Easton P&Z Recommends Closes Hearings On Black Rock Road Zoning Proposals

EASTON, CT — The Easton Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously Jan. 6 to recommend a partial release of a $27,300 bond tied to improvements at a residential property on Far Horizon Drive, while also closing public hearings on three major zoning applications involving property at 640 Black Rock Road.

Commissioners voted 5–0 to recommend releasing part of the bond for property owner Peter DiNardo, who constructed a driveway at 34/36/38 Far Horizon Drive. DiNardo told the commission the work had been completed to Department of Public Works standards, and the release was recommended by Deputy Director of Public Works Bruce Bombero. The motion was made by Secretary Lou DiPietro and seconded by Vice Chair Alison Sternberg.

The commission also unanimously voted to close public hearings on three related applications concerning property at 640 Black Rock Road, owned by Aquarion Water Co. of Connecticut. The applications include a text amendment to the zoning regulations, a zone change, and a special permit proposal for a fitness studio, country store and photo studio. The 5–0 vote followed nearly an hour of public testimony and review of supplemental materials submitted into the record.

Chair Ray Ganim resumed the hearings at 7:13 p.m., with Commissioner Jason Klein recusing himself from discussion and voting due to a potential conflict. Attorney Rob Bellitto, representing the applicant, presented updates and responded to commission questions related to septic maintenance, zoning criteria and proposed signage. Nine residents spoke during public comment.

The commission entered multiple documents into the record, including proposed signage renderings, lease information related to septic maintenance, revised text amendments, resident testimony and legal opinions submitted by both the applicant and members of the public. Bellitto closed the presentation with final remarks and rebuttal to public comment before the hearings were closed at 8:31 p.m.

Earlier in the meeting, commissioners approved the amended minutes of the Nov. 16, 2025, Planning & Zoning Commission meeting by a 5–0 vote. Klein recused himself from that vote due to partial attendance, and Ganim appointed Commissioner Christian Calemmo to vote in his place.

Under unfinished business, commissioners continued discussion of a special permit application for a private school proposed at 405 Sport Hill Road. No action was taken, and the matter will be revisited at a future meeting. A draft zoning incentive regulation related to local historic structures was also reviewed but not acted upon.

The commission acknowledged receipt of a separate zone change and text amendment application affecting properties on Sport Hill Road and Silvermine Road, and noted that public hearings on those applications must be opened by March 12.

The meeting concluded with public comment from two residents on general planning and zoning matters. Commissioners voted 5–0 to adjourn at 10:31 p.m.