Proposed New Senior/Community Center Project
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the outcome of the November 2025 referendum question?
The vote was 5,982 Yes votes and 6,327 No votes.
Why is the Town conducting this survey?
Following the November 2025 referendum, Town officials seek to better understand residents' priorities, preferences, and concerns in order to better inform any future proposals for community-wide facilities. The survey will be run the week of May 4, 2026.
What happened with the November 2025 referendum?
In November 2025, Trumbull voters considered a referendum to bond $27.1 million to build a new Senior and Community Center at the Grace Church property on Main Street. The referendum did not pass by a vote of 5,982 Yes votes to 6,327 No votes. This survey is intended to help the Town understand what residents would like to see in any future proposal.
Does being listed in the survey mean a location has been approved or selected?
No. All locations included in this survey are being considered as possibilities only. Each site would require thorough review, including environmental, traffic, and feasibility studies, before any decisions are made. The purpose of the survey is to gauge community preference, not to announce a final plan.
Why do the different locations matter for cost?
Each property presents different opportunities and challenges, including land preparation, infrastructure, access, and construction requirements, all of which can significantly affect the overall cost of a project. Some locations may be better suited for a larger facility, while others may limit what can be built. Cost estimates will vary depending on the site ultimately selected.
Why does each amenity affect the cost?
Each feature added to a Senior or Community Center — such as an indoor pool, pickleball courts, or a gym — adds to the overall construction and long-term operating costs. Not every amenity is feasible at every location, as some sites may have size or structural limitations. The Town wants to understand which features matter most to residents so that any future proposal reflects community priorities within a realistic budget.
Can every amenity be built at every location?
Not necessarily. The size, layout, and characteristics of each property may make certain amenities impractical or impossible at specific sites. For example, a property with limited square footage may not be able to accommodate an indoor pool or full-size recreational courts. Any final design would need to balance community preferences with what is physically and financially feasible at the chosen location.
What will happen to these properties if they are not used for a Senior or Community Center?
Town-owned properties that are not selected for this project may be considered for other uses, including potential sale or development. The Town has not made any final decisions about unused properties at this time and such decisions would be subject to Town Council approval.
Why is Tashua Knolls being considered now, when it was previously said to not be viable?
The Golf Commission is currently exploring the possibility of building a new clubhouse at Tashua Knolls. If that project moves forward, there may be an opportunity to combine it with a new Senior or Community Center into a single, joint facility — potentially generating cost savings and greater efficiency than building two separate structures. This is an early-stage conversation, and like all locations listed in this survey, Tashua Knolls would require thorough review and due diligence before any decisions are made. Please note that due to site constraints established during prior investigation, an indoor pool may not be feasible at this location.
How will the results of this survey be used?
Survey results will be shared with Town officials and used to inform future planning discussions. No final decisions have been made, and resident feedback gathered through this survey will be an important part of the process going forward.
ABOUT THE SIENA RESEARCH INSTITUTE AND THE SURVEY PROCESS
Who is conducting this poll on behalf of the Town?
The Town has engaged the Siena Research Institute (SRI), a nonpartisan public opinion research institution academically situated at Siena University in Loudonville, New York, to conduct this survey independently and objectively.
How do I contact Siena Research Institute?
The main number for SRI is 518-782-6808 or 518-782-6833.
Who are the telephone interviewers?
SRI's interviewers are largely students from Siena University and nearby institutions calling from their Loudonville call center. SRI also works with ReconMR, a public data collection firm based in Texas.
Is this a partisan poll?
No. The Siena Research Institute does not work for political campaigns and maintains strict non-partisanship to ensure the research is unbiased and credible. The Town selected SRI specifically because of its reputation for independent, trusted research.
How do I know this isn't spam?
When SRI's interviewers call, they will identify themselves and the Siena Poll by name. You may ask for more information about the survey at any point. If you were contacted by text, it will come from 203-780-6798. All messages are sent by real staff, not automated bots. You can also call SRI directly to confirm.
Why should I participate?
Your voice matters. Public opinion research helps hold elected officials accountable and ensures that community decisions reflect the views of residents, not just those who show up to public meetings. The Town is committed to making sure residents have an opportunity to be heard.
How can I participate?
SRI's research relies on random samples of the population. While this means residents cannot volunteer to participate, it also ensures that everyone has an equal chance of being selected and that results accurately represent the broader community.
How did you get my phone number?
SRI purchases lists of phone numbers from commercial sources based on geography. Your phone number is not kept with your survey answers, and all responses are completely confidential.
Did you text me?
It's possible. SRI reaches out through multiple channels because residents have different preferences for how they like to be contacted. All text messages are sent by real SRI staff — not bots — and come from 203-780-6798.
Which area code will you be calling from?
You can expect to be contacted via a local 203 or 475 area code, either by phone call or text.
I am on the Do Not Call List — is it legal to contact me?
Yes. As stated on the FTC's website, calls from legitimate survey organizations are not covered by Do Not Call regulations because they are not selling anything.
Why haven't I been called?
Because the survey relies on random selection, SRI is unable to add specific individuals upon request. This ensures the results are scientific, unbiased, and truly representative of the Trumbull community as a whole.
When and where can I see the results of this survey?
The Town and SRI are committed to full transparency with this process. Once the survey is complete, all data and findings will be made publicly available here on this page. We encourage residents to check back for results following the conclusion of the survey. This commitment to transparency is also reflected in our choice of research partner. The Siena Research Institute is a member of the American Association of Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and its Transparency Initiative, which holds participating organizations to the highest standards of public disclosure and methodological rigor.
For questions about the survey, contact the Siena Research Institute at 518-782-6808.
Which Area Code will you reach me by?
You can expect to receive an invitation to complete a survey via a local 203/475 phone number, either phone call or via text.
I am on the Do Not Call List – isn’t it illegal to contact me?
As stated on the FTC’s website, “calls from legitimate “survey” organizations are not covered because they are not offering to sell anything to consumers”.
Why haven’t I been called?
Because adherence to this random selection process is fundamental to the accuracy and integrity of our research, we are unable to include specific individuals in our polls upon request. Selecting participants in any other way would mean our sample is no longer random, leading to results that don’t truly represent the broader population’s views. Ensuring our methods are scientific and unbiased is essential for providing reliable data that accurately reflects public opinion.