A resident is suing the town, seeking to halt a local cabinet maker from relocating his business to a barn to be constructed several feet away on his property, according to court records.
The lawsuit filed in Bridgeport Superior Court on June 24 by Daniel Lent claims the Planning and Zoning Commission’s approval of Frank Lisi’s special permit to build an “accessory barn” on his 450 Sport Hill Road property violates Easton’s zoning regulations and “sets a precedent by inviting other manufacturers to do the same.”
On May 28, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved a major home-based business special permit to allow Lisi to relocate his custom woodworking business, Greenfield Mill, to a post-and-beam style barn between his home and Silverman’s Farm on the northwest side of his property. This property lies within a three-acre minimum residential zone designated as part of the town’s watershed area. Lisi has operated his custom cabinetry business out of his home for two decades and wants to relocate to an accessory building for health and safety reasons.
Lisi’s custom millwork has been featured in high-end design and decor publications and his craftsmanship has earned him awards, according to the website. He does not advertise his business. He relies on repeat customers and word of mouth recommendations.
Lent’s suit names the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z), the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and Lisi. The defendants have until Aug. 13 to respond to Lent’s summons and complaint.
Lent argues that he is aggrieved by the “creeping commercialization” promoted by land use officials and alleges procedural errors and regulatory violations in handling and approving the special permit, according to court documents. The suit seeks revocation of the permit, the processing of Lent’s “properly submitted application for appeal” of the permit and related damages. Lent is also seeking a stay on the special permit’s approval until the court can rule on the merits of his case.
At the May 28 P&Z meeting, members voted 3 to 2 to approve Lisi’s special permit after debating if his accessory structure is permitted under zoning regulations. The permit places several conditions on Lisi’s business including the number of employees, the times of operation and deliveries he can have.
During the meeting, John Foley, P&Z chairman, said “woodworking was probably going on in Easton at the time of King George” and noted that Lisi’s business has existed on the property for decades. Foley said the proposed use and structure Lisi is seeking to build meet 11 criteria, and the conditions placed on the special permit allow the town more oversight of the business, he said.
“It’s already there,” said Foley. “Now (we) can apply restrictions on the activity of the property.”
A few residents at the May 28 P&Z commission meeting told members that approval of Lisi’s special permit would open the door to “uncontrollable development.” One resident said the town was “sitting on the edge of a cliff.”
Lent claims his June 20 application to appeal the commission’s decision was submitted in accordance with the Connecticut General Statutes. According to Lent’s complaint, he received a letter from Justin Giorlando on behalf of the Easton Land Use Department, informing him that the town’s attorney had concluded that Lent’s appeal should be taken directly to the Superior Court, bypassing the ZBA entirely.
Giorlando said he expects the court will find Lent’s lawsuit has no standing.
The full recording of the May 28 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting can be viewed below or accessed at https://vimeo.com/showcase/easton-planning-and-zoning.
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