Good afternoon,
Aquarion Water Company is conducting dam maintenance/rehabilitation with required night work. Please be advised that there will be nighttime work on the Easton reservoir dam off South Park Avenue, Mondays through Thursdays, 9 p.m. – 7 a.m., throughout the summer.
Planning and Zoning held two hearings on the application for the Strong on Center’s Yoga Studio’s home-based business permit on June 3 and June 17. Supporters of the studio argue it promotes health and community engagement and is a natural fit for Easton. Others oppose its size, the traffic it generates, and fear it would set a precedent for unwanted commercial development in residential neighborhoods. The commission will likely conclude with a vote on July 1.
HB5002, a bill concerning affordable housing, has been “reluctantly” vetoed by Gov. Ned Lamont. “House Bill 5002 makes a really good start on a really important issue affecting the state,” Lamont said at a midday press conference in his office, citing opposition to the “fair share” affordable housing target numbers and the elimination of minimum parking requirements for smaller apartment developments as the main reasons. “We can do better,” he added. “We will do better. I just don’t think that it works when it’s us against them.”
I am told that Easton’s input was significant in the governor’s decision. Also, as the governor stated, there remains work to be done to provide affordable housing for the citizens of our state. We expect that the legislature will be called back in the fall, and Easton will be given a chance for further input.
A public hearing was held this week, as I have been discussing here, before the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, regarding the sale of the Aquarion Water Company to the Regional Water Authority. This is a preliminary step, and no decision will be made before the fall, at the earliest. I appreciate the comments by Charles Firlotte, who is helping Easton and the other MetroCog towns fight this, but as I have been telling you, the real effort to block this will come through our role as intervenors (an actual legal term) in the PURA deliberation process. I will keep you updated. The town remains firmly against this for the reasons I outlined last week. That position is well known to all of the parties involved.
In addition, to clarify, no submissions to the Planning and Zoning Department have been made by the potential developers of Saddle Ridge.
From the Town Clerk’s Office:
- Effective July 1, 2025, per PA 25-168, Connecticut Fees for recording Land Record documents have changed. You can view the new fee schedule at: https://www.eastonct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif3071/f/pages/recording_fees_notice_07-01-2025_0.pdf
- Reminder: Monday, June 30, 2025, is the Last Day to Renew Your Dog License Without A Penalty. For more information, please visit: https://www.eastonct.gov/home/news/reminder-monday-june-30-2025-is-the-last-day-to-renew-your-dog-license-without-a-penalty
Easton Community Action Alert for Ukraine! There is an emergency need for manual tools. Ukraine Aid International just received word two days ago from its ground team that the communities on the frontlines need manual tools: shovels, rakes, screwdrivers, hammers, etc., for hospitals, fire departments, and citizens, to remove rubble and clear out debris from strikes. If you have any such items you’re willing to donate, the Easton Fire Department has offered to be the town’s collection point to receive donations for shipment to Ukraine.
Here’s an opportunity to clean out your garage to donate duplicate items you may have! The collection begins this Saturday, June 28, and runs through July 6. A drop-off storage container is on the Easton Fire Department premises.
West Nile Virus has now been found in mosquitoes trapped in Bridgeport. The Health District recommends residents take the following precautions:
- Eliminate any objects outside that can hold water and become a breeding place for mosquitoes.
- Clean the house gutters that may be retaining water.
- Empty wading pools and bird baths every few days.
- Chlorinate swimming pools regularly.
- Make sure the covers that are on grills, boats, pools, and other equipment do not collect water.
- Be sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair to avoid mosquito bites when indoors.
We still have about 10 ‘Go Slow’ yard signs that were kindly donated by resident Fred Lovejoy. Feel free to pick one up at the front desk.
Around town:
Concerts on the Hill at Christ Church on Sundays, June 22- July 27. Gates open at 5:30 pm. Music 6 – 8 pm. $12/adult, $8/senior, kids free. Food trucks at all events. Line up: 6/29 Hitch & the Giddyup, 7/6 Triple Boch, 7/13 CT Grateful Dead All Stars, 7/20 Birdsey Beers, 7/27 Dan Tressler & Friends. Sponsored by Hi-Ho Energy Services (D’Addario’s) & Tidewater Electronics. More info here.
Park & Rec is hosting Movie Night under the Stars (Disney Pixar Toy Story 4) on Friday, June 27 at 8:20 pm at Aspetuck Park, 369 Black Rock Road. Bounce House and Snack Shack available, weather permitting. Check FB or the P&R website for changes.
Please join us on Sunday, June 29, from 1to 4 pm as the Library Board of Trustees honors Sheila Weaver, this year’s recipient of the Anne Lindquist Library Spirit Award. This award is given annually to someone whose volunteer efforts have had a great impact on the Library. Please RSVP to Lynn Zaffino at 203-261-0134 or at lzaffino@eastonlibrary.org.
The Easton Library is hosting “Knitting Without Needles” (Grades 6 & up), Wednesday, July 9, from 4-5 p.m. Certified knitting instructor Dawn, The Stitching Coach, will lead a class on arm knitting, a fun modern twist on the classic. Beginners and experts alike will enjoy the fast and fun knitting technique of arm knitting. At the end of the in-person 1-hour program, patrons will be able to cast on, knit, and bind off an infinity scarf. Registration Required.
Enjoy your weekend,
Dave
