In the space of just a few short weeks, the residents of Old Lyme have become aware of a menace in their midst. Most unusually for these same residents, their response has been to a man (or woman) identical. When that happens in this town — unquestionably, a rare event — you can be sure that, ‘Something is rotten (to misquote Hamlet) in the state of Old Lyme.’
The ‘menace’ in this case is Alternative 1 of the three high-speed railtrack routes proposed by the Federal Railroad Authority (FRA) in their Northeast Corridor (NEC) Future plan.
But let’s backtrack for a second — why is the FRA proposing these new routes? Their objective is, “to improve the reliability, capacity, connectivity, performance, and resiliency of future passenger rail service … while promoting environmental sustainability and continued economic growth.” Let’s say right away that we are fully supportive of this objective — we are huge fans of rail-travel — you cannot grow up in Europe without taking rail travel for granted. The trains there are fast, clean and efficient … they are a way of life. We absolutely wish it were the same in the US.
So what is the difference here? Why has the reaction to Alternative 1 been so strong, so united, so passionate? In case you are unaware, Alternative 1 calls for the high speed rail track to cross the Connecticut River over a new bridge a little higher up the river than at present and then travel to the center of Old Lyme bisecting Lyme Street by eliminating both the western and eastern campuses of Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts before turning north and crossing I-95. The 1817 John Sill House, currently owned by the Academy and situated on its campus, would likely be acquired by the FRA by eminent domain and then demolished.
The impact of a high-speed railtrack through that sector of town would be totally devastating for our community, effectively destroying its very heart.
This editorial could now run for pages to explain the full spectrum of impact to Old Lyme of this proposal.
We could discuss the horrific effects on our incredible local environment — one which has inspired artists for generations including some of the greatest impressionist painters in American history and one officially designated as a “Last Great Place.”
We could talk about the untold damage to the storied structures on Lyme Street and list the irreplaceable buildings that will either be completely destroyed or permanently scarred by this new train track construction, many of which are either National Historic Landmarks or on the National Historic Register.
We could mention that Lyme Street is the joyful, bustling hub of our little town — it has a unique personality and touches every aspect of our community life. It is home to our town hall, our public schools, our daycare, our youth services, our library, our churches, our village shops, our art college, our art association (the oldest in the country), and the Florence Griswold Museum (a national institution.) Can you even begin to imagine Lyme Street with a high speed railroad running across it?
And let’s just consider for a minute what this proposal, if implemented, would achieve? Bearing in mind that you can already travel from London to Paris (286 miles) in 2 hours and 15 minutes, would we be able to hop on a train in Old Saybrook and be in Washington DC (334 miles) roughly two hours and 45 minutes later? No, the current travel time of six hours would be reduced by a grand total of 30 minutes to 5 hours and 30 minutes. Unbelievable.
As we said, we could go on for pages but others have kindly taken care of that for us. There was a splendid press conference yesterday, which spelled out the craziness of Alternative 1 from every angle — coldly, clinically and objectively. The Old Lyme-Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library has a full print copy of the NEC Future tome if you care to read it in its entirety. There are links galore on the Old Lyme Town website to the statement and attachments submitted yesterday (Feb. 10) on behalf of some 20 local organizations to the FRA.
So please read and educate yourself on Alternative 1, but most importantly, please, please write to the FRA with your thoughts. There are many questions as to why and how this proposal was able to be presented without a single public hearing being held closer than 30 miles away from a town on which it was having such a major impact. But that is history now …
The comment period was originally only until Jan. 31, but there was such a huge outcry as the reality of Alternative 1 began to be fully understood that it has been extended to next Tuesday, Feb. 16. The FRA needs to hear from each and every one of us — you don’t need to write an essay, you don’t need to write eloquently, in fact, you don’t really need to write much at all, but you do need to write — today or tomorrow, even the next day, but if you have anything to say about Alternative 1 and want your voice to be heard, you absolutely must write.
There are three ways to contact the FRA:
Online through the NEC website: Submit your comment directly at http://www.necfuture.com/get_involved/
Email: Send comments with attachments to [email protected]m
Snail-mail: Mail your comments to:
NEC Future
U.S. DOT Federal Railroad Administration
One Bowling Green, Suite 429
New York, NY 10004
We sincerely hope that there will soon be a public forum of some sort where people can ask questions and comment in person but, in the meantime, we say again, PLEASE, PLEASE WRITE TO THE FRA!
Just sent a brief protest via e-mail. I urge others to do the same …. takes but a moment!
No way ….leave this historic area a long ……..NO Need
Like so many other local residents I was just now made aware of a plan building a fast-track rail line through the center of Old Lyme. The absurdity in every way of this plan is mind-boggling, and I vigorously oppose it. This town with its treasured history and unique architecture, instead of being destroyed, must be preserved for the future. Being a proponent of speedy train travel, I look forward to a much more sensible proposal of building tracks far away from dense populations and historical communities.
To destroy a town for a railroad’s profit is probably the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.
And I don’t live in Old Lyme.
A high speed train Through Lyme Street would mean more of the destruction of American cultural centers of which Old Lyme is a great asset.
I agree with Samuel Walker – It is the stupidest thing ever! … and I don’t live there either, BUT Old Lyme’s Lyme Street is one of the states most beautiful “Main Streets”. Every house is historic and well-maintained. It is the quintessential New England town where everything happens right there – the school children and their families can walk from the school to the Library and the Candy Store and the Ice Cream Shop and back to the school playing fields. They have parades and markets and art festivals; as well as the Museum, the Art College etc. I am outraged that the FRA tried to slip this by the town. The trains are fine right where they are!!! I will try to make sure to tell everyone I can reach to join Old Lyme in protesting this proposal.
This is an insight into a management/responsibility process out of control. FRA/DOT and those who support NEC’s worthy goals, knowingly or unknowingly, have, by this example, fostered the growing mistrust of government.
Sam Walker and Joe Cotrona are fellow members of the Old Lyme Town Band; perhaps you’ve seen and heard us perform on the South Green and behind the middle school preceding summer fireworks? How will such events be impacted if Alternate Plan 1 goes through? My father’s ancestors have lived in Old Lyme since the 1600s. My mother’s parents emigrated from Poland to farm and timber; his draft horses dug the foundation of my parents’ house, where our daughter now lives, to be joined by a husband this summer! I have GENERATIONS of love for this town. To see train routes expanded AWAY from their current established sites, destroying historic buildings, numerous homes of all calibers, long-standing businesses, and the way of life for many if not most residents for financial gain is the stuff of nightmares. PLEASE CONTINUE TO VOICE YOUR DISPLEASURE BEFORE TOMORROW’S DEADLINE. The simple form iis on the web site; it doesn’t take long.
This proposal is absolutely rediculous.
The destruction to the towns of southeastern Connecticut on into Rhode Island is totally devastating. And for what? A reduction of 30 minutes over 300 + miles? And at a huge financial cost?
This is a horrible plan.
Please have someone with some common sense review your proposals.
Old Lyme is an artistic, academic, cultural, historic and environmental treasure. Why destroy one of the few truly idyllic spots left in CT? This is a bureaucratic misjudgment which carries seriously drastic consequences to those who live, work, study in this classic New England village. What a shameful and reprehensible act to disturb a perfectly-balanced cultural community.
Stop the insanity now! Save this jewel for present and future generations.
Old Lyme village has been apart of my life for over fifty years. We traveled from NJ to holiday gatherings to my aunt & uncles home. The drive through town was and still such a joy. There are other ways to accomplish this goal without destroying such a treasure.
Please DO NOT allow this train to dissect Old Lyme! NO WAY!
thank you.
Cynthia
I can’t believe who ever is heading this plan really could care less about our history and our town. They care only about the profit they will gain. I can only hope and pray this will not happen.
Sorry folks. ALTERNATIVE 1 is the cheapest, easiest plan for Amtrak. All the self-proclaimed big shots there won’t be able to do a thing. Funny enough, this proposal has been public knowledge for months and months and our Selectmen are just telling OL residents a week before discussions are over?? Somebody’s asleep at the wheel at the Town Hall………
This area of our town, state, country and the world is an important part of American history. Don’t destroy it! Dig a tunnel or build a level above Interstate 95?