8/5/2022 A Message from First Selectman Bindelglass
Good afternoon,
Once again, the temperatures are scorching. Please be careful and stay well hydrated. As a reminder the town provides cooling centers as needed in heat emergencies. If you are having difficulties, please call the non-emergency number at the Easton Police Department at 203-268-4111.
Last night at the Board of Selectmen meeting, there were concerns raised regarding an incident at the Easton Village Store that occurred when the gas tanks were removed from the premises. Town Government and the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) as well as one of the property’s neighbors have been dealing with this for several weeks. There was contaminated soil and water excavated with the tanks and before it was carted away some of it was used as fill on the property. The work was done within 100 feet of the wetlands without a permit and the soil used was contaminated. DEEP is confident that any potential threat has been mitigated. The public water supply was never in danger and appropriate monitoring must be set up for local wells. Once the situation is resolved, my approach to events like this is to always sit down and ask what the town can do better. While commercial tank removal and hazardous material spills are out of the town’s jurisdiction by code and statute the relevant town department heads are planning steps to take in the future to prevent this situation from happening again. We will issue a final report regarding how we will handle similar situations in the future and release DEEP’s final report once it is received.
The Selectmen discussed the Conservation Restriction for South Park Avenue. The restriction and supporting material including an appraisal of the land is posted at https://www.eastonct.gov/town-meeting/pages/south-park.
The third topic discussed was changing the Planning and Zoning Commission from an appointed board to an elected board. Further discussion regarding this will be ongoing.
Don’t forget the Republican and Democratic Primary Elections held on August 9th, at Samuel Staples Elementary School from 6:00am to 8:00pm. For more information go to https://www.eastonct.gov/home/news/reminder-monday-august-8-2022-will-be-the-last-day-to-apply-for-absentee-ballots-for. This will be the first vote since Easton was divided between two assembly districts. Voters will be instructed where to sign in based on address.
Easton Volunteer Emergency Medical Services is hosting a charity ride and classic car show on Saturday, August 20th with a rain date on the following day at Samuel Staples Elementary School from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Please see eastonems.com for further information.
The hazardous waste collection day is scheduled for Saturday, December 3rd, from 9:00am to 1:00pm at 307 Indian Ledge Park Drive next to BMX facility. Easton residents may participate and will be required to show their CT Driver’s License.
Have a great weekend,
Dave