July 18 Update From Easton First Selectman Bindelglass

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

July 18, 2025

Good afternoon,

Monday, July 14, at 10:00 am, an unofficial groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site of the EMS building renovation. With the renovation, there was no actual groundbreaking or demolition. Substantial progress has already been made, as is obvious from driving by, but the posting of official notice of the construction was unveiled, and I took the opportunity to recognize all the people of Easton who have served on the Building Committee, and our EMS leadership and volunteers, as well as Architects Alloy Design Studio and Bismark Construction. Of course, the real celebration will be next year with the grand opening.

Planning and Zoning continues to debate the special permit for the yoga studio, Strong on Center. This is a somewhat contentious topic. I recommend that people watch the July 15 hearing at https://vimeo.com/showcase/easton-planning-and-zoning. This permit is discussed in the last 40 minutes or so.

The Easton Fireman's Carnival at 1 Center Road kicks off on Tuesday, July 29th, and runs until Saturday, August 2nd. The much-anticipated town event features rides for the kids, as well as games, food, and the ever-popular bingo. Rides, games, and bingo run nightly from 6 to 11 p.m. Carnival goers look forward to meeting up with friends and dining on the outstanding food and desserts. This is one of the defining events in town. If you are new to town or have never been, it is a must.

Preserving land in Easton and creating great open space is a priority for all of us. We continue to work with the Aspetuck Land Trust as a partner to preserve what we can. They are always great partners in preserving land in our town. On Judd Rd, with town support, the land trust was recently awarded a grant to help purchase additional property. This property will be added to ALT’s Poindexter Preserve, introducing essential amenities such as safe off-street parking, a new central trailhead, and better access for maintaining and effectively doubling the existing grassland fields. It will enhance a migration corridor through interconnected State, Municipal, Aquarion Water Co., and ALT lands. It is a vital ecological asset in the Mill River headwaters and serves as a riparian buffer for Wicker Brook, a cold-water stream. This acquisition safeguards diverse wildlife habitats, scenic rock walls, a wetland, and grassland meadow cherished by nature enthusiasts. A third parcel obtained through the town at tax sale will be added at that location in the fall. I want to thank the members of the land acquisition authority for their help in seeing this through.

Starting July 14th, South Park Avenue will be closed between Tersana Drive and Riverside Lane for drainage work. Weather permitting, this closure will last about two weeks. Please follow detour signs to get around the closure. You can view the Detour Map here. If you have any questions, please call Easton Public Works Dept. at (203) 268-0714.

Paving contractor fraud rises to the surface in hot weather. Police departments urge people to refuse to talk to these people. Do not let them into your house and report them to the police. We have seen an increase in driveway work being done at night in Easton. First, we are concerned that these may be substandard contractors who may be ripping off residents by doing substandard work. Second, all driveway work requires a permit from the Department of Public Works. If a contractor proposes only working overnight on your driveway, please make sure they are legit and have obtained a permit.

Two Easton Boy Scouts, Griffin Mase and Robert Sammons, of Easton Boy Scout Troop 66, earned their Eagle Scout project completion by rebuilding the larger raised bridge over the main Cricket stream at the Samuel Senior Memorial Park in May. The wooden bridge had been heavily damaged over the years by flooding and was severely tilted, deeming it unsafe. Griffin and Robert each received a congratulatory bronze plaque, which will be permanently installed on the completed bridge.

As most of us have received our tax bills, some may have seen increases in their motor vehicle assessments. Over the past couple of years, the Governor and State Legislators have proposed and passed legislation to reform the motor vehicle valuation process for property taxes. In the past, motor vehicles were assessed at 70% of the retail value of the vehicle. Effective for the October 1, 2024, Grand List (for July 2025 taxes), motor vehicles will be valued using the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) Statutory Depreciation Schedule to determine the depreciated value. The assessment is 70% of the depreciated value of the vehicle. As we transition to this new valuation method, some residents will see reductions in their assessments, while others—particularly those with older vehicles—may see increases. Additionally, snowmobiles, ATVs, and personal-use residential utility trailers are now exempt from taxation, so you will no longer receive a tax bill for those vehicles. For more information, please visit the Motor Vehicle section of the Assessor’s webpage.

The Easton Tax Collector’s and Assessor’s offices are committed to ensuring residents pay only what they owe, while avoiding unnecessary fees and frustration. Along with your tax bill, you will find an insert containing important information. Please read it carefully. You can also find information at the following links on our website:

• Motor Vehicle Taxes Link
• New Vehicle Assessment Rules
• Veterans

Around town:

Easton Animal Shelter Fundraiser on Saturday, July 19th from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at Rolling Rock Stable, 9 Rock House Road, Easton. Discover the power of healing for you and your companion animals. Guest speaker Julianne Roshan Dow will explain the art of Jin Shin Jytstu wellness techniques to help restore balance, relieve stress, and build confidence in your body and those of your four-legged friends. Tickets $40. Please contact Carly Hanson at rollingrockstable20@gmail.com \ 203-858-8665. Venmo to secure registration @carly-hanson-2 or pay day of with cash.

The Easton Public Library is hosting ‘Yoga for Children’ for ages 2-5 with a caregiver on Monday, July 21st at 10:30 a.m. Welcome summer! Please join us for a fun and engaging child and caregiver yoga class designed to create a bonding experience through playful poses and mindful practices. Led by Diana Fonicello, an Easton resident and yoga and dance professional. Bring a blanket or mat if you like! Registration required.

The Back-Yard Beekeepers Association (BYBA) in Connecticut will present guest speaker Julia Mahood on Tuesday, July 22, at Norfield Congregational Church, 64 Norfield Road, Weston. Mahood is the president of the Georgia Beekeepers Association, a former Georgia Beekeeper of the Year, and an authority on honey bee drones. This meeting is in person, and the speaker will be joining the club in person. There is no option for participants to join virtually. Please join the gathering at 7 p.m. to allow time to socialize and chat with other club members. The speaker's presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m. Even though the event is free, please register at https://backyardbeekeepers.com.

The Easton Public Library is also hosting Joy Blooms' ‘Bubble Poppin' Boogie’ on Thursday, July 24th at 4:30 pm for PreK-3rd grade. Join us for a fun-filled, joyful event as Joy Blooms brings one of her favorite stories to life with lively tunes, playful activities, and bubbles galore! Registration is required.

The “Grow a Row Program” for Easton Seniors is underway. Donations of homegrown produce or items purchased from Easton farms can be dropped off at Shaggy Coos Farm at 53 Center Road on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon, beginning July 8, for volunteers to deliver the food to Easton’s seniors.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dave