Edited weekly for the community around Candlewood Lake. • Week of 2026-05-7
This week: Brookfield votes on a $94.3M budget Saturday, Sherman’s referendum passed 2-to-1, and the lake is returning to summer levels ahead of Memorial Day.
This Week at the Lake
Brookfield Annual Town Meeting Tue May 5 — $94.3M Budget, Vote Scheduled May 16
Brookfield property owners have two important dates this month. The Annual Town Meeting is Tuesday, May 5 at 7 PM at Brookfield High School Auditorium (45 Long Meadow Hill Rd) — the public session where residents review the full $94.3M proposed budget and weigh in before the binding vote. The referendum is Saturday, May 16 at the Senior Center. The $94.3M proposal allocates $57.6M for education and $36.7M for town operations. For lake-area property owners in Brookfield, this budget shapes property taxes, road maintenance, and the municipal services that keep the corridor running year-round. Absentee ballots available at the Town Clerk. Details at brookfieldct.gov.
Source: Brookfield CT, April 29 2026
New Fairfield’s $71M Budget Carries 5.8% Tax Hike — Capital Backlog Is the Driver
New Fairfield’s proposed 2026-27 budget of just over $71 million comes with a 5.8% property tax increase. First Selectman Del Monaco has been candid: the town held spending flat for years while servicing school construction debt, and a backlog of road and infrastructure investment accumulated. This budget addresses that backlog. The package includes a $53.6M school plan with expanded music programs and world language offerings. Residents vote on the full proposal this Saturday, May 9 at the Senior Center. Full details at newfairfield.org and coverage at the NewsTimes.
Source: NewsTimes, March 7 2026
New Fairfield Voters: Budget Referendum This Saturday, May 9 — 10 AM to 8 PM
New Fairfield residents vote on the annual town budget this Saturday, May 9 — polls run from 10 AM to 8 PM at the Senior Center (33 CT-Route 37). On the ballot: the $71M+ proposed budget with its 5.8% tax increase covering school programs and long-deferred capital improvements. Absentee ballots are available at the Town Clerk. New Fairfield borders Candlewood Lake’s northern shoreline, and the town budget directly shapes the infrastructure and services lakeside residents depend on. Year-round resident or seasonal property owner — this referendum affects your taxes. Show up and vote.
New Fairfield Schools’ $53.6M Plan: Orchestra Out of the Basement, More Language Options
Inside New Fairfield’s larger $71M budget is a $53.6M school spending plan proposed by Superintendent Kenneth Craw. The signature investment: moving the middle school’s growing orchestra program from basement classrooms into proper facilities, and expanding world language offerings across the district. These additions come after years of budget constraints. If you’re a New Fairfield parent, the school plan is the largest component of what you’re voting on May 9. Full breakdown from the NewsTimes.
Source: NewsTimes, March 1 2026
Brookfield Hosts Community Shred Day and Food Drive at Town Hall
Brookfield is organizing a Shred Day and Food Drive at Town Hall — a practical community double-header. Bring sensitive documents (tax returns, financial records, old medical paperwork) for secure on-site shredding to prevent identity theft, and donate non-perishable food items for local food pantries while you’re there. An easy way to handle document cleanup responsibly and support neighbors at the same time. Confirmed date and details at brookfieldct.gov.
Source: Brookfield CT, April 25 2026
What’s Coming Up
2026 Danbury Street Festival
Saturday, June 13 • Noon–6 PM • Main Street, Downtown Danbury • Free admission
Downtown Danbury goes pedestrian-only on Saturday, June 13 (noon–6 PM) for the annual street festival — 80+ artisan vendors, three live performance stages, food trucks, cultural experiences, and a family fun zone. Free admission. If you are a vendor or crafter, the application deadline is this Friday, May 15. An easy day trip from the lake, and a good way to kick off early summer. Details and vendor registration at citycenterdanbury.com.
2026 Candlewood Lake Annual Clean-Up
Saturday, May 16 • 9 AM–1 PM • New Fairfield Town Park • Free • Limited capacity — register by May 13
The annual Candlewood Lake Clean-Up is Saturday, May 16 at New Fairfield Town Park. Boat captains and crews arrive 9–10 AM to pick up bags and gloves, then spend the morning collecting shoreline debris before returning at noon to unload and join volunteers for lunch. Registration closes May 13 — boat captains must sign up in advance and bring their own crew. Spots fill quickly; register at candlewoodlakeauthority.org/Volunteer.
Editor’s note: The Brookfield Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off event could not be confirmed for this edition — specific date was not available before publication. Check brookfieldct.gov for the current schedule.
Safety & Stewardship
2026 Connecticut Boaters Guide — Download It Before You Launch
The 2026 Connecticut Boaters Guide is available now from the Candlewood Lake Authority in English and Spanish. Before you launch this season, download the guide — it covers state registration requirements, speed limits, right-of-way rules, life jacket regulations, and invasive species protocols for Candlewood Lake and Connecticut waterways. Whether you are new to the lake or a 20-year regular, it is the CLA’s primary reference for a safe and legal 2026 season.
Download the English or Spanish edition directly at candlewoodlakeauthority.org. It is the season-opener reference guide for every boater on Candlewood Lake.
Source: Candlewood Lake Authority, May 1 2026 • Download the 2026 CT Boaters Guide (English & Spanish) at candlewoodlakeauthority.org
⚠ Invasive Species Alert: Zebra Mussels — Clean, Drain, Dry
Zebra mussels remain the top invasive species threat to Candlewood Lake — and they are already confirmed in the Housatonic River, Lake Zoar, and Lake Lillinonah. The non-negotiable rule before every launch: Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat, trailer, and equipment. Every launch. Every location. No exceptions.
Zebra mussels damage engines, disrupt the lake’s food chain, and leave sharp shells that injure swimmers. A single infected hull can introduce them to Candlewood. Once established, they cannot be removed. Step-by-step cleaning protocols are at candlewoodlakeauthority.org/Invasive-Species.
Water Levels Rising — Dock Season Is Open
Good news for dock owners: FirstLight Power has confirmed the 2025-2026 winter drawdown is complete. Candlewood Lake is rising back toward its full summer operating range of 427–429.5 feet ahead of Memorial Day. Dock reinstallation can begin.
For daily water level updates, call 888-417-4837 (888-41-RIVER). Check current levels before your first launch of the season.
CLA 2026 Water Quality Monitoring Season Underway
The CLA has opened its 2026 water quality monitoring season — running May through October at four lake sites and Squantz Pond. Testing covers temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and blue-green algae concentrations to forecast bloom potential through summer. Stay updated at candlewoodlakeauthority.org/Water-Quality.
Business Spotlight
Federal Road’s New Season Arrivals: Dave’s Hot Chicken and Twins BBQ Co.
Federal Road, Brookfield, CT
Two food options are coming online just in time for lake season on Federal Road in Brookfield. Dave’s Hot Chicken — the LA-born chain known for Nashville-style hot chicken tenders and sliders — is opening next to an incoming Starbucks, with heat levels from no-spice to reaper. And if you are more of a BBQ household, Twins BBQ Co. (401 Federal Rd) just launched summer hours Wednesday through Sunday, offering slow-smoked BBQ pickup and catering for lakeside events across New Fairfield, New Milford, Sherman, and the Candlewood region. Details and catering info at twinsbbqco.com.
Community Corner
83 Homes Listed, Free Fraud Protection, and Tax Relief for Eligible Residents
Candlewood Lake’s spring real estate market is active heading into boating season: 83 listings currently range from $85,000 to $6.3 million, totaling nearly $96.5 million in combined value. Several high-profile properties are already under contract — 164 North Lake Shore Drive in Brookfield ($4.15M) and 8 Heritage Island Road in New Fairfield ($3.995M) both have buyers. Notable active listings include 59 Sail Harbour Drive in New Fairfield ($6.295M) and 23 Echo Drive in New Milford ($3.9M). Browse the full Candlewood market at lakehomes.com/connecticut/candlewood-lake.
For homeowners: New Fairfield’s Town Clerk’s Office now offers a free Property Alert service — you receive automatic notifications whenever a document is recorded against your property, providing early warning against deed theft and mortgage fraud. Sign up in minutes at newfairfield.org.
Also worth knowing: New Fairfield offers state and local tax relief programs for elderly residents, disabled individuals, and veterans and active duty military. Review eligibility and apply through the Town Clerk’s office at newfairfield.org.