Cell Tower Debate Dominates Brookfield Selectmen Meeting As Board Reviews Finances

BROOKFIELD, CT — Strong resident opposition to a proposed cell tower dominated the Brookfield Board of Selectmen’s Dec. 1 meeting, where concerns over visibility, health effects, wildlife impacts and potential drops in nearby property values sparked extended discussion.

The meeting also included financial updates, new grant information, routine approvals and several board and commission appointments, according to the meeting packet.

Residents Press Concerns Over Cell Tower Balloon Test

Multiple residents from the Hidden Brook and Muirwood Court area told the board that the tower’s recent balloon test — used to show potential tower height and visibility — was flawed. They said the balloon became tangled in trees, dropped in height, and lacked publicly shared technical information such as rope length, elevation or methodology.

Others said the test had not been adequately publicized, leaving many neighbors unaware until the day before. A petition opposing the tower, signed by more than 200 residents, was presented to the board.

Several residents warned the tower could reduce home values by an estimated 20 percent and expressed fears about cancer risks, wildlife habitat disruption and quality-of-life impacts.

Board Says Siting Authority Rests With State

First Selectman Steve Dunn reiterated that Connecticut law gives decision-making authority to the state Siting Council, not municipalities. Under state statute, towns cannot object on the basis of health, aesthetics or property values.

Dunn said the town will continue to advocate on residents’ behalf and will press Homeland Towers for documentation on the balloon test, including height and test conditions.

"We know you didn’t do this right, we have pictures," Dunn said, noting the balloon appeared significantly lower when observed later in the morning. He said the town had not been notified about next steps and will release information once Homeland responds.

Iroquois Gas Compressor Appeal Still Pending

The board also reviewed its ongoing appeal related to the proposed expansion of the Iroquois natural gas compressor station. Dunn said the town, joining Save the Sound and other groups, has asked for an adjudicatory hearing after the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection instead scheduled an informational session.

Town Counsel Tom Beecher told the board there were no new updates as the matter remains before the courts.

Routine Announcements and Open Positions

The board announced:

• Coffee with the Community: Dec. 20 at New Brookfield Market and Deli at 277 Whisconier Road.
• Sign-ups: Residents were encouraged to enroll in the Spotlight newsletter and EverBridge emergency alerts.
• Board and Commission Vacancies: Openings exist on the Building Code Board of Appeals, Commission on Aging, Energy Advisory Board, Inland Wetlands Commission, Municipal Building Committee, Police Commission, Still River Greenway Committee, WPCA, and Youth Commission, according to the meeting packet.

Finance Director Reports Higher-Than-Expected Revenue

Finance Director Marcia Marien reported that revenues are projected to finish roughly $200,000 above budget, boosted by higher-than-expected interest income and timing differences in grant receipts.

Expenditures are tracking normally, Marien said, with departments scheduled to submit budget adjustment requests next month. Several capital accounts, including cash-funded and bonded capital projects, remain on target, according to the packet’s financial attachments.

Town Receives $769,000 Streetscape Grant

Dunn announced that Brookfield secured a $769,000 state grant to construct Streetscape Phase IV, extending improvements north from the Four Corners to Newbury Village along the west side of Federal Road. The town had previously applied three times without success.

Construction could begin next summer, pending design work and absence of environmental obstacles.

Consent Agenda Approved

The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:

• The 2025 Tree City USA recertification application
• Minutes from Nov. 3, Nov. 12 (special meeting), and Nov. 22 (Coffee with the Community)
• Driveway bond releases for 13 addresses
• Employee changes, including hiring two full-time driver/laborers and one departure

Appointments to Local Boards

The board approved several appointments:

• Energy Advisory Board: Maurizio Ponzetto, term through 2027
• Planning & Zoning Commission:
  • Marc Loewengart as alternate (term through 2030)
  • Dionisio “Danny” Fontana as alternate (term through 2028)
• Youth Commission: Ernesto Davila as alternate (term through 2028)

Meeting Adjourned

The board adjourned shortly after completing the appointment votes.