Dec. 19 Update From Easton First Selectman Lent

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

Dec. 19, 2025

Holiday Greetings from Town Hall!

It’s that time of year again, when our town comes alive with the joy and sparkle of the holiday season! With so many wonderful events, gatherings, and festivities happening in and around town, there’s a bit more hustle and bustle than usual. As you head out to enjoy all the holiday cheer, please remember to slow down, DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE, as law enforcement will be stepping up, so TAKE AN UBER INSTEAD and be patient, and look out for one another.

I was honored to light the menorah at their town green last night with Rabbi Joe Stock. I discussed my Jewish partial heritage, the Bitners, who were famous musicians in Mecklenburg, Germany, are distant relatives. I emphasized that given the rise in anti-Semitism in New York City and the horrific killings in Australia, I want to emphasize that the Jewish community in Easton has always been valued and strong any violence against Jews and anti-Semitism has no place in Easton. Light shall prevail over darkness.

REMINDER: The Town Hall and Library will be closed on Wednesday, December 24th, and Thursday, December 25th, to celebrate Christmas. The Easton Senior Center will be closed from December 24th to 26th.

Aquarion Water has notified the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) that it plans to file an application seeking a significant water rate increase beginning November 1, 2026. The company states that its base rates have not increased since 2013 and that rising operating costs, extensive infrastructure investments, and new regulatory requirements—such as PFAS treatment standards—have created a substantial revenue shortfall. Aquarion reports investing more than $448 million in water system improvements statewide since 2022 that are not reflected in current rates. As a result, the company intends to request approval for approximately $88 million in additional annual revenue, which would represent an average overall rate increase of about 42 percent across all customer classes, subject to PURA review. Aquarion notes that a previously proposed sale to a nonprofit public authority—which it says could have resulted in a much smaller increase—was denied by PURA, leaving the company with no alternative but to pursue this rate filing. The application is expected to be submitted within the next 60 days, and Aquarion has stated it will maintain existing tiered rates and customer assistance measures to help mitigate impacts on vulnerable customers. See letter HERE.

There was a Planning & Zoning Public Hearing held on Tuesday, December 16. The hearing addressed a special permit application for the proposed private school at 405 Sport Hill Road. The school applicant submitted an updated rendering of the proposed project, and concerns raised by the Fire Department and Town Engineer regarding the driveway turn radius were discussed. The Public Hearing was closed. The Library’s applicant requested an extension of time. In addition, Jeff Borofsky was appointed Interim Zoning Enforcement Officer.

IMPORTANT PUBLIC HEARINGS!

• The next P&Z Public Hearing meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 6th, at the Easton Public Library Community Room to discuss Saddle Ridge, and a very important zoning change for lots of 100 acres or more, so the Strong on Center Yoga facility could potentially move to the Apple Barn with a photo studio and an “Apple Barn” like store.
• The next Conservation Committee Public Hearing will be held on Wednesday, January 7th, at SSES Cafetorium, 515 Morehouse Road, to discuss Saddle Ridge. This meeting had been postponed due to a conflict with the peer review of Saddle Ridge.
• The following Conservation Committee Public Hearing is tentatively scheduled for Friday, January 12th, at the Easton Public Library Community Room, to discuss Plum Tree Lane.
• If you wish to receive updates regarding these meetings, please subscribe here! https://www.eastonct.gov/subscribe

Last Sunday marked the 13th anniversary of the Sandy Hook school shootings—a day that continues to weigh heavily on our hearts. We pause to remember the innocent lives lost, honor the families and first responders, and hold the Newtown community in our thoughts with compassion and hope for continued healing.

Thank you to all the people who donated to the Stuff-a-Cruiser event, as it was another huge success! The Police Department was able to donate close to 400 toys to Toys for Tots this year - your donations will brighten a local child's holiday season!

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!

Last chance to visit our Easton Farms before the Holidays! The Easton Farm Map Holiday Edition highlights the location of Christmas Tree Farms, Restaurants, Farms, and Markets open during the Holiday season. As always, please check ahead—hours and availability may vary.

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.

“Parker” is neutered and vetted. He is two years old and needs a home, preferably with another hound. A female hound would be best. No cats, please! If interested, please contact the Easton Animal Control at 203-268-9172.

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.

Celebrate Easton with exclusive keepsakes supporting Easton PTO and ELF! Discover our lovely collection of mugs, posters, and wooden holiday ornaments. These items will be available at the Easton Town Hall, Easton Public Library, and Greiser’s Coffee Market. Mugs $20, Posters $10 (9” x 12”), Ornaments $10. Profits distributed to Easton PTO & ELF.

Happy holidays to all!

Dan

AROUND TOWN

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

Joel Barlow High School’s Tri-M Music Honor Society would like to invite all ER9 families and friends to join us at the Fifteenth Annual Community Carol Sing on Monday, December 22, at 6:30 pm in the JBHS Auditorium. Come join us for performances by every Barlow music ensemble, classic seasonal sing-alongs, a festive post-concert reception, and a special appearance by Santa! Audience members even have the opportunity to join us onstage! Singers with choral experience are invited to join the Concert Choir for the choral classic Carol of the Bells and instrumentalists are invited to join the Concert Band for Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride. This event is appropriate for all ages and is a festive and fun evening. While the event is free, donations to support the Barlow Performing Arts Boosters would be greatly appreciated.

The Easton Senior Center’s Holiday Boutique is in full swing and is going on until Monday, 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***