10/22/2026
FIRST SELECTMAN'S MONTHLY MESSAGE
Planning for A Changing Season
As the leaves change colors and fall softly to the ground, we must all prepare for a new season. In the Town Hall we are also preparing for a new season of change. The hiring of Elaine Sistare as the town’s first town administrator, brings significant change, experience and wisdom to our community. As we welcome Elaine next month we must also plan for her arrival.
Over the last month I have given a great deal of thought about how we can synergize our town administrator’s experience with current staff responsibilities that include town planning, zoning and development. After numerous conversations, and the desire to begin longer term planning for our community, I want to share some updates regarding town services.
Beginning November 16th, the First Selectman and the new Town Administrator Offices will be housed in the Clifford B. Green Building. The First Selectman’s Administrative Assistant will also move to the Green Building. This move will put both executives in close proximity to the Building, Land Use, and Town Planners Offices. This move provides regular opportunities for these offices to discuss, create and implement key strategies for Brooklyn’s future.
Later this fall, we will begin implementing minor renovations to the upper level of our Community Center at 31 Tiffany Street. These renovations will provide new office and activity space for our Parks & Recreation Department. The Community Center has long served as home to numerous Parks & Recreation activities as well as our summer meals program for area children. Once renovations are completed, the Center’s upper level will serve as the primary home for Parks & Recreation. The lower level will continue to serve our community through the great work of our Brooklyn Cares Food Shelf and Clothing Store.
Planning for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) at the Senior Center took a big step this week. Potential contract bidders took a tour of the building in anticipation of bidding on this renovation project. Once completed the Senior Center will have a newly renovated downstairs space, an elevator for accessing both levels and additional enhancements.
With the Senior Center renovations completed and Parks & Recreation’s move to Tiffany Street, additional office space will open at the Clifford B. Green Building. We’ll use that opportunity to move our Human Resources Office, and the Finance Department over to the Green Building. These moves will provide two important enhancements to our community. First, it provides better ADA compliance regarding access to these offices currently located upstairs in the town hall. It also provides an opportunity to begin the process of seeking grant funding to properly restore this historic building. What we know as our town hall was once a courthouse and the site of America’s first civil rights trials held in 1833-1834. As we vacate the upstairs portion of this historic building it is my desire to seek funding to begin a restoration project on this most historic treasure.
For the immediate future, the Town Clerk’s Office, Assessor’s Office, Tax Collector’s Office and the Registrar of Voters Office will remain on the first floor of the Town Hall at 4 Wolf Den Road. The Human Resources Office and Finance Offices will continue to work from the second floor of the Town Hall. But beginning November 16th you’ll find Lisa and I, along with our new town administrator Elaine, across town at the Clifford B. Green Building. We look forward to welcoming you there the next time you want to stop by and say hello. And just a quick FYI – look for our first newsletter coming next week in your Turnpike Buyer. Just another way we’re seeking to reach and serve our community.
With Appreciation,
Joe
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