Greetings from Colebrook Town Hall.
Black bears are becoming increasingly prevalent across the state and here in town. While most encounters involve nuisance issues like trash raiding, more serious incidents, including home break-ins have occurred in Colebrook in recent days and weeks. State officials say that the best way to reduce incidents is by removing food attractants like bird feeders and unsecured trash. Learn more here<file:///C:/Users/bbremer/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/CAF1AIDG/2025-the-state-of-the-bears.pdf>.
To encourage compliance with posted speed limits in Town, this week we took possession of two additional solar-powered speed monitors, similar to those currently in use on Routes 8 and 183 in town. These new monitors were provided to the town free of charge through a program offered by the state through the University of Connecticut Training and Technical Assistance (T2) Center. Because these monitors are designed specifically for town roads (i.e. not state highways), they will be installed by our Department of Public Works (DPW) crew on Prock Hill Road in Colebrook. Learn more here<file:///S:/Scans/20250715155009254.pdf>.
DPW is planning for August paving projects, including on Deer Hill Road, where they have been prepping the roadsides to enhance drainage and complement the new pavement. Today, they are laying riprap stone, a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for erosion control.
In the coming weeks, DPW will be supporting the HVAC project at Colebrook Consolidated School through trenching and site work, including pitching water away from the building. Their participation is key to keeping our project on budget.
As the hot weather continues, we remind you that the Community & Senior Center is the Town cooling station for residents, open from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m.-noon on Fridays.
Entry forms, cardboard and duct tape for the Colebrook Fair Cardboard Regatta<colebrookfair.weebly.com/cardboard-boat-regatta.html> are available at Town Hall. The Regatta features homemade cardboard boats with judges selecting winners for each race, and awards for categories including the “Funky-est” boat and best costume.
Taxes were due July 1st and are considered late, and subject to interest from the due date, if not paid by August 1st. The Tax Collector’s office is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 am-noon. For any questions, please contact Laura Bartlett at 860.379.3359, ext. 204, or at lbartlett@colebrooktownhall.org<mailto:lbartlett@colebrooktownhall.org>.
Zoning Permits are available through Town Hall. Until the Planning & Zoning Commission has issued a Zoning Permit (or a Certificate Of Zoning Compliance) which certifies conformance of the proposed building, structure or use with Colebrook Zoning Regulations<www.townofcolebrook.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Colebrook-Zoning-Regulations-Effective-050125.pdf>, or with a variance granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals:
* No building, structure or part thereof shall be constructed, reconstructed, altered, extended, enlarged, moved, gutted, or occupied * No building or land shall be first occupied or used * No use of an existing building or land shall be changed * No Building Permit, including a permit for a building foundation, shall be issued * No use of an existing structure shall be undertaken or changed A Zoning Permit application isn’t necessary for interior alterations, provided there is no change of use. To initiate a permit, contact Karen Odell at kodell@colebrooktownhall.org<mailto:kodell@colebrooktownhall.org>. Depending on the nature of the work being done, building and/or other permits may be required.
Bulk waste pickup is available every week for items that will not fit in your bin. Call 860.379.1662 by Thursday of each week for Friday morning pickup.
Upcoming events
On July 18th and 22nd from 4-6 p.m., the Colebrook Recreation Department invites you to pop on over and chill with them at the Colebrook Pond. Popsicles and a craft project will be provided. This is not a drop off event. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
On Friday, July 25th, the Colebrook Historical Society kicks off its Friday Night Gatherings series. It all begins with refreshments at the Seymour Inn at 7 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. shifts to the Town Hall second floor meeting room for the evening’s guest speaker. Local historian and author Peter C. Vermilyea will discuss, “Litchfield County and the Civil War.” There is no cost to attend, and everyone is welcome.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at bbremer@colebrooktownhall.org<mailto:bbremer@colebrooktownhall.org>, or call me at 860.379.3359, extension 202.
Cordially,
Brad Brad Bremer Colebrook First Selectman 860.379.3359 ext. 202 bbremer@colebrooktownhall.org
Black bears are becoming increasingly prevalent across the state and here in town. While most encounters involve nuisance issues like trash raiding, more serious incidents, including home break-ins have occurred in Colebrook in recent days and weeks. State officials say that the best way to reduce incidents is by removing food attractants like bird feeders and unsecured trash. Learn more here<file:///C:/Users/bbremer/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/CAF1AIDG/2025-the-state-of-the-bears.pdf>.
To encourage compliance with posted speed limits in Town, this week we took possession of two additional solar-powered speed monitors, similar to those currently in use on Routes 8 and 183 in town. These new monitors were provided to the town free of charge through a program offered by the state through the University of Connecticut Training and Technical Assistance (T2) Center. Because these monitors are designed specifically for town roads (i.e. not state highways), they will be installed by our Department of Public Works (DPW) crew on Prock Hill Road in Colebrook. Learn more here<file:///S:/Scans/20250715155009254.pdf>.
DPW is planning for August paving projects, including on Deer Hill Road, where they have been prepping the roadsides to enhance drainage and complement the new pavement. Today, they are laying riprap stone, a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for erosion control.
In the coming weeks, DPW will be supporting the HVAC project at Colebrook Consolidated School through trenching and site work, including pitching water away from the building. Their participation is key to keeping our project on budget.
As the hot weather continues, we remind you that the Community & Senior Center is the Town cooling station for residents, open from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m.-noon on Fridays.
Entry forms, cardboard and duct tape for the Colebrook Fair Cardboard Regatta<colebrookfair.weebly.com/cardboard-boat-regatta.html> are available at Town Hall. The Regatta features homemade cardboard boats with judges selecting winners for each race, and awards for categories including the “Funky-est” boat and best costume.
Taxes were due July 1st and are considered late, and subject to interest from the due date, if not paid by August 1st. The Tax Collector’s office is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 am-noon. For any questions, please contact Laura Bartlett at 860.379.3359, ext. 204, or at lbartlett@colebrooktownhall.org<mailto:lbartlett@colebrooktownhall.org>.
Zoning Permits are available through Town Hall. Until the Planning & Zoning Commission has issued a Zoning Permit (or a Certificate Of Zoning Compliance) which certifies conformance of the proposed building, structure or use with Colebrook Zoning Regulations<www.townofcolebrook.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Colebrook-Zoning-Regulations-Effective-050125.pdf>, or with a variance granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals:
* No building, structure or part thereof shall be constructed, reconstructed, altered, extended, enlarged, moved, gutted, or occupied * No building or land shall be first occupied or used * No use of an existing building or land shall be changed * No Building Permit, including a permit for a building foundation, shall be issued * No use of an existing structure shall be undertaken or changed A Zoning Permit application isn’t necessary for interior alterations, provided there is no change of use. To initiate a permit, contact Karen Odell at kodell@colebrooktownhall.org<mailto:kodell@colebrooktownhall.org>. Depending on the nature of the work being done, building and/or other permits may be required.
Bulk waste pickup is available every week for items that will not fit in your bin. Call 860.379.1662 by Thursday of each week for Friday morning pickup.
Upcoming events
On July 18th and 22nd from 4-6 p.m., the Colebrook Recreation Department invites you to pop on over and chill with them at the Colebrook Pond. Popsicles and a craft project will be provided. This is not a drop off event. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
On Friday, July 25th, the Colebrook Historical Society kicks off its Friday Night Gatherings series. It all begins with refreshments at the Seymour Inn at 7 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. shifts to the Town Hall second floor meeting room for the evening’s guest speaker. Local historian and author Peter C. Vermilyea will discuss, “Litchfield County and the Civil War.” There is no cost to attend, and everyone is welcome.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at bbremer@colebrooktownhall.org<mailto:bbremer@colebrooktownhall.org>, or call me at 860.379.3359, extension 202.
Cordially,
Brad Brad Bremer Colebrook First Selectman 860.379.3359 ext. 202 bbremer@colebrooktownhall.org
