3/27/2026 A Message from First Selectman Lent

Greetings from Town Hall!

As always thematically, the main theme of my administration is environmental and land use issues. Let’s save Easton!

WILDLIFE IN EASTON (Please send me pictures of your wildlife in town to treynolds@eastonct.gov.)

CONSERVATION, LAND USE, WATERSHED, AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION ISSUES

METROCOG: I have been working with METROCOG weekly, and I am happy to share their draft Regional Plan for Conservation and Development that puts conservation and water supply issues first regionally: See the draft plan HERE. Matt Fulda from METROCOG also came to Easton and spoke to our reformed Affordable Housing Committee about HB 8002 and meeting the requirements of HB 8002’s housing growth plans.

CONNECTICUT FEDERATION OF PLANNING & ZONING AGENCIES: Last night, I attended the annual dinner of Connecticut Federation of Planning & Zoning Agencies with Jason Klein of Easton’s P&Z, held at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, Connecticut, to learn more about HB 8002 and housing growth plans. The materials are here: PART I, PART II

CONSERVATION CONFERENCE: On Saturday, I attended the Connecticut Land Conservation Conference at Wesleyan University. Joining me was new Land Acquisition Committee member William Karesh. (Note: The Easton Land Acquisition Committee now has a regular quorum with its new members and has started meeting again. Previously, the group often struggled to reach a quorum and meet regularly.) This year’s conference—their largest meeting of the year—drew an impressive turnout and brought together an exceptionally dedicated and welcoming group of participants. The many helpful materials are linked HERE. Overall, my main takeaway when comparing the efforts of other towns -- is that Easton needs to double its efforts -- regarding overall conservation planning and farmland preservation planning. Our new certified municipal planner, Keisha Fink, will help Easton, along with Town leadership to conserve Easton.

Additionally, the Connecticut Land Conservation Council is having Land Conservation Day on Wednesday, April 22, at the Connecticut State Capitol. The Connecticut Land Conservation Council's mission is to elevate and strengthen land conservation in Connecticut. They work to ensure that our parks, forests, farmlands, community gardens, streams, and wetlands are protected in perpetuity for the benefit of our present and future generations. https://ctconservation.org/

AQUARION SALE: As previously reported, and despite our ongoing opposition, the Aquarion sale has unfortunately been approved. METROCOG is pursuing all legal remedies, and our representative, Anne Hughes, is also trying to help with further potential legislation. See her write-up below. Thanks, Anne! Overall, we have been planning to manage this situation and model the projected tax revenue costs to the town.

From Anne Hughes:

“In spite of our bipartisan, coordinated efforts with town leaders, state legislators, the state Consumer Counsel, and our Attorney General, the Public Utility Regulatory Authority voted on Wednesday to approve the $2.35 billion sale of the Aquarion Water Company to a new nonprofit regional water authority (RWA).

I have spoken with my colleagues from all of the impacted towns in our region, and we are determined to bring the legislation we voted out of the Energy and Technology Committee to the House and Senate floors. This legislation would address fair representation in the governance of the RWA, ensure our towns’ property tax revenue (PILOT), and establish key provisions to maintain oversight of this acquisition in the public interest in lieu of PURA oversight.

This is not the final outcome of our fight: we are in session, and we will continue to advocate for greater legislative oversight, as duly voted out of committee.”

PLUM TREE LANE: At the Conservation meeting on Tuesday, March 24^th, the Plum Tree application did not have enough votes to be approved by the Conservation Commission. See the Full video HERE. We will keep the Town updated.

AVOIDING COSTLY LITIGATIONS: First Selectman Dan Lent explains here https://youtu.be/xYL38kt5N5o that by talking with the parties, the Town was able to reach a resolution with the Strong on Center Yoga Studio. This resolution limits them to four-person classes in their garage. They are also securing a lease in Fairfield to hold larger classes at a full-sized commercial venue where they can grow and prosper. The arrangement allows residents to continue attending small inside classes and should mean the neighbors, some of whom threatened legal action, will not sue the town, as the Studio’s scaled-down operations should comply with Easton’s Home-Based Business regulations. Lent believes that direct conversations like these between the town zoning officials and conflicting parties can help find compromises that avoid litigation and save the town large amounts of money on legal fees. Although the parties still have concerns, considering how far apart the parties were, this is tangible progress.

OVERALL, THE GOAL OF MY ADMINISTRATION IS TO TALK TO RESIDENTS ABOUT COMMON SENSE SOLUTIONS AND REDUCE UNNECESSARY LAND USE LITIGATIONS AND REDUCE LAND USE AND REDUCE ALL TOWN LEGAL FEES WHENEVER POSSIBLE. It is simply too costly to lose lawsuits due to less-than-ideal execution.

THE BUDGET

BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING: I want to thank all of the residents who attended the public budget hearing on Monday night! There were definitely more than four people there this year! Thank you! The budget process is still underway, but everyone is dedicated to cutting costs while supporting excellence in education and other town needs. We are taking the budget process very seriously and candidly. As a small town, Easton has always attempted to do more with less, and we will continue to do so whenever we can.

SAFETY

FREE FIREARMS LOCKS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE POLICE STATION.

GUN SAFETY RULES EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW.

1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
3. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
4. Warn children that if they see a gun, they should not touch it, but go tell an adult.

TICK SAFETY: From the Aspetuck Health District, May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, which is an excellent reminder that checking yourself, children, and pets each day is an important way to reduce the possibility of tick-borne illness. The wet spring means that the tick population will be especially active. The Health District will identify ticks for a $10 fee and send ticks to the State of Connecticut laboratory for testing if appropriate.

REMINDER - PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGS

1. The next Conservation Public Hearing regarding the Saddle Ridge cluster housing development, which proposes 26 cluster house developments, will be held on March 30^th, at 7:00 pm at SSES. Public comment will be heard.
2. The next ZBA public meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 7^th, at 5:30 pm at the Town Hall Conference Room A to discuss the variance application at 12 Kent Road.
3. The next P&Z meeting regarding Plum Tree Lane and an 830-G text amendment zone change will be held on Tuesday, April 7^th, at 7:00 at SSES.
4. TENTATIVELY, the next P&Z meeting regarding Saddle Ridge will be held on April 21^st at 7:00 pm at SSES.
5. There will be a Valley Road Bridge public information session on April 3, 2026, at 7:00 pm in the Library Community Room. Click HERE for the rehabilitation study report link.
6. If you wish to receive updates regarding these meetings, please subscribe HERE!
7. As always, thank you for your continued engagement at these hearings and support as we work together for the future of Easton.

OTHER NEWS

CELEBRATING STAFF & TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK: Staff & Teacher Appreciation Week is a time to recognize the incredible dedication, care, and impact of those who support our students every day. Their hard work helps our students learn, grow, and succeed. We invite our community to join us in saying “thank you” with a kind note or small gesture of appreciation. It truly makes a difference!

FREE ON-LINE RESOURCES FROM THE EASTON PUBLIC LIBRARY is an incredible resource, offering not only outstanding programs and events, but also a wealth of digital content. Through its Digital Library—available at https://www.eastonlibrary.org/digital-library—patrons can access a wide range of resources, including popular books, movies, music, learning and research tools, news publications, career resources, legal and tax information, and health and government services. Here you will find museum passes! https://www.eastonlibrary.org/museum-passes The offerings are extensive—be sure to explore all that’s available!

Kindergarten is not too young for Lacrosse! EASTON REDDING LACROSSE (RELAX) – BARLOW FEEDER PROGRAM Easton Redding Lacrosse (RELAX) serves as a K-8 youth feeder program for Joel Barlow High School’s lacrosse teams. Designed for boys and girls in elementary and middle school, RELAX introduces players to the fundamentals of lacrosse while building skills, confidence, and a love for the game. The program emphasizes player development, teamwork, and sportsmanship, with experienced coaches guiding athletes through age-appropriate instruction and competitive play. Participants have opportunities to compete in local leagues and tournaments, helping prepare them for the next level at Barlow. RELAX also fosters strong connections within the Easton and Redding communities, creating a pipeline that supports the continued success of Barlow’s lacrosse program. https://re-lax.sportngin.com/register/form/856064138

SUPPORT THE EASTON COMMUNITY CENTER: The Easton Community Center (ECC) is a vibrant hub offering programs and services for residents of all ages. From early childhood education and after-school care to summer camps and enrichment classes, ECC supports youth development in a safe and engaging environment. For adults, the center provides fitness classes, wellness programs, and recreational opportunities designed to promote healthy and active lifestyles. ECC also hosts community events, cultural programs, and social gatherings that bring residents together throughout the year. In addition, the facility includes spaces for meetings, celebrations, and local events, making it a valuable resource for both individuals and organizations. With a focus on connection, wellness, and lifelong learning, the Easton Community Center plays a key role in strengthening the community and enhancing the quality of life for Easton residents. https://eastoncommunitycenter.com/

NEW PLAYGROUND AT ASPETUCK PARK OPENING ON March 31^st! Grand Opening Celebration at 4:00 pm!

SENIOR TAX RELIEF PROGRAM: https://www.eastonct.gov/assessor/files/tax-relief-programs. Deadline May 15, 2026.

VALLEY ROAD BRIDGE: Town Engineer Ed Nagy and First Selectman Dan Lent hosted a meeting this week with several CT DOT and bridge engineers to expedite the Valley Road Bridge renovation. A public information session is scheduled for Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 7:00 pm at the Library Community Room. The bridge construction will likely begin in 2028. Click HERE for the rehabilitation study report link.

SMART TEENS GROUP (16-18) Free Group Tuesdays! High schooler's looking for a safe space to get support and develop skills to work through challenges related to substance use or mental health? Check out our new virtual SMART Teens group! You'll learn to: build motivation, cope with unhealthy urges, manage your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and live a balanced life. The group will meet every Tuesday from 6–7 PM on Zoom. Get the link at www.positivedirections.org/groups

REQUIRED 2026 REVALUATION UNDERWAY: Homeowners are asked to review, complete, and return the mailers at their earliest convenience. If anyone has received a damaged Data Verification Letter, they should contact Municipal Valuation Services directly at (203) 292-5500 to request a replacement.

PARENT SUPPORT GROUP: If you are interested in volunteering for the Easton Parent Support Group focusing on college admissions, I would love to hear from you. Please contact Tina Reynolds at treynolds@eastonct.gov in the First Selectman's Office. In addition, the Library is hosting the following helpful event: Creating a Compelling College Application this Spring (Gr. 11 & Families) on Tuesday, April 21st, 7:30 pm via Zoom. Registration is required.

SHELTER UPDATE: There is a new pup, “Snoopy,” available for adoption! What a little cutie! Parker and Applejack are still available, too! If interested, please reach out to the Easton Animal Control at 203-268-9172.

Please contact me for any reason if I can help.

Thanks!
Dan Lent
First Selectman

EVENTS AROUND TOWN

This year's Annual Easter Egg Hunt EGG-Stravaganza will occur on TODAY, Friday, March 27th (Rain Date TBD). Ages: 0-10. Enjoy searching for Easter eggs at our New Friends Playground at 360 Sport Hill Road. There will be SPECIAL EGGS, Easter Trivia, and a visit with the Easter Bunny! The Hunt starts at 6:15 PM - WE ASK THAT YOU DO NOT ARRIVE BEFORE 5:40 PM, THE EASTER BUNNY WILL BE HIDING EGGS! *Ages: 0-3 will hunt on the Tennis Courts, Ages: 4-10 will hunt on the Playground. Fee: FREE - Easton residents only. REGISTRATION REQUIRED www.eastonrec.com. Don't forget your basket! All children will line up, and we will set a "GO" time. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Check our website or Facebook for rain updates.

The Staples Academy Foundation presents an evening of traditional Irish music by instructors of the Connecticut Academy of Irish Music, including Jeanne Freeman (Fiddle), Ellen Redman (flute/whistle), Claudine Langille (mandolin and banjo), and Flynn Cohen (guitar) on TODAY Friday, March 27 at 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at the Congregational Church Hall, 336 Westport Road. All proceeds help fund the renovation of the Historic Staples Academy Building. Suggested donation $10 per person – kids free! For inquiries, call 203-261-2527.

Hop into Spring at ECC! We’re excited to invite you and your family to our first ECC Springtime Egg Hunt on Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Enjoy a fun-filled activity featuring egg hunting, golden egg prizes, photos with the Easter Bunny, a festive craft corner, and tasty donuts and coffee. $15 per child (member), $20 per child (non-member), and participants are asked to bring their own basket. Please register for a one-hour time slot and arrive at the top of each hour; egg hunting will begin promptly, followed by crafts, snacks, and more to enjoy! This is a fundraising event hosted by the ECC Board of Directors, and all proceeds will directly benefit the center for much-needed building repairs and maintenance (including the now-leaking roof). We look forward to celebrating with you and creating joyful springtime memories together!

The Art and Craft of Storytelling: For Writers and Non-Writers at the Library Community Room, on Sunday, March 29, 1:00-2:30 pm. Join acclaimed author Dan Slater for a free seminar and workshop at the Easton Public Library. During the class on March 29^th, Dan will convey the essential principles of the storytelling trade and help budding storytellers of all ages and backgrounds transform their raw ideas into gripping narratives.

The Library is hosting the SCORE Workshop: Start Your Business Here – An Action Series to Take Your Idea to Business Launch (5-Part Series) Mondays, March 30, & April 6, and Wednesdays, April 15 & 22. Registration required.

The Easton Arts Council is presenting The Shapes of Color – Photography & Painting Art Exhibition by Paula McDonagh on exhibit March 2 – April 11 in the Community Room Gallery, Easton Public Library.

Wednesday, April 1^st is Library Giving Day! This is a national fundraising event for people to donate to their individual library system. Like most municipal libraries, Easton’s library depends on donations to finance many of the programs and services our community depends upon. The Friends fund a number of community-building events, such as the recent Holiday Tree-Lighting and Market, but we also fundraise to support programs such as the One Book One Town initiative, Summer Reading Programs, museum passes, STEM materials for our children’s area, and college-preparedness programs for our high school students. If you are able, please support our Easton Library Friends on Wednesday, April 1^st, and help keep our library a vibrant place for Easton to learn, grow, and thrive! To donate, go to https://eastonlibraryfriends.org/givingday/ or drop off a check at the Library.

The Newtown Conservation Commission is sponsoring a larger community event about deadly rodenticide poison. "Think Outside the Bait Box" will be held on Saturday, April 4, from 2-4 pm at the Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street, Newtown. The event is free and open to the public.

The Library is hosting “Tech 101” on Thursday, April 9, at 11:00 a.m. Join us and get your computer, smartphone, tablet, and social media questions answered! There's no such thing as a stupid question! Please bring your device(s) with you. Registration is recommended.

The Easton Arts Council invites you to join us for a full evening of Art in Easton on Thursday, April 9th. We will start out at the Easton Library from 4-7 pm, Robert Brennan, STILL LIFES – From Real to Surreal Oil Paintings art exhibition in the Small Gallery. His exhibition will be on view April 8 – May 25. We are also excited to collaborate with Greiser’s – The Easton School of Artists exhibit featuring the artwork of 16 town residents for an Opening Reception, Thursday, April 9, 6:30 – 9:00 pm. Featured artists include: Robert Brennan, Alain Bourgeois, Cara Forgione, John Forgione, Sara Hunsucker, Tom Hunsucker, Elizabeth Katz, Duvian Montoya, Tammy Nguyen, James Prosek, Paul Richard, Margaret Roleke, Patricia Scanlan, Lee Skalkos, Angela Strassheim, and Joan Wheeler. Patrons will be able to park at the Library, and Greiser’s will provide shuttle runs from 6:30 – 9:30 pm, generously provided by Nick D’Addario & The D’Addario Family.

ENJOY THE WESTPORT LEVITT PAVILION CONCERTS THIS SUMMER!

THE DISCO BISCUITS NIGHT ONE: FRIDAY, JUNE 12 | Doors: 5:30 PM | Show: 6:30 PM, NIGHT TWO: SATURDAY, JUNE 13 | Doors: 5:30 PM | Show: 6:30 PM. Member Pre-Sale begins Wednesday, March 25, at 10 AM ET. Get your 2026 Membership now: Enjoy pre-sale access and exclusive member discounts to this and upcoming shows!* Already a member? Log in here. Public on Sale: Friday, March 27 at 10 AM ET. 2-DAY PASSES - FRIDAY, JUNE 12 + SATURDAY, JUNE 13 LAWN Section GA: Ticket holders in this section will be able to enjoy the bar located on the terrace. Advance GA 2-DAY PASS: $100 / LP Member Advance GA 2-DAY PASS $100 (FF waived on Member passes) DAY OF SHOW: $110.