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Easton First Selectman says conservation is a top priority, flags zoning and land-use legal work
Summary
First Selectman Dan Lent told the Board of Selectmen that protecting reservoirs, forests and wildlife is his top priority and described ongoing land-use matters, including a lawsuit involving the Zoning Board of Appeals, attorney hires for Plum Tree and Saddle Ridge matters, and a continued public hearing for the Rising Sky School.
First Selectman Dan Lent used his Jan. 8 update to make conservation and land stewardship a central theme for Easton’s work this year, listing reservoirs, trees and wildlife — including hawks, wood turtles, eastern box turtles and brook trout — among the town assets he wants to protect.
Lent said retired veterinarian William Karesh and several conservation groups will support the town’s preservation efforts. He also reported meetings with State Representative Anne Hughes and Selectman Nick D'Addario to discuss potential funding mechanisms for land preservation and affordable-housing strategies such as in-law apartments and co-housing, and he suggested that House Bill 8002 should be scaled to reflect Easton’s small population.
On land-use enforcement and litigation, Lent said he and Town Attorney Steve Stafstrom reviewed outstanding violations and conducted an inspection of the indoor riding arena adjacent to Gourmet United; a compliance checklist is being developed to try to achieve compliance and avoid further litigation. Lent also reported receipt of a lawsuit from neighbor Fred Lovejoy against the Zoning Board of Appeals related to activities at Greiser's Store, and he said the town has engaged outside counsel for several matters: Goldman + York may assist on the Strong on Center permit appeal, Keith Ainsworth was hired to review Plum Tree applications for a proposed 60-apartment and 9-townhouse project near the Mill River, and Halloran & Sage was retained for Hartford land-use docket litigation involving Saddle Ridge.
Lent said the public hearing for Rising Sky School is closed for now but remains unapproved while Planning & Zoning works on restrictions for student population and drop-off times and requests a better map.
Why it matters: Land-use decisions, pending applications and litigation shape development, environmental protection and town finances. The First Selectman’s prioritization of conservation and the town’s legal work on zoning matters signal areas where policy and enforcement activity will continue in the coming months.
What's next: Planning & Zoning will continue work on Rising Sky School restrictions; Plum Tree and Saddle Ridge matters will proceed with outside counsel involvement and may return to board or commission agendas.
