Trumbull, CT – A proposed 49-home residential development at the intersection of Booth Hill Road and Unity Road has ignited concerns among town officials and residents, with discussions centering on density, environmental impact, and traffic safety.
“I want to provide an update regarding a recent pre-application to the Planning and Zoning Commission on January 15, 2025, concerning a potential development proposal for 49 single-family homes on approximately 16 acres of land at the intersection of Booth Hill Road and Unity Road,” First Selectman Vicki Tesoro stated.
Town officials stressed that no formal application has been submitted.
“First, it is important to note that this was not a formal application to the Planning and Zoning Commission but a pre-application,” Tesoro emphasized. “The pre-application process is designed to gather input and feedback prior to the submission of a formal application.”
She noted that these sessions serve as a platform for preliminary discussions. “While these meetings are open to the public, they are informal and non-binding for all parties involved.”
Town officials voiced multiple concerns about the development’s impact on infrastructure and the environment.
“During this recent pre-application meeting, several Planning and Zoning Commissioners raised important initial concerns,” Tesoro noted.
A commissioner proposed an age restriction for the development. “One commissioner strongly suggested that any proposed housing development should be age-restricted to 55 years and older.”
The proposed density also drew scrutiny, with officials questioning whether the land could sustain such development.
“Additional concerns were expressed regarding the proposed density, the challenging topography of the site, environmental factors including a waterway and wetlands, and traffic and safety considerations,” Tesoro said.
The development site presents notable challenges.
Tesoro acknowledged, pointing to terrain difficulties, environmental limitations, and infrastructure constraints.
While property owners have the legal right to develop their land, officials urged a measured approach.
“However, property owners have certain rights to develop their land, nonetheless I strongly encourage the developer to embrace the Planning and Zoning Commission’s request to limit any development to age-restricted housing, which would mitigate the school impact,” she said.
Officials also cited traffic congestion as a significant issue.
“Additionally, the area’s challenging topography and traffic conditions call for a reduction in the proposed density to ensure safety and feasibility,” Tesoro asserted.
The proposal has already garnered public attention, with community members voicing concerns.
“I share the concerns of many who have commented in the community on this potential development,” Tesoro stated.
She encouraged residents to stay engaged in the approval process. “Should a formal application be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission the public needs to be heard at the land use meetings as the process unfolds including the Planning and Zoning Commission meetings.”
Tesoro also directed residents to official town postings for transparency.
“All the agendas for town meetings are posted on the Town website.”
As the proposal remains in its early stages, officials are watching closely to see whether the developer will adjust the plans in response to zoning commission feedback.
With land-use regulations, environmental considerations, and infrastructure limitations at play, the Booth Hill Road project faces a complex path forward.
The coming months are expected to bring further debate, community involvement, and potential revisions before any formal application is submitted.
