Dec. 12 Update From Easton First Selectman Lent

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

Dec. 12, 2025

Greetings from Town Hall!

Thank you to everyone who attended this week’s Special Town Meeting. We had an outstanding turnout, which reflects just how engaged our community is.

Schuyler Sherwood delivered an excellent and informative presentation on the Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center, outlining the many benefits it brings to our town. Following the discussion, the vote passed in favor of this important initiative. This decision marks a meaningful step toward strengthening public safety and ensuring that the Town of Easton continues to be as safe and well-served as possible. I did speak to some of our current dispatchers personally regarding the change in schedules they would have to accept -- including working on weekends sometimes now too -- at the new location at Sacred Heart. I hope that as many of our current dispatchers who have served Easton so well for a long time will accept the new positions. They are true heroes, and we hope they will stay on.

Several additional items were also approved, including the revised Fire and EMS ordinance, the Fire Commissioner ordinance, and the appropriation of funds for the Library.

The special appropriation for the currently pending litigations, active legal matters, and the future anticipated legal budget, however, did not pass by a few votes. This issue arose because the legal budget of $100,000 for this 2026 fiscal year was already mostly spent when I took office. So, on day one of my administration, the legal budget was mostly gone, and we have little to work with to fund ongoing legal matters, like having a town lawyer go to meetings regarding the proposed Plum Tree 60 apartment and 9 townhouse development, for example. The Board of Finance recommended obtaining the funds to keep operating on the pending and anticipated cases. The plan now is to have the legal fees needed approved at a future meeting. This will give us time to select new attorneys for pending and anticipated matters.

We must select new attorneys because, as I reported at our Special Board of Selectmen meeting on Tuesday, December 9 (see the recording HERE), the Berchem Moses law firm resigned from their representation of the Town of Easton. In their letter, they requested that we replace them on all matters as soon as possible. The Board is now actively seeking replacement counsel with expertise relevant to our needs. I have made the related documents available HERE and encourage everyone to review them. Additionally, the $4,000-per-month retainer in place since June has proven ineffective both financially and in terms of value, and it will likely be discontinued. More updates will be provided as the process moves forward.

I’d like to highlight several cases and associated expenses that are particularly concerning. Cases 1–3 were determined by Judge Radcliffe to have been improperly filed and, unless withdrawn by the Town, are likely to be dismissed (see memo linked HERE). I have requested that Berchem & Moses refund our legal fees for cases 1–3, as well as for case 4, due to misfiling, issues with the pleadings, handling of evidence, and the lack of progress amid numerous continuances. Additionally, the three Montgomery Easton Village Store cases resulted in costly and unnecessary losses. Neighbors should not have to sue each other to enforce zoning regulations. The Saddle Ridge cases have been ongoing for many years, and any meaningful “wins” in those matters have come from private citizens’ actions rather than from the Town’s lawsuits. I want residents to be aware of these significant expenses, which I believe resulted from cases that were not handled properly in the past. In response, I’ve made staffing changes at Town Hall to help prevent similar issues moving forward, and we are transitioning to new legal counsel. See case expenses below:

In response to these costly issues and the resignation of the Town's Land Use Consultant, the Town has hired a temporary Planner, William Voelker, FAICP, of Goman+York, to assist until the position is filled. Mike Morani, the Zoning Enforcement Officer for the Town of Redding, has also agreed to support us with any town-related matters. Jeffrey Borfosky is now the interim Zoning Clerk, as well as our Wetlands Enforcement Officer. Ray Ganim is our new Planning and Zoning Chair as well. The goal is for the Town not to be constantly involved in losing zoning lawsuits.

The Conservation Commission held a Public Hearing on December 8th regarding the 5&15 Plum Tree Lane application. Peer Review experts presented their findings to the commission and the public, followed by the applicants' experts who responded. Due to the volume of expert reports, the Chair of the Conservation Commission continued the Public Hearing until January. The public will be notified when a date is chosen for the next Public Hearing.

IMPORTANT PUBLIC HEARINGS!

• The next P&Z Public Hearing meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 16th, at the Easton Public Library Community Room to discuss the Special Permits for the proposed private school at 405 Sport Hill Road and the addition to the rear of the Easton Public Library. They will also discuss a very important zoning change for lots of 100 acres or more, which is being proposed so the Strong on Center Yoga facility can potentially move to the Apple Barn with a photo studio and an “Apple Barn” like store.
• If you wish to receive updates regarding these meetings, please subscribe here! https://www.eastonct.gov/subsc...

The Easton Police Department wishes everyone a joyful and safe holiday season! As you celebrate with friends and family, please remember to make smart choices—don’t drink and drive. Plan ahead, designate a sober driver, or use a ride-share so everyone gets home safely. Let’s keep the season bright, merry, and safe for all!

The “Easton Christmas Tree Capital of Connecticut” press conference at Town Hall on Friday was a great success. Many farm owners and local officials attended to share stories about their farms, and everyone enjoyed hot apple cider, coffee, and delicious holiday eggnog. The Easton Farm Map Holiday Edition, created as a conservation project by the Easton Garden Club, highlights the locations of Christmas tree farms and stands, as well as local farms, restaurants, and markets open during the holiday season. As always, please check ahead—hours and availability may vary. Here is another helpful Google Holiday Easton Farm Map.

We are starting the Affordable Housing Committee again and are looking for volunteers. If interested, please submit your resume and letter of interest to the First Selectman’s Office at treynolds@eastonct.gov.

The Easton Animal Shelter has four wonderful dogs looking for their forever homes — including “Applejack,” a gorgeous, people-loving pup who can’t wait to meet her perfect match! If you’re thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, now is the perfect time. Keep an eye on the shelter’s Facebook page for photos and updates: https://www.facebook.com/eastonctanimalshelter. If one of these sweet pups steals your heart, reach out to Deb Ice at 203-268-9172 or aco@eastonctpolice.com. Let’s help them find the loving homes they deserve!

We are seeking donors, fundraisers, and community members who are passionate about preserving Easton’s natural beauty to help support our Town’s Land Acquisition efforts. Your involvement will play a meaningful role in protecting open space for generations to come. If you’re interested in contributing to this important work, we’d love to have you join us. Please get in touch with the First Selectman’s office at treynolds@eastonct.gov.

Have a great weekend!

Dan

AROUND TOWN

The Barlow Chamber Singers will be performing at the Easton Congregational Church on Saturday, December 13th, at 6:30 pm.

Join Notre Dame of Easton Church at 655 Morehouse Rd, for a festive and heartwarming evening as they host their Annual Christmas Pageant and Tree Lighting on Sunday, December 14th at 5:00 PM. Bring the whole family to enjoy a light dinner, a cozy hot chocolate bar, music, and a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus! We also invite you to bake and share your favorite cookies, adding to the sweetness of the season. If you’re able, please consider bringing an unwrapped toy to support the Three Kings Feast Day at St. Charles and St. George Parish. Come celebrate the joy and generosity of Christmas with us—we can’t wait to see you there!

Tom and Debbie Berrill will be presenting a period talk on Thomas Hooker and Connecticut’s Fundamental Orders at the Easton Congregational Church on Monday, December 15th at 5:30 pm.
Join renowned storyteller Jonathan Kruk at the Easton Congregational Church, 290 Center Road, on Thursday, December 18th at 7:30 pm as he brings Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” to life with his signature blend of drama, wit, and warmth. To buy tickets and for more info, click HERE.

The Annual Menorah Lighting ceremony will be held on Thursday, December 18th, at 6:00 PM on the Easton Town Green in commemoration of the Chanukah Holiday. There will be fresh doughnuts, chocolate gelt, a prize for every child, Chanukah music, dreidels, and potato. I hope to see you there!
Last chance to donate to the giving tree! The Municipal Agents giving tree is back for a second year and accepting items until Wednesday, December 18th. All items go to seniors in Easton. Item tags can be picked up in person, or feel free to call Dan Simonelli at 203-268-1137 between 8 am and 3:30 pm. Please wrap items if possible (totally okay if not) and place the tag with the item(s).

Join the Historical Society for the Annual Christmas Party on Friday, December 19th, at 7:00 pm, at the Easton Congregational Church Hall.

Easton Park & Recreation at 652 Morehouse Road, Extended Day & TEAC are joining together to brighten someone's holiday! We are inviting families to help spread joy by grabbing a tag or just by simply donating a needed item. Tags can be found at Ext Day or TEAC. Items needed are: Children's toys, winter clothing, personal care items, and handmade or store-bought holiday cards. All items must be NEW and UNWRAPPED. Please donate items by Friday, December 19th, at either Ext Day or TEAC. Donations will be delivered to WFDC in Bridgeport, CT. Thank you!

The Easton Senior Center’s Holiday Boutique is in full swing and is going on until December 22, 2025. ALL ITEMS 50% OFF!! Come by and visit the Holiday Boutique at the Easton Senior Center, Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. (except Holiday's) There will be special Hours on Saturday, December 6, 2025 (from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm). A huge assortment of brand-new items for holiday gift giving! Christmas items, housewares, clothing, and jewelry. ***Proceeds benefit our seniors***