Brookfield Matters: News from Town Hall

In a few short weeks, we will pause to celebrate Thanksgiving. Brookfield is moving in a good direction and we, as a community, have a lot to be thankful for.

In the past year:

  • We reduced costs by $3.7 million dollars, and I estimate that our taxable property base has increased by $66 million. Further, taking a good look around town, you'll see a lot of growth and development in progress. The combined effect of these accomplishments give us a reasonable chance to support our 2015/2016 budgetary needs without a property tax increase. How's that for good news! This follows the 2014/2015 budget year that had our lowest increase in property taxes in the last twenty-five years.
  • Our schools continue to receive recognition for their outstanding programs and student accomplishment. U.S. News & World Report ranked Brookfield High School #21 in Connecticut, and #595 in the Nation.
  • We finalized plans and received funding approval for the construction of the Still River Greenway - an important milestone in getting this 2 mile long pedestrian path built. We anticipate its completion in the next twelve months.
  • We started and completed the work at Cadigan Park (Fields, Tennis and Basketball courts, walking/jogging path) with an on-time, on budget completion.
  • We have requested bids for the planned reconstruction of the Town Park beach and facilities on Candlewood Lake. We are targeting a late Spring 2015 grand re-opening of that park.
  • We have also worked our way through the difficult issues associated with the FY 2013 audit revelations. While this experience was painful, we came out a stronger community with a fresh start and new leadership team for our schools.
  • We executed our economic "Jump Start" initiatives: An Economic Development Webpage, an ordinance defining our local incentives to promote investment in Brookfield, the formation of the 4Corners Association, and our first BLOCK PARTY...it was a big hit!
  • We have formed a Development Services Team aimed at making our land-use approval processes quicker and friendlier.
  • We've made significant progress in solving a 5 decade old flooding problem in our Meadowbrook Manor Neighborhood. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEEP) has approved our diversion permit for the Lime Kiln Brook, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has just approved our Hazard Mitigation Plan.
  • We finished the Federal Road "Border-to-Border" (New Milford to Danbury) water line...under-budget. The final road paving work is in progress and will be completed before Thanksgiving.
  • The residences at Laurel Hill (72 apartments) received financing support, started construction, and the first 24 units are near-ready for occupancy. This is one of several projects aimed toward attracting young professionals to Brookfield, and, to provide residences for down-sizing seniors who want to stay here.
  •          Brookfield Senior Center continues to grow and offer new and innovative programming for our senior residents. As many of our Baby Boomers join the ranks of "seniors", the membership at Brookfield Senior Center has doubled over the last 3 years. If you haven't visited recently, stop by and look at all the activities going on!

Looking ahead - well, I see great opportunity for us as we build our Town Center at the 4 Corners, and take on the planning for several important capital projects with Huckleberry Hill School being at the top of the priority list.

Please accept my sincere wishes that the same good fortune has been (and will be) bestowed upon all of Brookfield's citizens, families, and businesses. Happy Thanksgiving!

    

B
Submitted by Brookfield, CT

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