The agenda for this evening’s Old Lyme’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) includes two controversial issues, which are likely to draw substantial numbers to the town hall’s auditorium for the 7:30 p.m. meeting.
The first item relates to the Cease and Desist order placed by Zoning Enforcement Officer Ann Brown on The Chocolate Shell’s café and sign. Brown charged that, through the installation of its coffee machine and expanded range of pastries, the store has established, “a take-out restaurant and restaurant without permits,” and also installed, “a sign without permits.” Store owner Barbara Crowley plans to present her argument to the ZBA board that Brown’s actions are unjustified.
The second matter involves the maintenance of, “… a junkyard and storing rubbish, machinery, trash, refuse, debris and/or junk motor vehicles,” at 2 Moss Point Trail by former ZBA member Patrick Looney and his wife, Diane.
The ZBA will make decisions on both matters in an Open Voting Session during the meeting.
Click here to view the agenda for the meeting.
Editor’s Note: See related articles The Chocolate Shell Café Re-opens published Feb. 23 on LymeLine.com and Coffee and chocolate spur debate on future of Lyme Street in Old Lyme by Kimberly Drelich and published March 10 in The Day.
Residents of Old Lyme must understand the motives behind those close minded individuals whom would restrict the Chocolate Shell from expanding their business. They are part of the same crowd that prevented Dunkin Donuts from opening on Halls Road. This issue is a symptom of a much larger issue and that being the towns outdated and anti business Plan of Development. Land use board members whom hide behind this plan will ,and have, driven many businesses from locating in our town. Updating this plan is the first step in preventing issues like this from continuing.