4/2/2026 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 – OWLS ABOUND! (Please send me pictures of your wildlife in town to treynolds@eastonct.gov.)

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CONSERVATION, LAND USE, WATERSHED, & ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION ISSUES

MEETING WITH THE FIRST SELECTMAN OF WESTPORT ON LAND USE ISSUES
I met with Kevin Christie, the First Selectman of the Town of Westport, to discuss initiatives. Westport started a new affordable housing fund about one year ago, which now has over $1,000,000. This is allowed by state statute, as I have mentioned before. The new buyer pays a fee when a house is sold and, so far, it is popular in Westport. Our affordable housing (and required housing growth plan) committee is researching this.

MEETING WITH THE FIRST SELECTMAN OF WOODBRIDGE ON LAND USE ISSUES
I met with Mica Cardozo, First Selectman of Woodbridge, to discuss initiatives. Woodbridge has farmland and is rural like Easton. He pointed out a company they use to build country barn-style affordable housing - LISC Connecticut (Local Initiatives Support Corporation). They are a major community development organization that has invested over $630 million since 1984 to build, preserve, and manage affordable housing across the state. They partner with local nonprofits and government entities to revitalize neighborhoods, providing financing, grants, and technical assistance for rental housing, homeownership, and community facilities. Key Aspects of LISC Connecticut:

• Affordable Housing Focus: LISC has helped local partners create over 8,683 affordable homes, supporting low-income families, seniors, and veterans.
• Technical Assistance: LISC offers expert guidance on project development, from planning and acquisition to construction and rehabilitation.
• Target Areas: Active in major cities like Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, and Waterbury, as well as providing technical assistance for suburban/rural affordable housing.

MEETING WITH METROCOG regarding traffic problems affecting the environment
I met with METROCOG and Federal DOT Officials to discuss federal highway and infrastructure funding and planning. I emphasized that the “bumper to bumper” traffic that our commuters experience daily in Fairfield County on the Merritt Parkway and I-95 and surrounding streets is unacceptable and is also an environmental hazard. Additionally, the poor quality of our commuter train system, METRO-NORTH, needs a lot more infrastructure work and improvement. Our commuters and the environment suffer every day, and it needs to be improved with creative solutions and funding as a top priority. I emphasized that the traffic has “become worse than on Long Island.” This heavy volume also affects Easton negatively as heavy traffic clogs our roads every day, which were never designed for this.

MEETING WITH AQUARION AND RWA:
I met with local employees of Aquarion and the RWA (Regional Water Authority) to hear their feedback and input on the sale of Aquarion to RWA. RWA purportedly works well with local land trusts, and the Aquarion employees state that RWA has new technology to implement. Obviously, the potential tax losses to Easton and water rate increases are top priorities to Easton, but it was at least good to hear something positive about RWA. I also spoke to State Senator Tony Hwang about progress on legislative fixes to help Easton's role in RWA’s management.

PLUM TREE LANE development next to the Mill River:
The developer, Steve Shapiro, an Easton resident, has informed the Town through his attorney that he intends to appeal the recent decision of the Easton Conservation and Wetlands Commission. Wetlands specialist attorney Keith Ainsworth will continue to represent the Town. You can watch a video of the decision HERE:

AVOIDING COSTLY LITIGATIONS:
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 LEGAL FEES AND ALL TOWN LEGAL FEES WHENEVER POSSIBLE. It is simply too costly to lose lawsuits due to less-than-ideal execution.

Regarding the Lovejoy versus Town of Easton case related to Greiser’s store operations, the Town is filing a motion for summary judgment and for dismissal. We hope also that the neighbors' concerns can be addressed in the future without litigation. To help with this, our new Land Use Director, Keisha Fink, and our Planning and Zoning Board will be looking into planning for all of our pre-zoning (pre-1941) businesses in Town, like the former Easton Village Store property, Greiser’s Store, Apple Barn store, and the Blue Bird auto station and restaurant, for example. These “grandfathered” commercial store properties should have the opportunity to thrive, but they need clearer zoning regulations to adapt and remain in business without violating zoning rules or neighboring property rights when seeking to modify their services as nonconforming uses.

SPOKE WITH THE CHAIR OF THE REDDING PLANNING COMMISSION
In Redding, Planning and Zoning are two separate agencies. Easton residents are calling for the Town to separate Planning and Zoning into two boards so more “planning” meetings can be held. I spoke with the Chair of the Redding Planning Commission, Laurie Heiss to discuss how they plan, for example.

MEETING WITH OUR NEW LAND USE DIRECTOR KEISHA FINK
I met with our new Land Use Director and directed her to also examine the list of our large parcels of land and farms to help plan for their futures and to preserve farms and conservation land wherever possible.

THE BUDGET
The next Board of Finance budget meeting is on Tuesday, April 7^th. Substantial budgeting adjustments have occurred, so progress is being made.

SAFETY

OPEN BURNING IN EASTON: PERMITS & SAFETY Open burning is allowed in Easton with a signed permit from the Fire Department (1 Center Road). Before burning, permit holders must call 203-268-2833 to confirm it is an approved burn day. Burn days are limited, especially in April—always check before you burn. Only dry brush under 3 inches in diameter may be burned on your residential property. Leaves, construction materials, and unapproved burning are prohibited. Fires must be attended to with a hose or water source nearby. Fire pits, chimeneas, and campfires do not require permits if used for recreational purposes only—not for burning yard debris. Fires must be small, attended, and safely located away from structures and combustible materials. For full guidelines and safety tips, please visit the link HERE.

The Police Department offers FREE GUN SAFETY LOCKS, available for pickup at the front desk.

PROMOTE RESPONSIBLE GUN STORAGE AND OWNERSHIP. The Be SMART campaign was launched to raise awareness that secure gun storage—storing guns unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition—can save children’s lives. https://besmartforkids.org/about-us/. Children also need to know what they should do if they visit a friend’s house, for example, and unfortunately find an unsecured gun. They need to know not to touch it and tell an adult. Teenagers who are hunters and who use firearms for hunting also need proper training and adult supervision.

REMINDER - PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGS

1. 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.
2. 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. This is a standard zoning change procedure that all 830-G applicants must apply for.
3. TENTATIVELY, the next P&Z meeting regarding Saddle Ridge will be held on Tuesday, April 28th at 7:00 pm at SSES.
4. There will be a Town Meeting on Monday, April 27^th, at 7:00 pm at SSES.
5. There will be a Valley Road Bridge public information session on Thursday, April 30^th, 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
The new Aspetuck Park playground is open. It was a pleasure to open the new Aspetuck Park playground with Selectman Nick D’Addario and State Representative Anne Hughes next to what long-time residents will fondly remember as “the mud hole,” a former swimming area, and home to the Annual Fishing Derby. The cost of this playground exceeded $200,000 and is fully self-funded by Park and Recreation program revenues. Therefore, please support Easton’s park and recreation summer camps and after-school programs because these programs self-pay for improvements like this. Thank you to P&R Director Danielle Alves for administering this project as well.

We extend our sincere thanks to Chief Foti Koskinas for his efforts in picking up new, free-of-charge office furniture for Town Hall donated from the Bridgewater Hedge Fund in Westport, including a new desk for First Selectman Dan Lent and a large conference table with leather chairs. These additions are a wonderful improvement to our workspace. We also greatly appreciate the DPW crew for their hard work in disassembling, moving, and reassembling the furniture. Their time and teamwork made the process smooth and efficient. Thank you all for your support and dedication to our town. This is a good example of Easton "doing more for less."

PROPERTY RECORDS FOR SEPTIC AND WELL: Aspetuck Health District provides access to environmental health records such as septic, well, and permit documentation. To request copies of property files, please send an email to filesearch@aspetuckhd.org, including the following information: 1) List the property address in both the email subject line and the body of your message, 2) Specify the documentation you are requesting (e.g., septic plans, well permits, food service inspections). We process all requests in the order they are received and strive to fulfill them within three business days. If the requested documentation is available, a PDF will be emailed to the address from which the request was submitted. If no relevant records are found, we will notify you via email.

THE EASTON LAND PRESERVATION & ACQUISITION AUTHORITY (LPAA): The LPAA is a town committee dedicated to preserving the open space, scenic beauty, and community character that make Easton unique. We identify properties that may be important for conservation, recreation, or historic protection and may recommend land or development rights acquisition when appropriate. Residents often play a key role in alerting us to properties that may be at risk or coming to market. If you know of land worth preserving, we encourage you to reach out—early awareness matters. LPAA meets on the second Monday of each month at 7:30 PM in Town Hall (Conference Room A). Contact: eastonlpaa@gmail.com. Together, we can help preserve what makes Easton special.

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.

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.

COLLEGE SUBMISSION SUPPORT GROUP: 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

Stop into the Library to pick up your Passport to CT Libraries, April 1-30, and get it stamped. Then, try to visit as many CT libraries as possible. Visit at least five libraries and be entered into a raffle to win a Visa gift card!

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.

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 Easton Library is hosting “SCORE Workshops: Start Your Business Here”, an action series to take your idea to business launch. Join us for Parts 3, 4, & 5 of this 5-part series on Monday, April 6th, Wednesday, April 15th, and Wednesday, April 22. All sessions meet from 6:00-8:30 pm. For details and registration, go to HERE.

Easton Garden Club is having its April General Meeting on Wednesday, April 8^th, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Easton Public Library Community Room regarding Victorian Gardening. Imagine being transported back into a Victorian garden full of your grandmother’s hollyhocks, fragrant lilacs, blush roses, and flowering wisteria. Marie Hayes of Gardens Unlimited will take you there in this session on Victorian Gardening. Marie is the former head gardener of White Flower Farm in Litchfield, CT; she has specialized in perennial borders and cutting gardens for 35 years. Please note: Garden Club holds a general meeting in advance of the presentation for members only at 11:30. Doors open to the Public at 12:30.

Selfcare For Seniors: A Celebration of Living Your Best Life Ever! Come Join Us on Wednesday, April 8^th, at 11:00 am as we continue celebrating the value of lovingly connecting with ourselves and others to improve wellbeing. Everyone is invited to bring a friend and an open mind as we engage in stimulating discourses that include recognition of our country’s 250th anniversary! We will nibble on STRAWBERRIES and sip SPARKLING CIDER! Remember to register, as space is limited! SELFCARE IS HEALTHCARE!

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 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.

Senior Education Seminar--Learn How to Stay Independent at Home on Saturday, April 11, at 3:30 p.m. at the Library. Presented by Assisted Living Home Care Services, this program is for seniors and their family members. Registered Nurse and Certified Senior Advisor Julie Cruz will present a one-hour discussion on practical, real-world guidance, covering a range of topics relating to in-home care for seniors. Registration is recommended.

Senior Center Silent Auction APRIL 14 - MAY 5 (9 am- 3 pm)!! Something for Everyone – a unique collection of vintage, antique, and decorative treasures! Bids starting as low as $7.00. All proceeds help fund classes and new programs. Easton Senior Center – 650 Morehouse Road.

The Library is sponsoring “HeartMath” on Saturday, April 18, at 1:30 p.m. HeartMath is a science-based system that combines techniques and technology to help individuals reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and enhance resilience. It focuses on connecting with the heart’s intelligence and using simple breathing practices to create coherence between the heart, mind, and emotions. Register here.

Please join us at the Easton Public Library for “Words from the Front,” a staged reading that bears witness to the war in Ukraine through the actual voices of Americans, Russians, and Ukrainians in correspondence. Sunday, April 19, at 2:30 pm.

15^TH ANNUAL EASTON MEMORIAL DAY MILE RACE will be held on Monday, May 25th, 2026!

1. Walk or run in the Memorial Day Mile before the Parade! Go HERE to enter $25.00
2. Be a Sponsor! $200 to support the Senior Center and add your LOGO on the Race Shirt!
3. Be a Friend of the Senior Center Memorial Milers - $25-$50 to offset race costs (timers, awards, snacks, etc.)
4. Volunteer for the race committee or for 1 hour on race day, May 25^th, 8:00 – 9:00 am.
5. RACE INFO: Sign-in begins at 7:30 am, race starts at 8:30 am. Easton Fire House, 1 Center Road, Easton, CT. Net proceeds to benefit Easton Senior Center. Race starts in front of the Easton Fire House @ 8:30 am. Finishes at the same spot to accommodate Parade goers. **RAIN or SHINE ** Post Race Water and Food. Award Ceremony & Prizes at the end of the race. Commemorative shirt guaranteed to all pre-registered participants. Entry Fee: $25.00 - Race day: $30.00 Registration ends May 24, 2026, at 8:00 pm EDT. Sign Up

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.