Westport, CT Real Estate Law Attorney News Archive

Easton residents have made a crucial decision to enhance public safety by approving the relocation of emergency dispatch services to the Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center. During the December 10 meeting, voters allocated $615,000 for this important transition. First Selectman Daniel Lent emphasized that the move will provide access to modernized communication equipment available at Sacred Heart University, which is expected to improve response times for emergency services.

In addition to the relocation, a proposal to allocate $150,000 for anticipated legal fees related to ongoing civil litigation was narrowly defeated. Selectman Nick D’Addario suggested that the town should further evaluate its legal strategies before committing to additional expenditures.

The community also showed its support for local emergency responders by voting to increase stipends for fire and EMS volunteers. This decision underscores Easton's commitment to strengthening community support, not only within its borders but also in neighboring towns. As Easton navigates the intricacies of business and corporate responsibilities, as well as real estate law, these changes are seen as vital steps toward fostering a safer environment.

The Westport-based law firm Berchem Moses PC has officially resigned as legal counsel for Easton after two decades of service. The firm cited incompatibilities with the recent goals set forth by newly elected Republican First Selectman Daniel Lent. Senior partner Ira Bloom shared that differences in professional standards for municipal representation, especially during ongoing civil litigation and land-use disputes, led to this decision.

At a recent Board of Selectmen meeting, Lent described the firm's departure as a proactive step towards reevaluating the town's legal options. This is particularly important given that Easton’s $100,000 legal budget has already been significantly depleted.

Selectman Nick D’Addario emphasized the urgency for the town to hire experienced attorneys to effectively tackle pending development projects. Meanwhile, Selectman Kristi Sogofsky advocated for creating a vetted list of legal professionals to ensure timely representation and to protect Easton's rural character.

In a pivotal decision from New Britain Superior Court, Judge Matthew Budzik has sent a controversial gas rate case back to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). The ruling addresses procedural errors connected to former chair Marissa Gillett.

This case centers on Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas and has raised broader questions about potential misconduct by PURA attorneys, including General Counsel Scott Muska and Assistant Attorney General Seth Hollander. Allegations suggest that these attorneys misled the court, further complicating the legal landscape.

The dispute began when PURA reduced the gas companies' revenues by $35 million. This prompted Avangrid, the parent company of both utilities, to call for further investigation into Gillett's alleged bias, particularly her links to a critical op-ed by state officials Jonathan Steinberg and Norm Needleman.

Amidst growing demands for accountability, Steinberg shared his hopes that the court's decision would enable PURA to return its focus to urgent energy issues, such as the rising electricity costs in Connecticut. This case not only underscores the complexities of business and corporate litigation in Connecticut but also highlights significant challenges within real estate law related to utility operations.

The much-anticipated Westoberfest Craft Beer and Family Fall Festival is set to return to Westport, Connecticut, on October 4, 2025. Attendees can look forward to an afternoon brimming with local brews, traditional cuisines, and live music.

This vibrant event will showcase a variety of craft beers along with refreshing non-alcoholic options. Castle Wine & Spirits will also enhance the festival with a selection of curated seasonal wines.

Families attending the festival can participate in various craft activities and competitions, fostering connections and community spirit, while also supporting local businesses.

The festivities will be hosted by notable figures, including CBS News Weather Anchor Lonnie Quinn, who will add an extra layer of excitement to the atmosphere.

For those interested in the regional economy, Westoberfest also serves as a valuable opportunity to delve into real estate law implications for vendors and explore potential employment prospects for local businesses.

Connecticut is currently experiencing an unprecedented budget surplus of nearly $2.5 billion. However, this financial windfall contrasts sharply with the struggles faced by local governments, which are dealing with decreasing support from the state. This trend is leading to rising property taxes as cities like Westport and Tolland reveal a widening gap between wealthier areas and rural communities, both of which are feeling the impact of reduced gaming revenue sharing.

Joe DeLong, the executive director of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, has raised concerns regarding state grants, stating they are insufficient to keep pace with inflation. As a result, municipalities find themselves facing a shortfall of $370 million compared to 2016 levels.

In response to these challenges, lawmakers, including Senator Cathy Osten, are advocating for the reallocation of surplus funds to ease the financial burdens faced by towns. However, critics argue that the existing fiscal policies disproportionately affect essential services, further complicating the situation.

As the General Assembly's budget caps remain a contentious issue, local leaders and real estate attorneys across Connecticut express a shared concern. The challenge lies in finding a balance between the state’s newfound prosperity and the need for adequate funding for municipalities.

Recent data reveals a significant shift in employment patterns across Fairfield County, Connecticut, with the number of residents working from home more than doubling in several towns since the pandemic. According to an analysis by the CT Data Collaborative, Weston now has 39% of its population working remotely, an increase from just 15% in 2019. Likewise, Westport's figures have surged to 36%.

Michelle Riordan-Nold, executive director of the CT Data Collaborative, highlighted that many families who once commuted to New York City are now embracing remote work. This trend has fueled local economic growth, as evidenced by the opening of 11 new businesses in Weston and 59 in Westport since 2021.

The report underscores the critical role of real estate law and housing availability in attracting corporate interests to the region. AdvanceCT Vice President Rachel Gretencord emphasizes that understanding these trends can help local officials enhance business recruitment efforts across Connecticut's diverse municipalities.