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Environmentalist and attorney Dan Lent has a proven record of defending Easton’s zoning protections and wetlands in court.
In contrast, New York Real Estate Broker, Nick D’Addario voted to break Easton’s 3-acre watershed zoning on July 18, 2023 as a member of Easton’s chaotic Planning and Zoning Commission.
DISCUSSION:
On September 5th, Trumbull First Selectman candidate Mark Block issued a strong statement opposing the 70 unit apartment building planned for Plumtree Lane.
Dan Lent, Easton’s First Selectman candidate, fully endorses Block’s position. “Mark called me because, as an environmental activist, I’ve been closely following this and many other troubling land-use issues and lawsuits in Easton. I note that most of these zoning lawsuits have been lost by the current pro development administration. In fact, land use Judge Dale Radcliffe strongly complained about Easton’s currently mismanaged zoning. One resident recently called the chaotic operations of Easton P&Z Commission and land use officials the “Wild West.”"
"In reply, Nick just finally issued a telling press release where he basically said the First Selectman can’t do much about planning and zoning” says Lent. Lent disagrees -- noting the First Selectman is the town's chief executive officer -- and serves as an ex officio member of all town boards and commissions. “First Selectman, Bill Kupinse, actively did a ton on zoning and preservation and so will I!“ says Lent.
The Plumtree project—led by Steve Shapiro, a well-known 8-30g affordable housing developer and Easton resident—would force a massive four-story apartment complex onto land zoned for single-family homes. The plan calls for 70 small apartments and 9 townhouses on Plumtree Lane.
The development threatens the pristine Mill River trout stream as well as Easton’s statutorily protected wetlands and watercourses. A total of 40 apartments, including underground parking, would be built in Easton, with another 30 in Trumbull. Oddly, the “dorm-like” building would cross municipal boundaries, raising serious jurisdictional concerns.
“The Plumtree mega-project adversely affects both Easton and Trumbull residents,” Lent said. “Our communities share the risks of reckless 8-30g development, the destruction of protected wetlands, and the added public safety threat here in Easton. Our volunteer fire department lacks the multimillion-dollar equipment needed for multistory apartment fires. On top of that, the project would funnel massive sewage flows into the already outdated Black Rock Harbor treatment plant, which frequently overflows into Fairfield Beach—closing it especially after rainstorms. And where is the traffic study? How can 80-plus cars safely navigate a narrow rural road at the bottom of a hill where speeding is already a problem? This project looks suspiciously like it could end up serving as Sacred Heart University dormitories, especially once the affordable housing deed restrictions expire.”
Lent also questioned Easton Selectman Nick D’Addario’s role in dismantling Easton’s longstanding zoning protections. “These zoning laws were established in 1941 to safeguard the water supply that serves over 700,000 homes in Fairfield County” Lent said. Yet, as a member of Easton’s Planning & Zoning Commission in 2023, D’Addario pushed through zoning changes over public outcry that broke our 3-acre minimum watershed zoning and placed our water supply at risk. His action opened the door further to cluster house development proposals like Saddle Ridge. In a “watershed” moment for Easton, on July 18, 2023, Nick voted to break 3-acre watershed zoning. This enables higher density or cluster home projects like Saddle Ridge now proposed by EG Homes LLC near the corner of RT 136 and Sport Hill Road. A petition against the project has gathered 761 signatures, please sign it here urges Lent.
Easton environmentalists had successfully stopped the various Saddle Ridge proposals for years. Now Nick helped Saddle Ridge come back!
Keep Easton Green and Keep our water clean – please oppose the Plumtree and Saddle Ridge projects – Vote for Dan Lent (http://Lent4Easton.org)
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