Brookfield names new community development specialist
Will work to grow town’s economy and bring businesses
Dana Ferraro has been named the new community development specialist in the Brookfield Land Use Department and will work closely with the Economic Development Commission to grow the town’s economy and bring in new businesses.
Ferraro, 23, grew up in Brookfield and said her youth can serve as a positive in the role.
“I’m able to bring in young people and fresh ideas,” she said. “I’m ready for this role, but also ready to learn, too.”
Ferraro replaces Betsy Paynter, who left the position this summer to become the director of CityCenter Danbury.
Ferraro graduated from Brookfield High School and attended Endicott College. She has worked in the biopharmaceutical industry in planning and marketing, as well as at town hall in various capacities.
“The Economic Development Commission is thrilled to have Dana Ferraro hired as Brookfield’s new community development specialist and I look forward to working with her on the town’s behalf,” said Jim Fisher, chairman of the EDC.
Ferraro said the mission of the land use department, economic development commission and first selectman office are to make Brookfield a “wonderful place to raise a family, receive a great education, work, and enjoy the abundant recreational facilities and town parks.
“I love Brookfield; it’s a great town,” she added.
Continuing to expand and enhance Brookfield Town Center, also known as Four Corners, will be a main area of attention for Ferraro. Brookfield Village, a mixed-used development in the area, has completed two of its four phases and the residential and retail availabilities have filled quickly.
“With the new developments and sidewalks and (Still River) Greenway, it just opens up the whole center,” she said. “It’s beautiful.”
Ferraro is also excited about maintaining the momentum along Federal Road, which is bustling with retail businesses along the southern part of the road and coming to life on the northern end with several new shopping plazas being built.
“Federal Road has a lot of people moving in and out,” she said. “Anything you can think of is on that strip.”