Brooklyn meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Brooklyn Parks Commission Tables Pay-for-Play, Plans Golf Fundraiser

The Brooklyn Parks and Recreation Commission tabled a proposed "pay for play" policy for town teams and approved a golf fundraiser to offset the cancelled FEARgrounds event at its Aug. 10 meeting. The commission also welcomed a new parks director.

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission approved the July 27 special meeting minutes (all in favor). Members tabled the pay-for-play policy pending further research. A golf tournament was proposed to raise funds after the FEARgrounds cancellation, with the new director, Chris DiGiro, leading the effort. DiGiro started Aug. 17. First Selectman Joe Bellavance also attended the meeting.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Aug. 11 meeting was cancelled due to lack of agenda items. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 8 at 6:00 p.m., with the agenda to be posted on the town website.

Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners held a regular meeting Aug. 12 at 7:00 p.m. The agenda listed no specific items, only the meeting time and a link to a PDF. A separate subcommittee meeting on fire protection services, also scheduled for Aug. 12, was cancelled. The agenda for the regular meeting had included review of the East Brooklyn financial report for June 2026 and call volume reports for East Brooklyn and Mortlake for June and July 2026, but no minutes have been published.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Aug. 13 meeting was cancelled because a quorum was not reached. The agenda for that meeting included continued public hearings on a 40-unit multi-family development on Old Tatnic Hill Road (Map 14, Lot 10) and a zoning text amendment to allow storage along Route 6. New applications were also listed: removing the road salt storage prohibition in the Groundwater Protection Overlay Zone, removing the gas station prohibition in the same zone, and a ground-mounted solar array at 115 Christian Hill Road. No decisions were made.

Inland Wetlands Commission

On Aug. 17, the commission conducted a site walk at Old Tatnic Hill Road (Map 14, Lot 10) for a proposal by Meehan Builders LLC to construct a private roadway for 40 single-family condominium townhouses. The activity is within the 125-foot upland review area.

Board of Selectmen

The Aug. 18 meeting agenda contained only a reference to a meeting agenda packet, with no specific items listed.

Housing Authority

The Housing Authority met Aug. 19 at the Clifford B. Green Memorial Building. The agenda included discussion of the nonprofit status for the Brooklyn Upper Village voucher program, an update on a solar panel project, and a management changeover with Elderly Housing Management. Two new members, Donna Devillez and Joe Cooper, were introduced. The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 16 at 10:00 a.m.

Coming up

• Zoning Board of Appeals: Sept. 8, 6:00 p.m.
• Housing Authority: Sept. 16, 10:00 a.m.

Brooklyn parks commission welcomes new director, tables pay-for-play policy

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved its July 27 minutes, tabled a pay-for-play policy, and welcomed a new director this week, while several other town boards cancelled meetings or set the stage for hearings on housing and zoning changes.

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission met Aug. 10 and unanimously approved the minutes from its July 27 special meeting. Members tabled a proposed "pay for play" policy for Brooklyn teams pending further research. They also discussed a golf tournament to raise funds after the cancellation of FEARgrounds, with the newly hired director, Chris DiGiro, set to lead the effort. DiGiro, who starts Aug. 17, was welcomed by First Selectman Joe Bellavance.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen held two meetings on Aug. 4. The regular meeting agenda included a review of the Town Administrator job description, an announcement of the new Parks and Recreation Director, and a target date of Aug. 17-19 for an Eversource visit on Day Street. Vouchers were also on the agenda. A special meeting that same day covered review of the agenda, minutes, and a job description document. No decisions were listed for either meeting.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The commission cancelled its Aug. 13 meeting because a quorum was not reached. The agenda for that date had included continued public hearings on a 40-unit multi-family development on Old Tatnic Hill Road (application SP 26-001, applicant Meehan Builders, LLC) and a zoning text amendment to allow storage along Route 6 (ZRC 26-002, applicant William Couture). New applications on the agenda included removing prohibitions on road salt storage (ZRC 26-003, applicant Lyon & Co, LLC) and gas stations (ZRC 26-004, applicant Road Runners Petroleum Co) in the Groundwater Protection Overlay Zone, plus a ground-mounted solar array at 115 Christian Hill Road (SPR 26-002, applicant Summer Hill Solar LLC). No action was taken on these items.

Other meetings

The Zoning Board of Appeals cancelled its Aug. 11 meeting due to lack of agenda items; the next regular meeting is Sept. 8 at 6:00 p.m. The Board of Fire Commissioners held a regular meeting Aug. 12 at 7:00 p.m. with no listed agenda items, and its Strategic Foresight of Fire Protection Services subcommittee meeting that same day was cancelled.

Coming up

The Inland Wetlands Commission will conduct a site walk Aug. 17 at Old Tatnic Hill Road (Map 14, Lot 10) for application IWWC 26-003 by Meehan Builders LLC. The proposal involves constructing a private roadway for a 40-unit single-family condominium townhouse development, with activity in the 125-foot upland review area.

Brooklyn Parks Commission votes against department split, cancels FEARgrounds weekend

The Parks & Recreation Commission voted to oppose a proposal to separate the town's Parks and Recreation departments, and also decided to cancel the reserved weekend for FEARgrounds this year. The votes came at the commission's July 27 meeting, the most consequential decisions from the past two weeks of town meetings.

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission voted in favor of a motion against separating Brooklyn Parks and Recreation, with all members in favor. It also decided to cancel the reserved weekend for FEARgrounds this year. The body approved the minutes from its May 11 meeting and adjourned at 7:17 p.m.

Other recent meetings

Economic Development Commission – Approved the minutes from its June 23 meeting. Members discussed branding logos, business outreach, and upcoming town events, but took no other formal actions.

Planning & Zoning Commission – A site walk scheduled for July 29 for a 40-unit multi-family development at the southwest end of Old Tatnic Hill Road (Map 14, Lot 10) by Meehan Builders, LLC was cancelled due to extreme weather. No other business was listed for that date.

Water Pollution Control Authority – Held a regular meeting July 29 to review standard financial documents, including audit results, expenditure and revenue reports, and vouchers for fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027. No decisions were listed in the agenda.

Board of Selectmen – Met twice on August 4. Agendas included review of the Town Administrator job description, an announcement of a new Parks and Recreation Director, target dates of Aug. 17-19 for an Eversource visit on Day Street, and approval of vouchers. Minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are confirmed.

Coming up

Parks & Recreation Commission – Meets today, Aug. 10. Agenda items include a welcome from First Selectman Joe Bellavance, a mower discussion, the newly hired Parks and Recreation Director, by-laws, and a golf tournament. Old business includes a discussion on pay-for-play for Brooklyn teams such as AAU.

Fire Commissioners – Regular meeting Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. The agenda lists no specific items. A separate subcommittee meeting on fire protection services, also scheduled for Aug. 12, has been cancelled.

Inland Wetlands Commission – Site walk Aug. 17 at Old Tatnic Hill Road, Map 14, Lot 10, for application IWWC 26-003 by Meehan Builders LLC. The proposal involves constructing a private roadway for a 40-unit single-family condominium townhouse development, with activity in the 125-foot upland review area.

Brooklyn Roundup: HVAC Grants Approved for Schools, Subdivision OK'd at Brown Road

Brooklyn's boards and commissions moved on school infrastructure funding, land-use applications, and a sidewalk grant over the past two weeks. The most consequential decision came July 22, when the Board of Selectmen received notice that the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services approved HVAC grant applications for both Brooklyn Elementary and Middle Schools.

HVAC Grants and Next Steps for Schools

The Board of Selectmen on July 22 approved meeting minutes from April 6, 2026, and discussed the requirements for final plan approvals tied to the HVAC grants. Members agreed that revised plans from Russell and Dawson must be reviewed and approved by the committee before submission to DAS. The board requested that Russell and Dawson attend the next meeting to review revisions, and agreed to retain an Owner's Representative/Project Manager before construction bids are opened. The next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

Inland Wetlands Commission Acts on Several Applications

On July 21, the Inland Wetlands Commission approved a 2-lot subdivision at 24 Brown Road on a 4-0-0 vote and accepted a 3-lot re-subdivision application for 147 South Street, also 4-0-0. The commission denied an application for a storage shed at 113 Hartford Road without prejudice (4-0-0). A sand and gravel excavation application for 10-32 River Walk Drive was tabled pending a site walk (4-0-0). The commission also tabled a private roadway application for 40 townhouses at Old Tatnic Hill Road and tabled acceptance of the May 19, 2026 meeting minutes (4-0-0).

Parks & Recreation Opposes Department Separation

The Parks & Recreation Commission met July 27 and voted to oppose a proposal to separate Parks management from Recreation management. The motion passed with all members in favor. The commission also decided to cancel the reserved weekend for FEARgrounds this year. Members approved the May 11, 2026 meeting minutes and adjourned at 7:17 p.m., both with all in favor.

Sidewalk Grant and Economic Development Updates

The Economic Development Commission met July 28. According to the agenda, a grant was received for new sidewalks from Route 6 to the fairground, with a target completion date of August 2027. The agenda also listed updates on branding and marketing, the EDC social media account, a permitting flow chart review, the Light Up Brooklyn Initiative, and a Brooklyn Business Association membership increase to 70. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published.

Planning & Zoning Site Walk Cancelled

A Planning & Zoning Commission site walk was scheduled for July 29 for SP 26-001, a 40-unit multi-family development at the southwest end of Old Tatnic Hill Road (Map 14, Lot 10) by Meehan Builders, LLC. The meeting was cancelled due to extreme weather. No public testimony was to be received, and the commission was not to deliberate or take action.

Water Pollution Control Authority

The Brooklyn Water Pollution Control Authority was scheduled to meet July 29 to review routine financial documents, including audit results, expenditure and revenue reports, and vouchers for fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming Up

The Board of Selectmen meets August 4 to discuss the Town Administrator job description, announce a new Parks and Recreation Director, review target dates of August 17–19 for an Eversource visit on Day Street, and approve vouchers.

Brooklyn's Week: ZBA Patio Variance Pushed to Special Meeting, Selectmen Address Grant Denial and Administrator Search

Brooklyn boards and commissions met across the second week of July, with the Zoning Board of Appeals rescheduling a restaurant patio variance request after failing to reach a quorum and the Board of Selectmen taking up a denied Climate Resiliency Grant and the ongoing search for a Town Administrator.

Board of Selectmen — July 7

The Board of Selectmen's July 7 agenda included discussion of renaming a portion of Old Tatnic Hill Road and the denial of a Climate Resiliency Grant for Day Street. Members also reviewed results of the America 250 Finale event and continued the search for a Town Administrator. Mark Masopust will not renew his term on the Zoning Board of Appeals, according to the agenda. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published, so no votes or final decisions are confirmed.

Fire Commissioners — July 8

The July 8 meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners subcommittee was canceled. No substantive discussions, votes, or public hearings were scheduled. Residents should monitor official town channels for a rescheduled date.

Bee City Committee — July 9

The Bee City Committee reviewed garden planting schedules, a potential Lasagna Garden, a website request, and possible fair participation, according to official minutes. The committee noted a draft resolution to be voted on at its next meeting and confirmed its liaison and sponsor. No formal actions or votes were recorded.

Zoning Board of Appeals — July 14 and July 16

The Zoning Board of Appeals was scheduled to hold a regular meeting on July 14 to consider a variance request from Hank's Restaurant to add an outside patio at 416 Providence Road, held at the Clifford B. Green Memorial Meeting Center. That meeting was canceled due to a lack of quorum.

A special meeting was then scheduled for July 16 at 6:00 P.M. to continue the public hearing on the same variance request. The agenda also included approval of regular meeting minutes from May 12, 2026, a budget update from staff, and a public commentary period. The agenda was to be posted on the Town of Brooklyn website. Minutes from the special meeting have not yet been published.

Housing Authority — July 15

The Brooklyn Housing Authority's July 15 agenda included discussion of the non-profit status for the Brooklyn Upper Village voucher program and membership in Conn Nahro, with a convention noted for August 23 through 26. The agenda also listed review of minutes from May 20, 2026. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published.

Coming Up

The Brooklyn Parks & Recreation Commission meets July 27. The agenda includes approval of May 11, 2026 meeting minutes, public comment periods, and consideration of the applicant and interview process for a new director position. The commission will also review a proposal from Randi Frank Consulting Firm and address old business items before adjourning.

Brooklyn roundup: Memorial Day parade plans finalized, 40-unit housing project on P&Z agenda

Brooklyn's America 250 Committee and Board of Selectmen finalized plans for the Memorial Day parade and Red, White & Brooklyn Bash at their June 29 meetings, while several upcoming land-use and administrative items await action.

Memorial Day parade and event plans finalized

On June 29, both the America 250 Committee and the Board of Selectmen approved minutes from prior meetings and finalized logistics for the Memorial Day parade, ceremony, and Red, White & Brooklyn Bash, including volunteer arrival times. Both bodies decided against scheduling a rain date for the event. The Board of Selectmen approved the June 22 meeting minutes.

Planning & Zoning Commission takes up 40-unit housing proposal

The Planning & Zoning Commission met July 1 to review several land-use applications. The agenda included a special permit for a 40-unit multi-family development at Old Tatnic Hill Road, a 2-lot subdivision at 24 Brown Road, and gravel bank renewals on Maynard Road, Rukstella Road, and Pomfret Road. The commission also had a site plan for a 60' x 100' accessory structure at 620 Wauregan Road and a public hearing on a zoning text amendment to Section 6.T.2.3. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published, so no votes or outcomes are available.

Board of Selectmen agenda includes road renaming and grant denial

The Board of Selectmen's July 7 agenda listed a discussion on renaming a portion of Old Tatnic Hill Road, review of the America 250 Finale event results, and the denial of a Climate Resiliency Grant for Day Street. The board was also scheduled to continue its search for a Town Administrator. Mark Masopust will not renew his term on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Minutes have not yet been published.

Fire Commissioners meeting canceled

The July 8 meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners subcommittee was canceled. No substantive discussions, votes, or public hearings were scheduled. Residents should monitor official town channels for rescheduled dates.

Bee City Committee to prioritize garden sites

The Bee City Committee met July 9 to prioritize garden planning at Prince Hill, Riverside, the Green Building, and the Rt. 6 median. The agenda also included discussion of Sustainable CT Matching Funds, a draft resolution, seed purchases, social media and web page updates, and the Brooklyn Fair. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **July 15 — Housing Authority:** The Brooklyn Housing Authority will review May 20, 2026 minutes, discuss non-profit status for the Brooklyn Upper Village voucher program, and consider membership in Conn Nahro, with a convention scheduled August 23–26.

Brooklyn school board approves $167,459 in project transfers; WPCA pays $42,571 USDA loan

The Brooklyn Board of Education voted unanimously June 24 to transfer $167,459 from the general budget to non-lapsing accounts, funding the Brooklyn Middle School generator safety platform and delayed technology initiatives. The transfers were the largest financial decisions made across town meetings in the past two weeks.

Board of Education: Generator and wireless projects funded

The board approved two transfers on 5-0 votes. The first, $146,309, completes the Brooklyn Middle School generator safety platform. The second, $21,150, funds wireless and network management projects. Members also approved May 27 meeting minutes 5-0.

The board tabled an outdoor classroom grant application and discussed the status of an HVAC project application submitted June 1. Members reviewed Brooklyn Elementary School furniture samples for 3rd and 4th grade classrooms and noted that enrollment was finalized as of October 1. The board also recorded the resignation of Parks and Recreation Director Amy Brosnan.

Water Pollution Control Authority: $54,071 in vouchers approved

The WPCA approved three vouchers totaling $54,071.01 on June 24, all by 3-0 votes. The largest was Voucher #1708 for $42,571.00 to USDA, a loan payment. The board also approved Voucher #1706 for $10,092.68 to various vendors and Voucher #1648 for $1,200.42 to Eversource. May 27 meeting and public hearing minutes were approved 3-0. No formal action was taken on sewer permit procedures or capacity planning, which remain under discussion.

Memorial Day Parade Committee: Pets banned from events

The Board of Selectmen, acting as the parade committee, voted June 22 to ban non-service pets from the Red, White, Brooklyn Bash and parade, with an exception for service and guide dogs. The motion was made by S. Blanchard, seconded by C. Crofts, and passed. The committee also approved June 15 meeting minutes.

Members assigned event roles: J. Bellavance to contact Boy Scouts for parking and the Pledge of Allegiance; R. Harlow to run the hot dog eating contest; C. Rosen to run the cake walk; V. Corriveau to run the hobby horse obstacle course; A. Tanner to manage trolley rides; and C. Crofts to line up the parade.

Planning & Zoning: 40-unit development hearing set

The Planning & Zoning Commission met July 1 to review a special permit application for a 40-unit multi-family development at Old Tatnic Hill Road. The agenda also included a 2-lot subdivision at 24 Brown Road, gravel bank renewals on Maynard Road, Rukstella Road, and Pomfret Road, a site plan for a 60' x 100' accessory structure at 620 Wauregan Road, and a public hearing on a zoning text amendment to Section 6.T.2.3. Minutes have not yet been published.

Economic Development Commission reviews branding, permitting

The commission met June 23 to review branding and marketing updates, a permitting flow chart, a BBA calendar raffle fundraiser, and a NECID report on a Frito Lay sewer usage agreement in Killingly. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **Board of Selectmen, July 7:** Discussion on renaming a portion of Old Tatnic Hill Road, denial of a Climate Resiliency Grant for Day Street, results of the America 250 Finale event, the search for a Town Administrator, and Mark Masopust's non-renewal on the Zoning Board of Appeals.
• **Fire Commissioners, July 8:** Meeting canceled. No rescheduled date announced.
• **Bee City Committee, July 9:** Prioritizing garden sites at Prince Hill, Riverside, the Green Building, and the Rt. 6 median; discussion of Sustainable CT Matching Funds and a draft resolution.

Brooklyn School Board Allocates $167,459 for Generator, Tech Projects

The Brooklyn Board of Education unanimously approved transferring $167,459 from the general budget into non-lapsing accounts during a June 24 meeting, funding a generator safety platform at Brooklyn Middle School and delayed wireless and network management projects.

School Board Allocates $167,459

The board voted 5-0 to move $146,309 for the Brooklyn Middle School generator safety platform and $21,150 for wireless and network management upgrades. In the same meeting, the board approved the May 27 regular meeting minutes 5-0, tabled an outdoor classroom grant application, and discussed a submitted HVAC project application as well as furniture samples for third- and fourth-grade classrooms at Brooklyn Elementary School. Members also noted the resignation of Parks and Recreation Director Amy Brosnan and confirmed that student enrollment was finalized as of October 1.

Water Pollution Control Authority Pays $42,571 USDA Loan

The WPCA approved three vouchers totaling $54,071.01 in a 3-0 vote on June 24. The payments included $42,571 for a USDA loan installment (Voucher #1708), $10,092.68 to various vendors (Voucher #1706), and $1,200.42 to Eversource (Voucher #1648). The authority also approved the May 27 regular meeting and public hearing minutes 3-0. No formal action was taken on sewer permit procedures or capacity planning, which remain under discussion.

Selectmen Prohibit Pets at Parade and Bash

On June 22, the Board of Selectmen voted to ban non-service animals from the Memorial Day parade and the Red, White, Brooklyn Bash. The motion, made by S. Blanchard and seconded by C. Crofts, passed with an exception for service and guide dogs. The board also assigned event roles: J. Bellavance (contact Boy Scouts for parking and the Pledge of Allegiance), R. Harlow (hot dog eating contest), C. Rosen (cake walk), V. Corriveau (hobby horse obstacle course), A. Tanner (trolley rides), and C. Crofts (parade lineup). The June 15 meeting minutes were approved.

Other Recent Meetings

The America 250 committee met on June 22 and June 29 to plan the Memorial Day parade and the Red, White, Brooklyn Bash, including a hot dog eating contest, trolley rides, veteran transport, and a possible rain date; minutes were not yet published. The Economic Development Commission met June 23 on branding, a permitting flow chart, and regional economic reports; minutes are pending. The Planning & Zoning Commission held a meeting July 1 that included a special permit hearing for a 40-unit multifamily development on Old Tatnic Hill Road, gravel bank renewals, and a zoning text amendment. Decisions from that session are not yet public.

Coming Up

July 7 – Board of Selectmen The agenda covers renaming a portion of Old Tatnic Hill Road, the denial of a Climate Resiliency Grant for Day Street, results of the America 250 Finale event, and the ongoing search for a Town Administrator. The board will also address Mark Masopust’s decision not to renew his term on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

July 8 – Fire Commissioners Subcommittee The meeting has been canceled.

July 9 – Bee City Committee Members will prioritize garden sites at Prince Hill, Riverside, the Green Building, and the Route 6 median, discuss Sustainable CT Matching Funds, review a draft resolution, and hear updates on seed purchases and social media.