The Old Lyme Zoning Commission tonight has included an agenda item to consider an “E-mail dated February 7, 2014 from Barbara Crowley of the Chocolate Shell, 18 Lyme Street to discuss certain items concerning Lyme Street business.”
Crowley, the owner of the Chocolate Shell, was served with a Cease and Desist order on the café section of her business because, in an e-mail sent to her customers Jan. 28, she explains, “Ann Brown, Old Lyme’s zoning enforcer has decided that I am in violation of zoning regulations by operating both a “take out restaurant” AND a “full service restaurant”, mainly due to a coffee maker and the chairs and tables that were outside for your enjoyment.”
Crowley adds, “As of today I must stop selling coffee and I must remove all chairs and tables, oh… and my “CAFE” flag (which is considered a “permanent sign”).”
Crowley, who notes her in her e-mail that she has both “a very angry and sad heart,” is expected to challenge the Cease and Desist order this evening. She also stresses that The Chocolate Shell continues to remain open for its normal business of selling fine chocolates and candies from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
The Zoning Commission meets at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the auditorium of the Old Lyme Town Hall.
We at EFWatermelon feel. Barbara is a vibrant part of Lyme street. The fact that she now sells coffee and has a place for people to sit and enjoy their beverage does not make her a full service or a take out restaurant to any one with common sense. In this economy one must think outside the box in order to survive never mind succeed. The combination of private homes and wonderful businesses on Lyme street is what make its character. We understand the need for zoning to monitor the types of business to keep the great village character, we certainly would not want a fast food drive thru as a neighbor but the lovely activity created between the ice cream store and the chocolate shell for both young and old only adds to the charm. The cease and desist order should be canceled. We should all have as much tolerance for the activity of business success as we do for residential construction and improvements.
I hope the Zoning Commission sees its way to a quick and judicious finding this evening. Judgment seems to have left the building of many town, state and federal buildings these days in the implementation and enforcement of the mound of rules and regulations large, nefarious corporate entities like the Chocolate Shell have to navigate.
I would also encourage the Economic Development Commission to weigh in as soon as possible, and I offer great sympathy for Barbara.
David Kelsey, Old Lyme