FIRST SELECTMAN APPOINTS EDWARD LAVERNOICH DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Deputy Director of Bridgeport Planning and Economic Development Department to begin with the Town of Trumbull on May 1st
April 2, 2012 - First Selectman Timothy M. Herbst today announced the appointment of Edward Lavernoich as the Town’s new Director of Economic and Community Development. Mr. Lavernoich succeeds Deborah Cox as the Town’s director. Mr Lavernoich is currently Deputy Director in the Office of Planning and Economic Development for the City of Bridgeport. During his time in Bridgeport, Mr. Lavernoich has served 6 mayoral administrations and has been promoted five times. Mr. Lavernoich is also currently the Executive Director of the Bridgeport Redevelopment Agency, and has served on numerous boards and commissions related to economic development.
“When I interviewed Mr. Lavernoich for this position, three words immediately came to mind in assessing his candidacy - - honest, experienced and hard working,” stated First Selectman Herbst. “If you look at some of the most successful economic development in Bridgeport, it was due in large measure because of Ed’s efforts,” stated the First Selectman. “Ed has been able to navigate through a whole host of challenges and deliver on the Bijou Square Redevelopment, the Arcade Redevelopment, the West End Industrial Park, as well as high quality residential redevelopment that has occurred throughout downtown over the last few years. As we seek to grow Trumbull’s tax base in a responsible manner, we will need a person leading our economic development efforts with a proven track record of getting things done. Mr. Lavernoich is that candidate.”
Completed in 2011, the Bijou Square redevelopment involved a 6 million dollar renovation of historic buildings to be converted into retail and residential. The project also included a 25 million investment in new construction, which resulted in 84 new residential units and 10,000 square feet of retail space downtown. Also completed in 2011 was the redevelopment of the downtown Arcade. The Arcade revitalization was a $20 million dollar adaptive reuse project, which included a historic atrium restoration. The project integrates residential units with 64,000 square feet of commercial space. The West End Industrial Park project involved the remediation of several industrial properties and created a revitalization corridor representing 4 new buildings and 210,000 square feet.
The First Selectman stated that this type of creative approach was necessary to move Trumbull forward and indicated that this was the primary consideration in selecting the new Economic and Community Development Director. “In order for Trumbull to grow its tax base and bring businesses into our Town, we must look to not only develop, but also revitalize and redevelop,” stated the First Selectman. “The Bijou Square redevelopment and the Arcade Redevelopment demonstrate that Ed has the professional acumen to think of creative solutions in redeveloping underutilized areas. We need to start thinking creatively and coming up with an alternative land use plans that will allow Trumbull to grow, while still maintaining our rich character. This type of approach will bring a fresh perspective to Trumbull as we seek to revise the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development.”
Mr. Lavernoich expressed enthusiasm about joining the Town of Trumbull. “I'm excited to get started and participate in the update of the Plan of Conservation and Development. I am also excited to work with an impressive Economic and Community Development Commission, and to join the strong professional team that First Selectman Tim Herbst is assembling,” stated Mr. Lavernoich. “I see great opportunity for Trumbull to grow its business base,” stated Mr. Lavernoich, “Our challenge will be in promoting economic growth without compromising the essential character of a wonderful community.”
Mr. Lavernoich received a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from the University of Connecticut, a Masters of City Planning (M.C.P.) from the University of Rhode Island, and a Master of Science (M.S.) in Financial Management from the Graduate School of Business at Fairfield University. He received certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional from the National Development Council in 1988. Mr. Lavernoich has frequently provided testimony before the Connecticut General Assembly on issues affecting economic development
A lifetime resident of Connecticut, Mr. Lavernoich currently resides in Beacon Falls with his wife and daughter.