Bridgeport Planning Commission Gives Preliminary OK for Subdivision to Help Major Utility Business Grow
By Jeff Toquinto on May 08, 2026
Growth by a local business led to a subdivision request to the Bridgeport Planning Commission, according to Community Development Director Andrea Kerr.
On Monday, May 4, Eastern Gas Transmission and Storage, which has corporate offices in White Oaks, sought preliminary plat approval for a
subdivision to acquire property along Benedum Drive (Route 131) off the Saltwell exit. The property in question is not in White Oaks, but at their facility on Benedum Drive next to the NAPA Auto Parts store.
subdivision to acquire property along Benedum Drive (Route 131) off the Saltwell exit. The property in question is not in White Oaks, but at their facility on Benedum Drive next to the NAPA Auto Parts store.
“The property (Eastern) is seeking abuts NAPA, which is the request for the subdivision,” said Kerr. “It is for one acre.”
Kerr said the Commission was told that the property, if acquired with a successful final plat approval, would be used for the installation of two “launchers, receivers.” They are specialized pressure-vessel assemblies (often called pig traps) in the gas industry used to insert or retrieve devices (pigs) for cleaning, inspecting, and maintaining pipelines.
“They have outgrown their base next door and needed a little more room. They will also construct a new entrance off Benedum Drive to their 
compressor station,” said Kerr.
compressor station,” said Kerr.
The Eastern property is not within the city limits. The NAPA property, including the property being subdivided and potentially going to Eastern, is in the city limits. Kerr said situations like that are not unheard of, but they are not common.
Also, the Commission gave preliminary plat approval for another subdivision, this time of the City of Bridgeport. It divides the former Townhouse East property on Main Street into one commercial property and two residential properties, which meets how the property is zoned. Most of the property is commercial.
The final preliminary approval was asked for by the Benedum Airport Authority for property at the Aerotech Park. The approval, which was granted, is for the new home of the Pierpont Aviation Technology School. The property covers 2.63 acres.
Final approval on all three matters will be considered at the next Planning Commission meeting. That meeting is on June 8.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows an entry to Eastern Gas Transmission's station on Benedum Drive (Route 131), while Community Development Director Andrea Kerr is shown below.
