Town Plans To Purchase Grace Episcopal Church Property In Trumbull

TRUMBULL, CT — Town officials announced over the weekend its intent to purchase the former Grace Episcopal Church property, located at 5958 Main Street in Trumbull, pending necessary approvals.

According to a news release provided by the town, this strategic acquisition aims to prevent the potential construction of a high-density development and give the town control over future development of the property.

The purchase is contingent on a positive recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission and the approval of the Town Council.

According to the terms of the contract, the financial parameters of this acquisition must remain confidential until the Town Council approves the purchase, town officials said.

The Planning and Zoning Commission will consider recommending the purchase of the property at its meeting Wednesday, and the Town Council will discuss the purchase at its July 1 meeting.

"The acquisition of the Grace Church property is a proactive measure to control development and uphold the community standards that Trumbull residents value," First Selectman Vicki Tesoro said in a news release. "It is important to note, just as in the purchase of the Hardy Lane property by the town in 2020, that the Grace Church property is not being purchased for open space purposes. Adding this property to the town's land inventory not only prevents unwanted development but also provides an opportunity for thoughtful community use."

The Grace Church property was not available until recently, and town officials noted it provides another possible town location for a senior/community center that should be considered by the Community Facilities Building Committee.

If the Town Council approves the purchase, Tesoro intends to ask the building committee to explore this property as a potential site for the new center, however the ongoing evaluation of Hardy Lane should not be suspended at this time, according to town officials.