6/12/2026 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 [email protected].)
CONSERVATION, LAND USE, WATERSHED, & ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION ISSUES
HELP US PROTECT EASTON’S NATURAL BEAUTY: Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) is an annual grass that forms dense stands and is very shade-tolerant. They spread by seed and by rooting at joints along the stem. A single plant can produce as many as 1,000 seeds, and they are viable in the soil for three years. Control: Cut, pull, or mow at the end of July. Dispose of roots and shoots.
CONNECTICUT ISSUES STAGE 2 DROUGHT ADVISORY: Governor Ned Lamont has declared a Stage 2 (Incipient Drought) Advisory for Fairfield, Middlesex, and New Haven counties due to below-normal rainfall, low streamflow levels, and increased wildfire risk. While this is not a water emergency, it serves as an early warning that drought conditions could worsen if dry weather continues. Residents and businesses are encouraged to voluntarily conserve water by limiting outdoor watering, repairing leaks, and running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads. Those who rely on private wells should monitor water supplies closely and be mindful of local conditions. For updates and drought information.
REMEMBER 9/11 and the HANSON EXPLORATION STATION AT BEARDSLEY ZOO: The late Lee and Eunice Hanson helped create a lasting tribute to their son Peter, daughter-in-law Sue, and granddaughter Christine, who died on 9/11, through the Hanson Exploration Station at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. Inspired to do more than a memorial bench already placed in the zoo’s sensory garden, the Hanson’s partnered with Zoo Director Gregg Dancho to support an educational center and butterfly habitat that reflects Christine’s love of butterflies. The Exploration Station serves as a hub for hands-on learning, conservation education, and community programs for visitors of all ages, including youth and seniors. The adjoining butterfly and insect habitat encourages residents to connect with nature and learn how to create wildlife-friendly spaces at home. Through education and environmental stewardship, the Hanson family’s legacy continues to inspire future generations while supporting the zoo’s mission of conservation and community engagement.
INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT AT CENTENNIAL WATERSHED STATE FOREST: Aquarion Water Company and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) have contracted with All Habitat Services to conduct invasive plant management at the Bibbins Road property of Centennial Watershed State Forest on June 17 and 18. Crews will be working in the forest using backpack sprayers to selectively treat invasive plant species as part of the ongoing watershed forest management plan. No herbicides will be applied in wetland areas. Invasive Japanese barberry located in wetlands will be removed manually. Residents may notice crews working in the area during these dates. This project is intended to improve forest health and protect the watershed ecosystem.
PROPOSED APARTMENT DEVELOPMENT APPROVED ON BLACK ROCK TURNPIKE: A significant development project just over the Easton border in Fairfield near the Barcelona restaurant has received final approval and is now being marketed for sale to a builder. The approved plan calls for two six-story apartment buildings containing 96 residential units, including 29 affordable housing units, on a 4.72-acre wooded parcel at 4480 Black Rock Turnpike. Because the property is located within the watershed area that helps protect regional water resources, the project has generated concern among residents about potential environmental impacts, including stormwater runoff, traffic, and changes to the surrounding landscape. While the original developers have chosen not to build the project themselves, the approvals remain in place, and the site is being offered for sale to interested developers. Town officials will continue to monitor developments that may affect Easton and its watershed resources.
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.
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.
SPEED SIGNS. A second sign will soon be installed in front of Helen Keller Middle School. These signs display a driver’s current speed in real time, serving as an immediate reminder to slow down when necessary. Studies have shown that these signs are effective in reducing speeds, particularly in residential areas where pedestrian safety is a priority. The addition of these signs reflects the town’s ongoing commitment to traffic safety and responsiveness to resident concerns. By encouraging more mindful driving habits, we hope to create safer roads for everyone—whether you’re walking, biking, or driving through our community.
STOP FOR SCHOOL BUSES – IT’S THE LAW! Governor Ned Lamont announced that he has signed a bill into law requiring a mandatory six-month suspension of a driver’s license or operating privilege of any driver who, upon a third or subsequent time, is caught violating the state law on stopping for school buses. (Illegally passing a stopped bus carries a $450 fine for the first offense, and subsequent offenses result in fines ranging from $500 to $1,000.) When a school bus has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, stop and wait. A few moments of patience can help protect the safety of children entering or exiting the bus.
SAFE KIDS CONNECTICUT: Reminder, car seats are currently available for families in need through the program. Please contact the Police Department at 203-268-4111.
REMINDER - PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGS
- The next Planning & Zoning meeting regarding the Plum Tree deliberation will be held on June 16th at 7:00 pm at the Town Hall conference room A.
- Stay informed and get involved! Visit the TOWN CALENDAR WEBSITE to view upcoming town meetings, access agendas, and stay up to date on what’s happening in Easton. Residents are always encouraged to participate — whether by attending in person or joining conveniently via Zoom. Your voice and involvement make a difference! If you wish to receive updates regarding these meetings, please SUBSCRIBE!
- As always, thank you for your continued engagement at these hearings and support as we work together for the future of Easton.
OTHER NEWS:
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CELEBRATE FLAG DAY – JUNE 14: On Flag Day, we honor the Stars and Stripes as a symbol of our nation's history, freedom, and unity. The American flag represents the courage and sacrifices of those who have served our country and the enduring values that bring us together as Americans. As we celebrate Flag Day, take a moment to reflect on the ideals of liberty, democracy, and opportunity that our flag represents. Whether you display a flag at your home, attend a community event, or simply pause to appreciate its meaning, Flag Day is a reminder of the pride we share in our nation and its future. Happy Flag Day!
CHIP SEALING: The town will begin chip-sealing, weather permitting. We will make every effort not to cause any major inconvenience; however, during the chip-sealing program, residents traveling these roads may expect a 15-minute delay. Roads: Beers Road, Center Road (from Route 136 to Route 58), Southfield Road, Wilson Road. Please reduce speeds and drive slowly through work zones. Loose gravel will be present until the street sweeping process is completed. To ensure the efficiency and quality of the application, no on-street parking is permitted until the entire process is complete.
CAST A LINE IN EASTON’S WATERSHED RESERVOIRS! Aquarion Water Company’s fishing season runs from the second Saturday in April through December 31, offering anglers access to three reservoir locations: Saugatuck Reservoir (Redding/Weston), West Pequonnock Reservoir (Monroe), and Far Mill Reservoir (Shelton). To fish, anglers must have a valid Connecticut State Fishing License and an Aquarion fishing permit. Season permits are $30, and one-day permits are $10. There is no charge for senior citizens, veterans, or individuals with physical disabilities. Youth under 16 may fish under certain permit provisions. Fishing is permitted daily from 6:00 a.m. until one-half hour after sunset. For permits, maps, and program details, visit https://www.aquarionwater.com/environment/recreation/fishing and the Be Our Guest flyer with Maps.
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: [email protected] 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.
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.
RECYCLING QUESTIONS: Please call RWS at 203-334-1600
EASTON SHELTER UPDATE:
Meet SNOOPY – the dog with the underbite, the zoom energy, and the biggest heart in the room. This 4-year-old mix spent his early years as a support dog, giving comfort until his human could no longer keep him. He lost his job through no fault of his own, and now he is looking for someone to love. Snoopy is goofy, joyful, and loyal to the bone. He’ll zoom circles around you, savor every walk, and remind you daily that life is good. Give this sweet boy the forever home he’s always deserved.
PARKER is pure swagger in a 2-year-old body. The Jack Russell-Basset Hound mix has the confidence of a dog three times his size and joie de vivre to match - he will absolutely make you laugh! Give him 15 minutes to suss you out, and he’ll be your best friend for life. Parker loves walks, is loyal to his humans, and has curiosity to spare. He’d benefit from some basic training to channel that big personality, but honestly, his sass is half the charm! Cat-free home preferred. Ready to live his best life with someone who appreciates extra flair.
APPLEJACK is the kind of dog that earns your trust and never lets you go. This seasoned 11-year-old Heeler is fully trained – stops and sits at every curb, walks beautifully on a leash, and is loyal to her person to the core. She is a love puddle happy with a good walk, a cozy bed, and a toy or two. Don’t let her age fool you – she’s got plenty of life left. As a true Heeler, she has a strong prey drive (squirrel beware!), so she’d thrive as an only pet in a home with older kids and an adult who can handle 85 pounds with opinions. Applejack deserves a soft landing – could that be your home?
These dogs 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.
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 – MORE TO COME
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.
IT'S QUASSY TIME! Friday, June 12th, 4:30-8:30 PM Join us as all Eastonites take over Quassy! Buy Tickets Here
STORY BOOK PARADE (All Ages) Kick off Summer Reading with a festive parade celebrating stories and creativity on Saturday, June 13th, at 11:15 am! Children may dress up as their favorite storybook character, carry their favorite book, carry a storybook poster, or wear a homemade mask representing their favorite character or book. Poster and Mask Grab and Go Kits are available at the Library for registered participants. Participants will step off from Samuel Staples Elementary School at 11:15 a.m. and walk to the library, where there will be prizes for all and a raffle for gift cards to Barnes and Noble and Ferris Acres Creamery. Join us before the parade at the Library for an engaging family program: Bubble Show Plus! All courtesy of the Friends of the Library. Registration is required.
All are welcome to join Daisy Colonnese's 100th birthday celebration at the Congregational Church hall during coffee hour at 11:15 am on Sunday, June 14th.
The Easton Boy Scout Troop 66 Eagle Court of Honor takes place on Sunday, June 14th. The celebration runs from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM at the Jesse Lee Church, 25 Flat Rock Road, Easton, CT. Guests are welcome to attend this joyous celebration of local Scouting. For the latest event details, check with Troop 25 of Easton, CT, or visit the Easton Scouting America Council page for regional activities.
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.
Concerts on the Hill 2026 Season at Christ Church, 59 Church Rd, Easton, begins Sunday, June 21st! Visit our CONCERTS PAGE for more info.
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