Zoning Board of Appeals to hold continuation of public hearing on Gourmet United on April 29

On April 29, the Zoning Board of Appeals will continue its public hearing into an appeal granted against the special use permit issued to Gourmet United LLC.

At the heart of the issue is whether this business is allowed to open and operate under a newly issued special permit, or whether a variance is the correct path to managing the use of this 100-year-old property.

What is the difference?

Without all the legalese, the primary difference between both processes is the amount of public knowledge and input from stakeholders – you.

Why does it matter?

It matters if residents want to have a voice in shaping the community and character of Easton. We acknowledge there are strong sentiments in town, within the pro-commercialization and pro-conservation circles. These are discussions worth having.

In the case of a special use permit, the decision to issue the permit was made by our Land Use Director, not by a vote of Planning & Zoning.

A variance requires a more formal application, significantly more detailed information and filings, as well as public hearings. A variance would specifically state, with essential details, what a new tenant (such as Gourmet United LLC) can and cannot do that is the same or different from the pre-existing country store.

The real debate is two-fold: does Easton want the continued development and commercialization of our Town to be executed by a single person, or even an unelected Board, or, should it be though a collaborative effort by residents, who can decide whether special accommodations should be made to allow for the development of certain properties in Town, which would normally be prohibited by our Town laws and regulations. 

In our opinion, the development of Easton and its future should be determined by a

process that adds rigor and transparency, with more input by residents – rather then less.

Moreover, zoning practices state that non-conforming lots such as EVS must be made more conforming or eliminated entirely– not expanded on.

Connecticut Superior Court Judge Radcliffe seems to share this opinion, too. In his ruling, he stated: these types of issues are going to continue to come up in the Town of Easton until there is a comprehensive attempt to plan and zone…to continue to have no commercial uses allowed but wanting to use certain property for commercial uses in a situation that sometimes can amount to zoning by whim is unacceptable.

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting is scheduled for April 29, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Town Hall Conference Room.