Feb. 20 Update From Easton First Selectman Lent

**News Release Submitted by Easton First Selectman Lent**

Feb. 20, 2025

Greetings from Town Hall!

As always, thematically, environmental and land preservation issues are the top priority of my administration.

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

Red-shouldered Hawk courtesy of Laura Salma

Sleeping Coyote courtesy of Nicole Constantino

Wild Turkeys courtesy of Gen Waterbury

CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION ISSUES
I am concerned that public safety and environmental concerns such as preserving water supplies, and carbon capture from preserving trees and forest land does not seem to be countenanced in the housing bills such as PROPOSED CONNECTICUT SENATE BILL 151 (SB 151), titled "An Act Prohibiting Certain Land Use and Zoning Limitations on Housing," is a 2026 legislative proposal aimed at reducing local control over zoning to increase housing density, particularly in areas with or planned for public water and sewer. It restricts municipalities from enforcing minimum lot sizes (over 5,000 sq ft), certain setback requirements, and minimum floor areas for homes, while allowing townhouses in single-family zones. There are no requirements that the housing built under this bill would be affordable, nor is there any consideration of how this bill integrates into PA 25-1 (HB 8002).
I encourage all Easton residents to join CT 169 Strong and oppose bills such as these by using the links to tell your legislator to oppose it. https://ct169strong.org/petiti...

Here is Yankee Institute's testimony in opposition https://yankeeinstitute.org/20...

Here is my letter I sent to the legislators:

Dear Housing Committee, State Reps. and Senators, Legislative Leaders, and Gov. Lamont:
Please oppose Senate Bill 151, which ignores public safety concerns and environmental safety fundamentals, such as carbon capture from forest land and trees, and water supply pollution concerns.

For example, Easton opposes Senate Bill 151, which eliminates local zoning discretion in areas with existing “or planned” public sewer and water with top-down state mandates.
I also feel that this legislation ignores the fundamentals of property law. I suggest you reread “The Common Law” by Oliver Wendell Holmes.
Concerns:

1. Caps lot sizes at 5,000 sq ft (9 units or 0.11 per acre), causing exponential density development without evaluating existing sewer, water, stormwater runoff, schools, roads, and parking infrastructure capacity.
2. Reduces setbacks to 5–10 feet, and eliminates height and lot coverage limits, encouraging overcrowding and loss of green space. Developers will maximize profits with oversized luxury developments, not starter or silver homes.
3. Provides no state funding for infrastructure upgrades, shifting costs to local taxpayers and increasing property taxes.
4. Ignores environmental risks, including flooding, stormwater runoff, tree loss, and water quality damage.
5. Requires townhomes in single-family zones, and forces subdivision of existing single-family lots, which prevents any inclusionary policy from creating affordable housing policies.
6. Contains no affordability requirements and risks demolishing naturally occurring affordable homes to build dense, luxury developments.
7. Combined with 8002 on-site parking limits, SB151 will worsen traffic congestion, safety risks, and emergency vehicle access.
8. Forces zoning on outdated or conceptual sewer and water expansion plans that may never occur and not have funding, potentially increasing local property taxes to address infrastructure shortfalls and reducing affordability for residents.
9. Weakens historic preservation protections for locally significant properties in the future.
10. Limits municipalities from addressing public health and safety concerns unless threats are deemed “immediate.”

Effective housing policy must include local input, infrastructure planning, environmental protection, and affordability solutions. Senate Bill 151 fails to meet these standards. The ink on HB 8002 is hardly dry, and SB151 represents a serious overreach.

Sincerely,

Dan Lent, First Selectman of Easton

HOUSING UPDATES: I was happy to lead the first meeting of the newly formed Affordable Housing Committee on Monday, February 16th, to review the charge and tasks, including housing growth plans under the new 8002 requirements, as well as 830-g requirements. Bev Dacey is searching for expert speakers for the next meeting.

GOINGS ON AT TOWN HALL

SAVE EASTON LOCAL CABLE CHANNEL: A proposal now before the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA Docket 25-09-07) could significantly change how Easton residents access local government meetings on Optimum Channel 79. Currently, Easton’s meetings are broadcast on our own dedicated Channel 79, ensuring residents see only Easton programming and that the Town maintains control over content. The proposal would regionalize programming under an outside operator, combining multiple towns onto shared channels. If approved, this could reduce visibility of Easton meetings, decrease resident engagement, result in a loss of approximately $8,000 annually to TV79, and eliminate local control over programming. Public comments are due by February 27, 2026. Comments referencing PURA Docket 25-09-07 may be emailed to: PURA.ExecutiveSecretary@ct.gov. For more information, contact Douglas K. Dempsey, Area Nine Cable Council Representative for Easton, at dkdfilm@mac.com

TOWN HALL ROOF: Research on the Town Hall roof indicates that a replacement may soon be necessary, as both the historic slate roof and the flat roof section are approaching the end of their lifespans. The Selectman’s Office has applied for a State Survey Grant to fund a professional condition assessment. The purpose of this assessment is to identify the root cause of the gutter system failure, clearly define the issue, and recommend an appropriate solution.

EMS UPDATE: A letter received yesterday from CT DEEP determined that the July 1, 2024, Significant Environmental Hazard (SEH) groundwater contamination (ETPH at 2.4 ppm), exceeding state standards and potentially threatening a drinking water well, remains unresolved. New Release-Based Cleanup Regulations (RBCRs) take effect March 1, 2026, and unresolved SEH cases may become subject to these rules. Properties in compliance with SEH law may have until March 1, 2028, to fully abate and obtain certification, while those not in compliance may be subject to RBCRs beginning March 1, 2026. If the hazard is not resolved, additional reporting, potential cleanup tier assignment, and annual fees of $500–$3,000 may apply.

2026 REVALUATION UNDERWAY (In case you missed this last week): The Town of Easton will begin its state-mandated 2026 revaluation in February with assistance from Municipal Valuations Services, LLC (Munival) of Fairfield. The project will run through October 31, 2026. All residential property owners will receive a Data Verification Letter asking them to review their property information, make any needed corrections, and return the form promptly by mail, email, fax, or by dropping it off at the Assessor’s Office (a drop box will be available). For after hours, there is a box in the Police Station Lobby. Munival staff will also be conducting exterior inspections, taking photos, and measuring properties throughout town. Staff will carry Town and company ID badges, an official introduction letter, and will be clearly identified by company logos and vehicle decals. All vehicles are registered with the Easton Police Department. This process helps ensure accurate and equitable property assessments. For questions, please contact Munival at (203) 292-5500.

AQUARION UPDATE: PURA posted their schedule for the remand from the appeal judge. PURA did not agree with RWA/Eversource on their proposed schedule, which called for a final decision to be made by this week.

LIBRARY UPDATE: The Planning and Zoning Committee has conditionally approved the Library renovation pending Health Department approval.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Black History Month began with the vision of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a historian and the son of formerly enslaved parents. After earning his Ph.D. from Harvard in 1912, Woodson recognized that Black Americans’ contributions were largely absent from history books. In 1926, he launched a week to honor the history and contributions of the African American community. The observance grew nationwide and officially became Black History Month in 1976. Dr. Woodson believed that understanding history is essential to dignity and progress. Today, Black History Month honors the resilience, achievements, and lasting contributions of Black Americans—past and present.

HEALTH UPDATES: February isn’t just about Valentine’s Day — it’s also American Heart Month, a time to focus on keeping our hearts healthy and strong. Did you know your heart beats about 100,000 times a day and pumps roughly 2,000 gallons of blood daily? That’s an incredible workout — even while you sleep! Wearing red is a great way to show support for heart health awareness. Let’s show our hearts a little extra love this month!

REMINDER - PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGS

• The next Conservation Public Hearing meeting will be held on Monday, February 23rd, at 7:00 pm at the SSES Cafetorium to discuss the Saddle Ridge cluster housing proposal.
• The next Conservation Public Hearing meeting will be on Monday, March 2nd, at 7:00 pm, at the SSES Cafetorium, to discuss the Plum Tree Lane 8-30g apartment building/townhouses.
• The next Planning & Zoning Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 3rd, at Staples Elementary School to discuss the Saddle Ridge 26-lot subdivision. There is also a new public hearing on the application for alteration of a scenic road, for Cedar Hill Road from Bibbins to Silver Hill Roads.
• If you wish to receive updates regarding these meetings, please subscribe HERE!
• As always, thank you for your continued engagement and support as we work together for the future of Easton.

NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY: Westport marked National Coming Out Day with the dedication of a new rainbow crosswalk on Jesup Road at Taylor Place. The four-year project, led by Westport Pride Chair Brian McGunagle with support from town officials, was funded entirely by private donations, raising $36,000 in just three days. Installed and maintained by Public Works, the crosswalk symbolizes Westport’s commitment to acceptance, support, and inclusion for all. Brief remarks from local leaders echoed a shared message: everyone is welcomed and cherished in the community.

10TH ANNUAL MLK JR. ESSAY CONTEST NOW OPEN: Senator Murphy invites Connecticut students in grades K–12 to participate in the 10th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest. Students are encouraged to reflect on Dr. King’s dream, their own aspirations, and what his legacy means to them. The submission deadline is Monday, February 23. Contest details and submission information are available HERE. Please help share this opportunity with students and educators. Questions? Contact MLK_Essay@murphy.senate.gov or 860-549-8468.

THE CHINESE NEW YEAR began on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, ushering in the Year of the Fire Horse. The 16-day celebration concludes with the Lantern Festival on March 3. The Fire Horse symbolizes energy, independence, speed, and rapid progress — often described as bringing “success at a gallop,” particularly in the workplace. This festive season is a time for family reunions, cleaning to sweep away bad luck, and bright decorations that welcome good fortune. While the year is expected to bring momentum and opportunity, it also serves as a reminder to balance high energy with rest and well-being.

FAT TUESDAY (MARDI GRAS) in 2026 was on February 17, marking the final day of Carnival and the last day of indulgence before the Christian Lenten fasting season begins on Ash Wednesday. It is a festive day of eating rich foods like King Cake, pączki, and pancakes, celebrating with parades, costumes, and music before 40 days of fasting.

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 events:

• Successfully Navigating College Admissions for Gr 9-12 and Families on Wednesday, February 25th, 7:30-8:30 pm via Zoom. Registration is required.
• SAT/ACT Practice Test for Grades 9-12, Thursday, February 26th at 3:30 pm. Registration is required.
• Creating a Compelling College Application this Spring (Gr. 11 & Families) on Tuesday, April 21st, 7:30 pm via Zoom. Registration is required.

PAINE OPEN SPACE: Friendly reminder to please keep all dogs on a leash at all times and be sure to carry out any waste bags. Thank you for helping keep our open space clean and safe for everyone!

SHELTER UPDATE: There are still two beautiful and endearing dogs looking for ‘furever’ homes! If interested, please reach out to the Easton Animal Control at 203-268-9172.

Have a great weekend!

Dan

AROUND TOWN
Join us for a discussion of our Winter One Book/One Town Community Read, The Many Mothers of Dolores Moore, by Anika Fajardo, on Saturday, February 21st, at 1:00 pm at the Library Community Room. The author will join us via Zoom. Multiple copies of the book will be available for checkout at the Library beginning in December. Registration is recommended. Sponsored by Friends of the Easton Public Library.

The Easton Arts Council presents the Rock*Paper*Scissors Exhibition by Stephanie Hilton from February 16 to March 20 at the Easton Library Small Gallery. Join us for the artist reception on Saturday, February 21, 1:00 – 3:00 pm.

The Joel Barlow PTO is hosting a Community Trivia Night for all Easton & Redding locals on Thursday, February 26th, from 7:00 - 9:00 pm at the Redding Roadhouse, and test your knowledge of music, popular culture, sports, and more! Play individually or as a team and enjoy a night of fun competition with specialty burgers and drink features! All are welcome, and tickets can be purchased HERE. Student tickets are $10 & Adult tickets are $20.

The Easton Arts Council is having its Winter Arts Celebration from January 6 to February 28 in the Library Community Room. All art is for sale.

Join acclaimed author Dan Slater for a free seminar and workshop, “The Art and Craft of Storytelling: For Writers and Non-Writers” on Sunday, March 1, 1:00-2:30 pm at the Easton Public Library. During two classes, March 1 and March 29, 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. Registration is required.

Youth Mental Health First Aid for Parents at JBHS. This excellent course will take place on March 3rd and March 5th from 9:00–12:30 at Joel Barlow High School, with a snow date of March 10th. They will need a minimum of five adults to be sure the class can run. It provides valuable information and practical skills for parents. The only cost is $20, which covers the textbook that participants will keep. Please check the link below or review the attached flyer. To register, or if you have any questions, please email JBHS Social Worker Maryanne Pieratti (mpieratti@er9.org).

Please join us for our UAI Easton Sister City fundraiser, ‘Keys for Resilience’ concert featuring Ukrainian pianist Ruslan Ramazanov, and Taryn Kuzma on the bandura, at the Westport Country Playhouse on Thursday, March 5th. FOR TICKETS: Keys for Resilience. The first 30 tickets receive 20% off with promo code UAI20. To help sponsor: KEYS FOR RESILIENCE – SPONSORSHIP.

Get Your Tickets Now for the BSA Scouting Troop 25/66 Gourmet Breakfast on Saturday, March 21, 7:30 am - NOON! This is the largest fundraiser of the year and a wonderful community event! We’re serving up a delicious spread of gourmet breakfast favorites, including pancakes, custom omelets, and ebelskivers (a cross between a pancake and a donut hole). Buy Tickets HERE. If you’re unable to attend, you can use this link to select your favorite Scout to support or make a direct donation to the troop. All funds raised help support Scout programs, activities, and trips throughout the year. Enjoy a great meal, support local Scouts, and help fund our programs and adventures. We hope to see you there!