Darien Selectmen To Consider Eversource Easement On Town Property

DARIEN, CT — The Darien Board of Selectmen is scheduled to hold a special meeting Monday, Feb. 2, at 7 p.m. via Zoom to consider whether to approve an easement for Eversource on town-owned property along Parklands Drive, a request tied to utility infrastructure serving nearby development. Public comment is listed on the agenda.

The board is expected to discuss and take possible action on granting Eversource an easement across town land abutting 1 and 3 Parklands Drive, where the utility currently maintains poles, wires and related equipment.

Town Administrator Jennifer Charneski said in an associated memo attached to the agenda that the request would formalize the utility’s long-standing use of the property and support a new electric service connection for a new building at 3 Parklands Drive.

According to agenda materials, the proposed easement would give Eversource the right to construct, maintain, replace and access an electric distribution system within the easement area, with maintenance costs borne by the company. The utility would also be permitted, after consultation with the town, to trim or remove trees and shrubs deemed necessary to maintain service.

Charneski noted the work would "require only minimal tree removal.

Town officials previously raised concerns about potential impacts to landscaping and tree removal. The agenda materials note that a tree restoration agreement has been drafted with the property developer that would require replacement of trees or shrubs removed during utility work, with replacements of a similar variety and subject to town approval.

The Planning and Zoning Commission issued a favorable report on the easement request last fall, citing consistency with the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development, according to the memo from Charneski.

If approved by the selectmen, the matter is also expected to go before the Representative Town Meeting for consideration possibly during the Feb. 9 meeting.

The agenda lists public comment at the start of the meeting. Residents may speak during the session or submit written comments to the board in advance.

The agenda and associated materials can be found here.