Sept. 12 Update From Easton First Selectman Bindelglass

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

Sept. 12, 2025

Good afternoon,

There has been a lot of talk in town of a proposal for a development on Plum Tree Lane, which was filed under the 830-g statute. First, 830-g is a controversial Connecticut law that tries to promote the building of affordable housing by allowing certain projects to be built, even if they are objected to by local boards like the zoning board. A summary explanation of the statute can be found at https://law.justia.com/codes/connecticut/title-8/chapter-126a/section-8-30g/. The full statute can be viewed at https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sots/regulations/title_08/030gpdf.pdf. The proposal is for 70 apartment-style units and 9 attached townhouses, partially in Trumbull and partially in Easton. For more information about the project, see the CT Post article at https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/developer-apartments-easton-trumbull-ct-21037733.php. Any project like this requires extensive study and approval through multiple checks and balances. The leeway given to developers under the 830-g statute is still subject to considerations of public safety and watershed protection. In this case, everything is duplicated because it must be approved in both towns. That means by two wetland commissions, zoning commissions, building inspectors, and fire marshals. No matter what approvals do or do not happen, projects like this frequently end up being adjudicated in the courts. For example, another 830-g proposal in town was held up in court for years and then finally abandoned. Currently, applications have only been submitted to the two wetland commissions. They must look at scientific soil testing and surveys to determine the impact on wetlands and waterways. The point is that there are many more steps before this could even potentially be approved, and this will be a lengthy process. The town will very carefully evaluate this project, and of course, we do not want any development that is inappropriate for Easton. I would urge people to stay informed. However, as is often the case, we deal in misinformation. All of the processes mentioned above will be public and transparent. For example, you can access the minutes of the Conservation Commission at https://www.eastonct.gov/node/2511/minutes/2025. I urge you to rely on actual filings and attend commission meetings so that you know the actual facts. Unfortunately, this obviously coincides with election season, which increases the chances of misinformation being woven into narratives to affect elections. There will be much discussion about this proposal for some time. Perhaps, most importantly, I continue to work with the Governor and legislators to improve the state’s housing laws.

On another note, I want to clear up an error of my own. In a discussion of the many properties that have been protected during my tenure, I referenced a farm owned by the Slady family. The town participated in the preservation of Lakeview Orchards, owned by the Barney family, in 2021. I confused Slady and Barney when I spoke, and it was repeated by others. I apologize for that confusion.

The Senior Center will be offering Flu (either dose), Covid, RSV, Tetanus, Shingles, and Pneumonia vaccines on Wednesday, October 1st, and Thursday, October 16th, 7:30 am till noon. Without being political, I would urge you to consider that if you want to be vaccinated, the availability of vaccines may change, so consider taking advantage of this.

On Thursday, we had ceremonies of remembrance for September 11, and as is tradition, the flags flew at half-staff. They will remain that way through the weekend as ordered by the Federal Government. Unfortunately, we must again face the results of senseless violence that we seem to endure so frequently. All life is sacred. The loss of any life for any reason is intolerable, and our hearts go out to any family that loses a loved one. It is not any more complicated than what I learned in Sunday school as a young child. The Ten Commandments tells us thou shalt not kill. In our town, I am certain we can all agree on that. Hopefully, we can also all agree on the importance of civil discourse and tolerance.

REMINDER: On Monday, September 15th, construction will begin on the Judd Road bridge between Easton and Monroe. The work is expected to be completed by next summer. Until then, the bridge will be closed. Detours will be posted. The town of Monroe will be doing the work, but we will keep you posted.

Updating you on the deliberations regarding the Aquarion Water Company sale - we are expecting a preliminary decision on October 22. The Attorney General and the Office of Consumer Counsel have joined us in opposing the sale. I will keep you posted.

September is National Emergency Preparedness Month. We ask that every resident have a plan if a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, ice storm, or tornado, were to occur. In Easton, it is reasonable to assume we may be out of power for over 7 days in a major event. Are you prepared for an emergency? There are many resources available. Storm preparedness information can be found at https://www.ready.gov/plan or the Town of Easton website https://www.eastonct.gov at the Emergency Management Storm Information Tab. The State of Connecticut also has some great information, which can be found at https://portal.ct.gov/dph/public-health-preparedness/main-page/personal-preparedness-guide.

On Tuesday, September 9th, the Town of Easton’s Emergency Management Team participated in the State of Connecticut Emergency Planning and Preparedness Exercise. This was a tabletop exercise that tested our community’s response to a large wildfire in our town with public health impacts during a time of a major drought. Participants included the First Selectman, Town of Easton Administrative Staff, the Public Works Department, the Aspetuck Health District, Police, Fire, and EMS. The exercise was held in the Town of Easton’s new Emergency Operations Center, which is located at the Fire Department. This new state-of-the-art center was funded by a $10,000.00 donation from the Easton Volunteer Fire Department. Emergency Management Director Schuyler Sherwood stated, “This was a great opportunity to bring the leadership of the Town and our First Responders together to focus on how we can provide the highest level of response to our community in times of emergency”. The First Selectman has made improving cooperation and collaboration among the emergency response team a very high priority. Exercises like the one we had on Tuesday demonstrate how well we can work together. The Fire Department recently met with Aquarion to discuss access to the hundreds of acres of forest land in the Town of Easton.

In the Town of Easton, we are dedicated to making sure that we do everything reasonably possible to support our citizens during a time of crisis. Part of our commitment is to reach out to our external partners, such as the Red Cross, for support as well. Last week, members of our Emergency Management Team met with the Red Cross to learn about what we may need in the event of a natural disaster and what resources they can assist us with. The Red Cross stands ready to assist our citizens either through a large event or a residential fire. The following website lists many of the ways the Red Cross can help each of us. https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/disaster-relief.html.

Around town:

The Easton Public Library is hosting a Farm-to-Table Vegan Cooking Demo with Deja Smith of Khemi's Vegan Cuisine on Saturday, September 13th at 2:00 pm. Join Chef Deja for a vibrant cooking demo celebrating Easton’s local farms. Discover how to transform fresh, wholesome, plant-based ingredients into simple, flavorful dishes that anyone can enjoy at home. Attendees will learn creative ways to use farm-fresh produce while exploring the benefits of plant-based cooking that’s both nourishing and delicious. Register Here.

The Easton Police Foundation's “Paws and Pumpkins” Festival is happening on October 4th from 12 pm to 5 pm at the Morehouse fields, 515 Morehouse Road. The festival will feature a Chili Cookoff with prizes, a Cornhole Tournament with prizes, a BINGO tent, and the Newtown Strong Therapy Dogs! The Easton ECC will be there after their 5K walk fundraiser with a bounce house and other goodies. Vendors, music, and a beer and wine tent sponsored by Jones Winery, New England Brewing, Athletic Brewing, and a few still to be named! If you would like to volunteer, please e-mail us @ Eastonpawsandpumpkins@gmail.com. Hope to see you there!

The Staples Academy Foundation is hosting “A Royal Osirian Funerary Rite? The Valley of the Kings and Tutankhamun’s Tomb” on Thursday, September 18, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Congregational Church Hall, 336 Westport Road. Dr. Nicholas Brown, a Yale Egyptologist, will discuss ancient Egyptian burial rituals and the Valley of the Kings with specific attention to the legacy of Tutankhamen and sacred symbolism. Don’t miss this journey into one of history’s most iconic tombs and its spiritual significance. For further information, please click here.

The Easton Senior Center, 650 Morehouse Road, is having a Tag Sale starting on September 8th, 2025, and running for 3 weeks. It will run weekdays from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Many sensational bargains to be had. For more information, please feel free to contact the Easton Senior Center (203) 268-1145.

SAVE THE DATE: This year's 4th Annual Free Spirit Festival and 5K Walk and Run will be held on Saturday, October 25th. For more info, click here.

Notre Dame of Easton, located at 640 Morehouse Rd, will be hosting a Blessing of the Animals event in honor of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi on Saturday, October 4th, at 11:00 am. Bring your furry, feathered, or scaly friends to receive a special blessing and enjoy a fun-filled morning with apple cider from Silverman's, a gelato cart from Shaggy Coos Farm, face painting for the kids, raffle baskets, sweets, desserts, and more. Celebrate the joy of our animals and the life of St. Francis of Assisi in this family-friendly event!

Enjoy the weekend!

Dave