6/18/2026 A Message from First Selectman Lent

Greetings from Town Hall!

The main theme of my administration is environmental and land use issues. Let’s save Easton!

WILDLIFE IN EASTON! (Please send image contributions to treynolds@eastonct.gov.)

CONSERVATION, LAND USE, WATERSHED, & ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION ISSUES

DISCOVER THE BIRDS AROUND YOU WITH MERLIN BIRD ID! Have you ever heard a bird singing and wondered what it was? The free Merlin Bird ID app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology can help! Simply listen to bird sounds through your phone, answer a few questions about what you see, or upload a photo, and Merlin will identify the bird for you. It's a fun and easy way to learn about local wildlife, whether you're in your backyard, on a hike, or enjoying one of Easton's many open spaces. Download Merlin Bird ID for free and start exploring the fascinating world of birds today!

HELP US PROTECT EASTON’S NATURAL BEAUTY: Mile-a-Minute (Persicaria perfoliata) is an annual vine that can grow six inches per day, smothering other vegetation. Seed persists in the soil for six years. Seeds are dispersed by birds, mammals, and water. Control: Hand pull plants and roots before fruiting in August. Repeated mowing or weed-whacking will reduce the plants' reserves and prevent or decrease flowering. Weevils are effective for bio-control.

EMS UPDATE
Terrible surprise! Easton bought a contaminated “Brownfields” lot for the EMS in 2024. The voters were not told they were buying a contaminated “Brownfields” site.

The contaminated “Brownfields” status was not disclosed by the previous administration. Oddly, none of the relevant people were informed of this monumental 2024 decision, and state funding was also not applied for to clean it up.

As discussed at the last Board of Selectmen meeting (see short video clip here) -- I also discovered last week, to the unfortunate surprise of everyone involved — that the previous Bindelglass/ D’Addario administration had the 444 lot officially classified as a contaminated “Brownfields” site before the land was purchased in 2024. Then, oddly, none of the relevant people were informed of this monumental 2024 decision, and state funding was also not applied for to clean it up. Brownfields clean-up funding must be applied for before work begins, thus it is probably too late to get funding.

Shockingly, the Easton voters also were not informed for the vote on February 11, 2025, that the Town had committed to cleaning up a contaminated Brownfields site (when voters voted to pay for about 2 million dollars towards the EMS project from our undesignated fund).

“Brownfield” means any abandoned or underutilized site where redevelopment, reuse, or expansion has not occurred due to the presence or potential presence of pollution in the buildings, soil, or groundwater that requires investigation or remediation before or in conjunction with the redevelopment, reuse, or expansion of the property. In this case, there is oil contamination, ETPH, PAH, Toluene, and other oil and gas-related chemicals, some of which came in a "plume into the water table" from the now-removed gas pumps located next door at the former Easton Village Store site.

Important points:

1. After the 444 lot was applied for by the previous administration and then accepted into a Brownfields program in June 2024 (the Brownfield Remediation & Revitalization Program (BRRP) -- none of the required paperwork was done. So, though we are now very late and past the deadlines, we will submit the required schedule of investigation and remediation plans. Hopefully, we can avoid penalties. Note: The BRRP program does not provide any funding -- but it reduces the liability if contamination spreads from the contaminated 444 lot to any neighbors (for example, if contamination spreads to Silverman’s land from 444).

2. Note: It appears that neither the former Town attorneys, Berchem Moses, nor the Licensed Environmental Professional LEP (Chris Buck at Sovereign), nor the EMS Staff, nor the EMS Building Committee, were informed by the previous administration that the previous administration had decided to declare the 444 lot as a contaminated Brownfields site before it was purchased. Also, as known from the beginning by the site map test holes, much of the top layer of 444 is not topsoil -- but is gravel fill and contains other debris like metal, old car parts, and bricks. Removal of this top layer of non-topsoil fill was also not budgeted for.

3. Oddly, no Brownfields grant funding was applied for. Since 2024, no Brownfields funding has been applied for by Easton. The problem now is that the funding money must be received by rule before work is performed.

4. Please see page 3 of the Brownfields application, where former First Selectman Bindelglass certifies that “(2) The property meets the definition of a brownfield and has been subject to a release of a regulated substance in an amount that is in excess of the remediation standards.” (see page 3)

5. The Town has recently hired a second environmental consulting company, EKI, to help expedite clean-up and DEEP compliance matters and to provide a second opinion on how to best handle the contaminated soil issues overall.

6. Resident Joe Palmieri is leading the contaminated soil clean-up planning work now and will make recommendations to the building committee and then to the selectmen. Joe did an RFP for soil removal as well.

7. For increased transparency, and if anyone wants information, we are putting the EMS contamination documents on the town website HERE. We will also alert the auditors of the situation.

8. We are working as fast as possible to get this sorted out, but it is very frustrating that the voters did not know they were buying a contaminated “Brownfields” site and that they were obligated to pay to clean it up by the previous administration, who did not disclose this, apply for state funding, or budget for removing contaminated soil.

Unfortunately, it is likely that more money will be needed from the Town to finish this project because the contaminated soil clean-up costs were not budgeted for.

NEWS ON THE PROPOSED PLUMTREE TOWN-HOUSES NEXT TO THE MILL RIVER: Regarding the application for a Zone Change Application #ZC-25-6100 and Text Amendment #TXT-25-6100 – Application pursuant to Connecticut General Statues §8-30g requesting a zone change and related text amendment to the Easton zoning regulations. The Planning & Zoning Commission found that the text amendment and zone change are inconsistent with Easton’s Plan of Conservation and Development and shall be denied for the following reasons:

1. The lack of a final site plan makes it impossible for the Commission to determine whether there are public health and safety concerns associated with the proposed text amendment and the Mill River Park District, particularly with regards to fire protection, specifically building height in excess of the Easton Fire Dept.’s capability, lack of secondary egress from the premise, and a lack of adequate fire suppression.
2. There are also a number of instances of vagueness and inconsistencies in the proposed text amendment that raise concerns over the issues of health and safety.
3. A conceptual site plan is merely a suggestion of what might be built, and does not reflect what might be permitted under the Text Amendment.

PUBLIC SAFETY: Please remember to “Slow Down in Our Town” and help keep our roads safe by avoiding speeding. We installed a new radar speed limit warning sign on Center Road near Banks Road near Shaggy Coos farm.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: Summer weather can bring thunderstorms, power outages, and severe weather events. Please be prepared, review family emergency plans, keep emergency contact information updated, monitor local weather alerts, and maintain a basic emergency kit with water, flashlights, batteries, and first aid supplies.

OTHER NEWS:
Know someone who would like town updates and community news? Please share our newsletter sign-up link and help us keep Easton connected.” NEWSLETTER.

CLOSED: Town Offices & Easton Public Library will be closed on Friday, June 19th, in observance of Juneteenth.

TRANSFER STATION TICKET INCREASE: Due to increased costs in garbage removal, as of July 1st, we will need to increase the cost of the Transfer Station tickets sold at Town Hall from $9 to $10 to cover our costs.

TROOP 66 EAGLE SCOUT CEREMONY: I was honored to participate in Troop 66’s Eagle Scout ceremony for eight Eagles earning the rank, and offered each a citation from the Connecticut General Assembly from the entire delegation. This is a magnificent class of Eagles to be celebrated and commended for their achievement and service to our community. It was an honor to witness, along with so many family, friends, mentors, and grandparents of these fine young men. Congratulations Peter and William Correa, Robert Sammons, Brady Decker, Maximilian Unfried, Harlan Lewandowski, Sawyer Beninati, and Quintin Haines!

SAMUEL STAPLES HISTORIC MARKER DEDICATION & AMERICA 250 EXHIBIT OPENING: On May 29, 2026, community members, local officials, and the Historical Society of Easton gathered at the Old Staples Academy to dedicate a William G. Pomeroy Foundation Historic Marker honoring Samuel Staples, whose generosity established a lasting legacy of educational opportunity in Easton. Following the ceremony, guests toured the new America 250 exhibit, which highlights Easton’s rich history through artifacts, documents, and stories spanning generations of community life. A special thank you to Elizabeth Boyce, President of the Historical Society of Easton, whose research, vision, and dedication were instrumental in securing the historic marker and creating the America 250 exhibit. Her efforts, along with the support of many volunteers and community partners, have helped preserve and share Easton’s remarkable history for future generations.

2026 #LOCOOLGOV SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST – NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES! Connecticut students in grades 6–12 are invited to participate in the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities' (CCM) #LoCoolGov Scholarship Contest by answering the question: “What is cool about local government?” Students may submit an essay, poem, photo, video, painting, multimedia project, or other creative work. Individual and group submissions (up to 3 students) are welcome. Two winners will be selected—one middle school and one high school project—with each receiving a $1,000 scholarship and recognition before municipal officials. Submission Deadline: September 15, 2026. For contest rules, entry forms, and additional information, visit CCM's #LoCoolGov Scholarship Contest page or contact memberservices@ccm-ct.org

2026 REVALUATION INSPECTIONS BEGINNING SOON: As part of Easton’s 2026 Real Estate Revaluation, Municipal Valuation Services (Munival) will begin field inspections throughout town within the next few weeks. Inspections are expected to start in the Aspetuck/Town Center neighborhood, followed by Easton North. Residents who requested an inspection on their Data Verification Letter will be contacted directly to schedule an appointment. Munival representatives will conduct exterior and interior inspections, take photographs, and measure residential and commercial properties. For your safety, all inspectors will carry Town and Munival identification, an official letter of introduction, wear company-logo attire, and use vehicles registered with the Easton Police Department. For more information, visit the Revaluation page on the Town website or contact Munival at (203) 292-5500.

GOOD REMINDERS:

DOG LICENSING MONTH: The Town Clerk’s Office reminds residents that June is Dog Licensing Month. Dog licenses must be renewed by June 30 to avoid late fees. Please note that a current rabies vaccination is required to renew your dog’s license. Click here for more information and renewal options.

ASPETUCK HEALTH DISTRICT: Going forward, the Aspetuck Health District will no longer be at the Town Hall on Tuesday afternoons. For septic and well permits, please contact them directly at 203-227-9571 if you need to schedule an appointment with them.

TOWN HALL AFTER HOURS: Please note that access to Town Hall for after-hours meetings is limited. The only entrance available will be through the Police Department doors on Morehouse Road. You may take the elevator or staircase up to the second floor to access the Town Hall conference room during meeting hours.

THE EASTON OBSERVER: For a copy, please email: publisher@eastonobserver.org or subscribe at www.eastonobserver.org. The next issue will be out June 12th, and this will be the last free issue to the whole town; July and onward is for subscribers only. On behalf of the whole Observer team, thank you for your readership.

HELP KEEP EASTON HEALTHY: No Bags, No Food, No Foam. Help keep Easton's recycling program efficient and cost-effective by following three simple rules:

• No Bags: Never place recyclables in plastic bags. Bagged recyclables must be discarded at the recycling facility.
• No Food: Empty and rinse containers before recycling. Food and liquid residue can contaminate entire loads.
• No Foam: Styrofoam is not recyclable in our area and should be placed in the trash.

Important: Plastic bags and plastic film should never go in curbside recycling. They can damage recycling equipment. Dispose of them in the trash or take clean bags and film to designated collection bins.

Special Reminder: Radioactive chemotherapy-related items (such as clothing or diapers) cannot be placed in household trash. Please use the special disposal containers provided by your medical supplier.

Thank you for helping keep Easton clean, safe, and environmentally responsible.

RECYCLING QUESTIONS: Please call RWS at 203-334-1600

ALARM RENEWAL MONTH: To remain compliant with the Town of Easton alarm ordinance, an annual $20 Alarm Renewal Use Fee must be paid by July 1 to avoid penalties. Payments can be made in person at the Town of Easton Police Department, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, or mailed to: PO Box 7, Easton, CT 06612.

SAFE KIDS CONNECTICUT: Reminder, car seats are currently available for families in need through the program. Please contact the Police Department at 203-268-3515 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday.

EASTON SHELTER UPDATE: Snoopy, Parker, and Applejack still need homes. They deserve more than a kennel—they deserve a person to love and a home where they can truly thrive. Each one is ready to give loyalty, companionship, and unconditional love to the right family. Please help spread the word so they have the chance to find the caring homes they deserve and live their very best lives. If interested, please reach out to the Easton Animal Control at 203-268-9172. Feel free to donate pet food and blankets for our furry friends!

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Dan Lent
First Selectman

AMERICA 250! 250 YEARS OF FREEDOM Highlighting Easton’s history, civic pride, and volunteer spirit!

READING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE – July 8 - AS PART OF AMERICA 250
On July 8th, I will have the honor of reading the Declaration of Independence in front of Town Hall in celebration of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. This meaningful occasion offers a chance to reflect on our shared history and the enduring ideals of freedom, unity, and democracy that continue to guide and inspire our community and country. Residents are warmly invited to join us for this special moment as we come together to commemorate this milestone and celebrate our nation’s legacy.

EASTON HILL CLIMB REVIVAL RETURNS – POSTPONED TO A LATER DATE DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS – POSSIBLE NEW DATE IN AUGUST!

EVENTS AROUND TOWN

Easton Arts Council is hosting ‘Art in the Country’ fine art juried show, May 2 – June 27. Peggy Dembicer's TRANSFORMATIONS art exhibition, May 16 – June 30, at the Easton Public Library, Small Gallery.

Join us for a powerful conversation on the enduring significance of Juneteenth on Friday, June 19th, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Library Community Room for a Juneteenth Town Hall! Honoring our history, defending our future. Be part of the dialogue that honors our history and shapes our collective future! (A light lunch will be served at noon)

Moth Night at Randall’s Farm with Naturalist Lukas Keras on Friday, June 19th, from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM at Randall's Farm Nature Preserve, 700 Sport Hill Road (map). Step into the fascinating world of moths under the night sky at Randall’s Farm! Guided by naturalist Lukas Keras, this immersive program reveals the hidden beauty and ecological importance of moths—often overshadowed by their butterfly relatives.

Concerts on the Hill 2026 Season at Christ Church, 59 Church Rd, Easton, begins Sunday, June 21st! Visit our CONCERTS PAGE for more info.

Starbound: Inside the WonderSphere Immersive Traveling Planetarium (Grades K-5): Join us inside the EverWonder Children’s Museum’s Traveling Planetarium on Thursday, June 25, 4:30-5:30 PM at the Library to explore the night sky, star patterns, and the stories people have told about them. This program will be led by trained educators from the Museum. Space is limited, and registration is required.

Verna Hill Garden Tour with Charlie & Annie Stebbins on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM and 2:00 pm at Verna Hill, Fairfield, CT (map). Please join us for an early summer walk hosted by Charlie and Annie Stebbins as they share their spectacular property and garden, bustling with biodiversity, featuring a plethora of native perennials, shrubs, and trees. Register Here: Morning 10-11:30‍ ‍Afternoon 2-3:30

Story Time on The Library Lawn on Friday, Jun. 26, 11:00-11:30 AM. Bring a blanket and join us for Story Time on the Library lawn! Light snacks will be provided. Stay after and read some titles from our Book Cart. It’s a beautiful way to spend the day! No registration required.

A Senior Education Seminar - Learn How to Stay Independent at Home will be held on Saturday, June 27, at 11:00 am 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 focus on a one-hour discussion on practical, real-world guidance, covering a range of topics, including:

• Five signs a loved one might need home care services
• Assessing the best care option for your elderly relative: home care vs. assisted living community
• How to pay for in-home senior care services in Connecticut
• Understanding Connecticut’s Adult Family Living/Foster Caregiver program: a potential lifeline for families
• Common myths about medical and nonmedical home care (and what’s actually true)
• Facts of financial insecurity later in life - how to use the Elder Index, a cost-of-living measure designed specifically for older adults
• Exploring and accessing benefits for veterans and their families during their golden years

Registration is recommended.

Sensory Story Time (Ages 3-5) on Monday, Jun. 29, 11:00-11:30 am. Join us at the Library for a sensory story time to support learning through play! We will read a story, sing songs, and explore hands-on sensory activities that build early literacy and developmental skills. This program will be led by Miss Tori, who is a licensed pediatric occupational therapist!

Introduction to Chess (Grades 4 & UP) on Monday, Jun. 29, 1:00-2:00 PM. This introductory chess program at the Library will teach participants the basics and fundamentals of chess, such as how the chess pieces move, the rules of the game, as well as how to strategize and improve game play. Space is Limited. Registration is required.

Craft Crew (Grades K-5) on Thursday, Jul. 2, 4:30pm. Join us at the Library for a fun holiday craft celebrating America’s 250th birthday! We will be creating our very own nighttime fireworks with paint! No Registration Required

Food For Your Soul Taco Making Class (Grades 6-8) on Thursday, Jul. 9, 6:00pm. Please join us at the Library for this taco making class with Chef Erika Gradecki! She will teach you how to prep, cook, and prepare delicious tacos to enjoy! Meat and vegetarian options available! Registration is required. Max of 15 slots available

Mah-Jongg Open Play on Tuesday, Jul. 14, 6:00-8:00pm. Do you play Mah-Jongg? Join us at the Library for an open play session. Please be aware that playing for money is not allowed. Please bring your Mah-Jongg set if you have one. Note: this is not a class. Registration is recommended, as we need to know how many tables to set up.