COVENTRY — Director of Planning and Development Eric Trott has seen a lot of changes in town over the years, such as the development of the historic Coventry Village and expansion of retail on Route 44, all while keeping Coventry's small-town charm through the protection of open space.
And now, with almost three decades of service under his belt, Trott will say goodbye to Coventry on Aug. 24, when he officially retires to take on a new position as a grants and contracts specialist for the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection in Middletown.
"There has been literally millions of dollars of investment — state, town, local, businesses, residences, grants — that have enabled a concerted and community-guided evolution," Trott said. "This includes roads, sidewalks, streetscape amenities, landscaping, Coventry Lake improvements, public sewer and water, the library, commercial and residential buildings, and open space. All of this has contributed to an improvement of community wellbeing."
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Trott said the changes are due to the town's functional planning approach.
"Over time, a process was created where people are generally aware of the process and we're good at creating a plan, transparency, inclusivity, and engaging the community," Trott said.
When national retailers such as CVS and Walgreens were added to the Route 44 corridor of town, Trott said that although it was met with opposition, it was an opportunity for growth.
"That's where the most significant traffic count is," Trott said. "That was where we wanted to focus our growth. It meshes with regional and state plans."
Trott said that the town did not seek out CVS and Walgreens to come to Coventry, nor the more recent Dollar General, but that they came on their own volition.
"We try to let people know we don't control real estate, we manage applications," Trott said. "It's about trying to achieve balance. Let people know you may not agree, but can you understand the approach?"
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Before Trott came to Coventry in December 1994, he served as the planning assistant and zoning enforcement officer for Killingly, a town which, although larger than Coventry, has its own small-town struggles.
"They each have their own downtown," Trott said. "They're encouraging and maintaining business."
As director, Trott said, he is involved in a lot of community development as a way of connecting the community, such as community-building exercises, housing, and special events.
Trott said a highlight of the job was taking over the Coventry Farmers Market seven years ago from Bridges Healthy Cooking School, which included finding a market manager, an oversight committee, and volunteers.
"If it wasn't for the volunteers, the market wouldn't happen," Trott said. "It impacts local business, the region, artisans."
Trott said he also enjoyed helping to organize the street festival with the Coventry Arts Guild. He said he had to learn a lot quickly, but loved getting to collaborate with the artists while also supporting Coventry businesses.
Although Trott is the director, he does not work alone.
"The land-use team and Town Hall at large are a family atmosphere. Good camaraderie," Trott said. "The volunteers are wonderfully dedicated, energetic, talented, bright people. The lifeblood. They're always very strong and committed. It makes our lives easier, and creates success coming out of the office."
As for his new state position, Trott said that his family is supportive of his new venture, and he looks forward to having a schedule that will allow him to spend more time with them.
He will have quite a drive to Middletown because he lives in Norwich, but he said that doesn't bother him.
"I will commute," Trott said. "It's a long ride, but I'm good with that."
Trott said that being the planning director is a fast-paced job, so his advice for whoever takes on the role next is to make sure they take some time to enjoy the results of their work.
"Enjoy the opportunity and ability to have positive contributions in the community. Take the time to appreciate that," Trott said. "We get caught up in the day-to-day. Enjoy the moment of how meaningful and important that is, and how valuable."