The town’s Planning and Zoning Commission is reviewing a proposal to establish a private school at 405 Sport Hill Road and will continue its review at a public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. in the library.
The hearing will focus on a special permit application to build a private school on 10 acres of land in a residential zoning district, which is owned by Camilbak Partners LLC.
At a Nov. 18 meeting, commission members heard plans for the school presented by attorney Raymond Rizio, who represents Brittany Ursini, a former attorney who is seeking to build Rising Sky Academy on the land for neurodivergent children, with a focus on education and land stewardship, including caring for animals.
Rizio told the commission that zoning regulations allow private schools in residential districts by special permit if specific conditions are met. He said the property exceeds the town’s minimum acreage requirement and complies with zoning requirements including environmental conservation and building coverage. The proposed modular school would be 5,500 square feet and would use about four acres of land, with the remaining land continuing in agricultural use. Access would be provided by a single, state-approved entrance and exit on Sport Hill Road. School hours would be Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to avoid peak commuter and school bus traffic.
The school would open with about 40 students and gradually expand to a maximum enrollment of 90 students and 20 staff members. Plans include 44 parking spaces and a small, unlit play field used only during school hours.
Ursini told the commission that her journey to start Rising Sky Academy began with her family’s search for the right learning environment for their oldest child, who is both neurodivergent and intellectually gifted.
“We envision a school that remains intentionally small, where teachers have the opportunity to build strong relationships with students and families, and where learning extends beyond the classroom into fields, woods and farms that surround us,” she told the commission. “Academically, our curriculum is comprehensive, appropriate for a residential district, and aligns with Connecticut state standards in reading and writing.”
But many who attended the Nov. 18 meeting raised traffic concerns on Sport Hill Road, which is prone to speeding and accidents.
First Selectman Daniel Lent, speaking as an ex officio member of the commission, presented an independent engineering report he commissioned from Southbury-based Trinkaus Engineering LLC. The report, prepared by engineer Steve Trinkaus, raised concerns about the septic system design, stormwater management, emergency vehicle access and erosion control plans.
Lent called the proposal a “controversial project,” saying the concept of the school is a good idea but suggested a different location in town, such as Slady’s Farm.
“This doesn’t mean you can’t build,” Lent said. “You just have to build it the right way.”
He urged the commission to require an independent civil engineering review and an independent traffic study, with costs paid by the applicant. Lent noted that the intersection near the proposed site is “one of the worst areas in town for traffic and for accidents” and said many residents were unaware of the hearing.
Other residents also raised concerns. One speaker, citing a previous experience with Phoenix Academy, warned that promises made during approval processes are not always kept. Another resident said her husband had been in an accident at the nearby intersection and called for additional traffic studies.
Those who spoke in favor of the proposed school cited its low environmental impact and the need for an alternative school in Easton.
Christine Cook, a longtime Easton resident and conservation expert, designed a native planting plan for the school that preserved and enhanced the site’s natural ecology while supporting education and wildlife.
“This project will encourage a balance and collaboration between Easton’s human residents and its wildlife residents,” she told the commission.
Natasha Papageorge, a mother of an autistic child, told the commission Easton needs a school like Rising Sky Academy for children who cannot attend public school.
“This is more than just a school. This is life changing,” she said.
The agenda and Zoom link for the meeting are available on the town website.
A video recording of the Nov. 18 meeting can be accessed below on the town’s Vimeo page:
