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Brookfield Zoning Commission continues hearing on propose 6-story apartment complex

The public hearing about a proposed six-story apartment building on Federal Road in Brookfield continued Thursday night.  The Zoning Commission read into record letters of comment from the public.  Nine members of the public offered comments on the Renaissance project after a presentation from the applicant, all in opposition. 

 

Among the speakers were First Selectman Steve Dunn, Selectman Sue Slater, State Representative Steve Harding and Economic Development Director Greg Dembowski. 

 

Dunn said there are about 75 members of the volunteer fire department, who train 12 to 18 hours a week.  He said based on what he heard from the applicant’s representatives, this project would put them in danger, above and beyond the danger that comes with the job of being a firefighter.

 

Brookfield Volunteer Fire Company Assistant Chief Andrew Ellis reiterated that there would need to be a significant amount of training, possibly new equipment purchased and concerns of putting unpaid volunteers in an extraordinary situation.   There were also concerns raised about the collapse zone.  Ellis also voiced concern about the two levels of underground parking.  He says that would be more inherently dangerous to residents and firefighters than above ground parking because of low ceilings allowing for rapid spread of smoke and flames.

 

Representatives retained by the applicant said that all buildings have the chance of collapse.  They also said that there are mutual aid agreements in place to bring in other firefighters and other equipment if necessary.

 

One resident said during the public speaking portion at the end of the public hearing that during the Christmas Day fire in a three-story apartment building in Danbury, Brookfield firefighters provided mutual aid there.  That left Brookfield with a lack of personnel if something were to have happened in town..

 

The public hearing was continued to the Brookfield Zoning Commission’s next meeting on February 25.

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