The Public Hearing relating to Sunset Hill Vineyard in Lyme, which was scheduled for last Monday night’s Planning and Zoning Commission’s meeting in Lyme Town Hall and had to be continued due to the very large number of residents who showed up to attend it, will now be held tonight, at 7:30 p.m. in Lyme Consolidated School.
Last Monday, the Fire Marshall determined that the capacity of the Meeting Room at the town hall had been significantly exceeded.
The vineyard has submitted a request to open for ‘Appointment Only’ tastings from May to October and occasional holidays. The proposed hours of operation for the two-acre vineyard at at 5 Elys Ferry Rd. are Saturdays from 12 to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m.
The proposal has generated some controversy in the quiet town and is being actively discussed in lively social media conversations.
I pay taxes to East Haddam, unfortunately, wish I lived in Lyme :))
That said, I’m in the Hadlyme section of EH and have driven down Rt 156 everyday for 8 years. In the interest of full disclosure, I don’t know the owners of Sunset Hill Vineyards but have admired their stewardship of the land and beautifully groomed vines rolling over the soft hills of their property. I find it inconcievable that people who take care of their property like these folks do, preserving the bucolic environment of Lyme, would do any less when managing a limited access tasting facility within the confines of their own property.
We all know that Lyme contains numerous commercial enterprises including commercial farms, nurseries, coffee shops, general stores, new and used car dealership, boat landing and sales facility, medical offices, private camps, clubs etc. Having Sunset Hill Vinyards improve their farm with a limited access tasting room will add, not subtract, to the ambiance of your beautiful town.
If I had a vote I’d vote in favor of Sunset Farms! :))