Pushback grows over plan to redevelop Brookchester shopping center in New Milford
Some residents say they are concerned about losing what they describe as a key part of the community.
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A proposal to redevelop the Brookchester Shopping Center in New Milford is drawing strong reaction from residents and business owners.
The Brunetti Organization, the property owner, presented the plan that includes 150 residential units, with 30 of them designated as affordable housing. It also includes about 27,000 square-feet of retail and commercial space.
Some residents say they are concerned about losing what they describe as a key part of the community.
“I can’t believe that why they would want to do that to an important part of the community? It’s not right,” said resident Brian Barrett.
Business owners who have been at the shopping center for years say they are also worried about the future.
“The redevelopment of this area would be a huge loss for the New Milford and the community here,” said Joseph Yabut, who works at Cong Cha.
A local resident has also started a petition to stop the potential demolition of the center. As of Sunday evening, it had collected more than 3,000 signatures, as calls to save it continue to grow.
Some business owners say they have not received official communication about what could happen next and are relying on customers for updates. Many of them are concerned about possible closures.
If the plan moves forward, CVS would be the only business expected to remain.
In a statement to News 12, New Milford Mayor Michael J. Putrino said he could not comment on specifics due to potential litigation involving the borough and the Brunetti Organization.
Putrino, however, added that the governing body remains opposed to overdevelopment that could strain infrastructure, schools and emergency services, while significantly changing the character of the community.
