Brookfield eyes state property for streetscape pocket park
BROOKFIELD — Selectmen discussed the purchase of state land for a pocket park at its regular meeting last week, ultimately voting to refer the purchase to the planning department and pay a $500 application fee to formally begin the process.
The creation of a pocket park was part of the town’s original plan for the third phase of its five-phase streetscape project, which aims to revitalize the downtown area.
The location for the pocket park — a 15,100 square foot parcel abutting three properties on the western side of Federal Road — would be a continuation of the Still River Greenway, creating another green space for residents to congregate. Its design would include park benches, bike racks, and an art installation, said Greg Dembowski, Brookfield’s community development specialist.
The motion was supported by First Selectman Steve Dunn and Selectman Sue Slater, but Selectman Harry Shaker voted against the motion, saying he didn’t want to put money down when he was still confused about the plan.
“I think it’ll complement what we’re trying to accomplish in our Town Center District,” Dembowski said.
Funding for the creation of a pocket park was included in the original state grant for phase three of the streetscape project , but the grant did not include funding for the acquisition of land for a park, meaning the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance will have to determine where the money will come from once the land is appraised and a price is set.
Slater suggested potentially applying for another type of grant if necessary.
The official purchase request submitted to the Board of Selectmen said the state was not interested in having a park installed on its road-adjacent land.
“The state does not want to see people congregating on a right of way next to a busy road, so they would not allow it,” Dembowski explained.
Leases for state land start at a minimum of $75 per month. Dembowski said that purchasing the land would allow the town more control over the land and make it possible to design a pocket park there.
In order to purchase state land, the town must first submit a $500 application fee to begin the appraisal process. Dunn noted that an appraisal has taken the state up to nine months in previous transactions with the town.
"Honestly, in my gut, I think that’s going to be for sale at a very very reasonable price,” Dembowski told the board during the meeting.
The town will be given the first option on the land, and can pass on the purchase if it feels the price is not within range.
Dembowski said it was unlikely the land would be of interest to the adjacent property owners.