Feb. 27 Update From Easton First Selectman Lent

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

Feb. 27, 2025

Greetings from Town Hall!

As always, thematically, environmental and land use issues are the top priorities of my administration. Let’s save Easton!

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

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), entitled "An Act Prohibiting Certain Land Use and Zoning Limitations on Housing."

This is a 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 submitted my testimony in opposition on behalf of Easton.

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 them. https://ct169strong.org/petition-2025/

WATER SUPPLY ISSUES
Meanwhile, while real estate developers seek to profit by destroying our environmentally based zoning regulations and by forcing high-density housing into our town - basic environmental realities - like water supply issues, have been conveniently ignored.

For example, due to lower-than-normal reservoir levels, the following towns are currently under a Drought Advisory and are encouraged to reduce water usage to help mitigate drought conditions: Bethel, Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Newtown, Redding, Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull, Weston, Westport, and Wilton.

So, where will the extra water supply for high-density housing come from?

GOINGS ON AT TOWN HALL

WELCOME: Please join us in welcoming Kim Weisberg, our new Planning and Zoning/Zoning Board of Appeal Clerk, with many years of experience in zoning. As Clerk, she will support the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals by coordinating meetings, maintaining records, assisting applicants and residents, and helping ensure our land use processes run smoothly and efficiently.

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

2026 REVALUATION UNDERWAY (Reminder): Easton’s state-mandated 2026 revaluation will begin in February and run through October 31, 2026, with assistance from Municipal Valuations Services (Munival). Property owners will receive a Data Verification Letter to review and return, and Munival staff will conduct exterior inspections throughout town. For questions, call (203) 292-5500.

AQUARION UPDATE: I submitted my testimony this week in opposition to the sale on behalf of Easton.

ASH WEDNESDAY & THE SEASON OF LENT: Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day season of reflection, prayer, and preparation leading up to Easter. The day is traditionally marked by the placing of ashes on the forehead as a symbol of repentance and renewal. Throughout Lent, individuals often commit to spiritual growth through prayer, acts of service, and personal sacrifice. It is a time of reflection, humility, and renewed focus on faith and community. If you want to give up something for Lent, you can drop off bottles of fine wine and spirits in my office (just kidding).

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in Maryland around 1822, but she refused to accept a life without freedom. After escaping slavery herself, she courageously returned to the South at least 13 times to guide more than 70 enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad. During the Civil War, she served as a nurse, scout, and spy for the Union Army—becoming the first woman to lead an armed military expedition in the United States. Tubman’s bravery, resilience, and commitment to justice continue to inspire generations today.

REMINDER - PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGS

• 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.

FLAG STATUS: Governor Lamont directs flags to half-staff on March 7th in honor of civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson.

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:

• Creating a Compelling College Application this Spring (Gr. 11 & Families) on Tuesday, April 21st, 7:30 pm via Zoom. Registration is required.

SHELTER UPDATE: Bear and Poppy are 2-year-old Pom/Min Pin mixes who will be spayed/neutered later this month (appointment pending). They’re very skittish and need calm, quiet, adult-only homes. Not available until fully vetted. Parker and Applejack are still available too! If interested, please reach out to the Easton Animal Control at 203-268-9172.

Have a great weekend!

Dan

AROUND TOWN

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 us for a discussion of our Winter One Book/One Town Community Read, The Many Mothers of Dolores Moore, by Anika Fajardo, on Sunday, March 1st, at 3:00 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.

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).

The Lenihan School of Irish Dance will visit the Library on Thursday, March 5, at 4:30 pm for an interactive and educational Irish Step Dance Performance for all ages. Come learn about Irish dancing and learn a few steps yourself! Registration is required.

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.

The Easton Garden Club is hosting Dragon's Lair: Creating Dragonfly Habitat on Wednesday, March 11^th, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Easton Public Library Community Room. This program will explore the relationships between different native plant communities and dragonflies. Follow a succession of these winged jewels as they fly from spring into autumn. Presenter: Christine Cook

The Easton Public Library is hosting “AI 101” on Saturday, March 14th, at 2:00 pm, a beginner-friendly introduction to modern artificial intelligence. Learn the basics of generative and agentic AI, what large language models are, how tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini differ, and how to use them effectively and ethically. No prior experience required. Please bring a laptop if you have one. Registration is required.

The Public Library will have a Blood Drive in Memory of Ellen Longbine Waugh, sponsored by the Siren Aide of Easton, on Thursday, March 19th, from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm

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! PLEASE NOTE: Boy Scouts will be going door-to-door to sell tickets. The Easton Police Department has been advised. We appreciate your kindness and support!