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Residents raise concerns about VRI water-sampling notices and recent ICE action
Summary
Zoning enforcement officer Peter Bell urged the town to notify residents in advance of VRI door-to-door water-sampling visits and to provide identification for crews; another resident reported an ICE arrest and asked the town to consider legal-defense or outreach supports.
During public comment, Peter Bell, the town's zoning enforcement officer, said the town's recent email blast about solicitors prompted dozens of calls and suggested using a similar notification approach for water-sampling visits by VRI. Bell noted the town has a "no knock" law and that residents may refuse entry; he recommended clear town notices and identification for authorized sampling crews so residents and the building department can verify visits.
Drew Peterson, who said he lives in the village of Brewster, reported an ICE enforcement action on June 28 in which eight ICE agents detained a resident on Marvin Avenue. "They were wearing masks. And I have video proof of that," Peterson said. He urged the town to consider legal-defense resources, food distribution support and public-rights education for residents who say they are afraid to leave their homes.
Officials responded that staff will coordinate targeted alerts for VRI sampling visits and that the building department and town clerk will prepare communications to homeowners; the town did not commit to any legal or financial program related to ICE matters during the meeting.
