we're just trying to do what we can through our economic development committee. Um they're they're partly sponsoring this event as well. Um, so it's uh it's a good opportunity to just connect and uh again that'll be at the Beiju Theater on Thursday, March 12th. Um, I believe it starts at 6 p.m. But all the info will circulate through the flyer that I have for for >> I think it's 5:30. This
074says is at the Beiju. Where is it? >> Oh, I'm sorry. It is downtown Cabaret. It's downtown Cabaret. Did I say Beiju Theater? >> Thank you. Thank you, Barl. Yeah, sorry. In fact, I have the flyer up on my laptop. I was going to share it, but then I I figured I'll just speak to it and have uh Gia send out the notes later. But yes, it is at the downtown cabaret. Thanks for calling me out on that barrel. >> All right, Red, did you want to add anything? >> No. Dan covered most of our information. Look forward to seeing everybody at the business after hours for March Madness if you can attend. Thank you for everything. Okay, sounds like fun. I don't think there's anyone from the community attending. So, if not, is there
075any other questions or comments that anybody has or would like to make? If not, can we have a motion to adjourn? >> So moved. Is there a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I I >> opposed. Okay. And Reena, it's you're doing a great job. >> Thank you. Thanks to everybody and >> appreciate you all. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Have a good night everyone. >> Thanks. Good night everyone.