Politics & Government

P&Z Chairman Blasts Trumbull Before Big Box Store Approval

When the Monroe Planning & Zoning Commission deliberated before approving a special permit needed to build a large retail store at 2 Victoria Drive — off Main Street — Thursday night, Chairman Patrick O'Hara took an opportunity to scold the neighboring town of Trumbull for opposing it.

During the hearing, Jamie Brätt, Trumbull's director of planning and development, called for an independent traffic study. Then the town of Trumbull petitioned for intervenor status, so its engineer, Frank Smeriglio, could express flooding concerns.

"We heard from our neighbors in Trumbull," O'Hara said. "I'd like to say to our neighbors in Trumbull: Nuts. First its economic planner expressed concern over traffic. Really?"

O'Hara pointed out how Trumbull has been building commercial developments along Monroe's border for years, making it responsible for many of the approximately 20,000 vehicles that travel on Route 25 per day.

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As for the environmental case presented by Smeriglio, which the commission denied, O'Hara said, "Their engineer just shared his opinion and nothing else."

"I'm not impressed with our neighbors in Trumbull," O'Hara said, "and hope in the future they are better neighbors."

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