The National Register of Historic Places nomination of Sound View Historic District informational meeting is scheduled forMonday, Aug. 15, at 6 p.m. at the Shoreline Community Center, 39 Hartford Ave., in Old Lyme. The State Historic Preservation Office has sent letters to all property owners included in the Sound View area inviting them to the meeting. The meeting will describe the process and what the “National Register of Historic Places” designation means. The meeting is open to the public and there will be time for questions.
Listing on the National Register of Historic Places is an honorary designation intended to recognize and celebrate places of historic significance. It provides a method for understanding why specific properties are important and how these historic places contribute to our cultural identity.
While the National Register program is honorary in nature, it is a useful planning tool. This recognition promotes appreciation for and stewardship of historic properties. National Register listed and eligible properties are given substantial consideration in local, state, and federal planning efforts. Listing also provides access to historic preservation funding incentives, such as the Historic Homes Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program.
The Sound View Historic District in Old Lyme is significant as an early 20th century beach resort for the newly established middle-class and for its associations with a diverse immigrant community. As Connecticut’s transportation network improved and recreational opportunities increased for a larger percent of the population, several beachside neighborhoods emerged along our coastline.
These places have distinct historic character and rich community heritage. They are identifiable within Connecticut’s scenic landscape. Development of Sound View began in 1892 and attracted families from Hartford, Springfield, New York, and surrounding areas.
Beginning in January of this year, the Sound View Commission has been working with the State Historic Preservation Office providing information and historical data for the nomination.
This sounds promising and important. Due to the fact that we may and I repeat MAY lose our downtown historic district it is far past time to focus on the natural resources we have at the beaches and also Rogers Lake. For years our town has ignored and avoided these areas treating and thinking of them as “blights” on our “lovely town”. I am also guilty of feeling that way in the past. If we do not embrace what we have Old Lyme can turn into an area where people do not want to visit, do not want their children to be.
The Old Lyme Historical Society has made some inroads into incorporating the beaches into the minds of people as part of our history, perhaps the Florence Griswold Museum could do the same. Appeal to the town government to help developers and ordinary people revitalize Sound View. Together is the only way we can get it done!
Dear OLMOM,
The Sound View Commission and in particular Michaelle Pierson are doing a fantastic job raising awareness of the significance of Sound View to Old Lyme, southeastern Connecticut and our State.
Please look at the plans for the Sound View Improvements Project on the town website. The project became a reality because so many, including town officials, recognized the improvements needed in this beautiful area. Also, on the website, check out the plans for the new boathouse and park improvements at Rogers Lake.
Finally, continue to oppose the high speed rail draft plan with letters to the FRA. This information is also on the town website.
Mary Jo Nosal
Selectwoman, Old Lyme
Oh I know all that but I have seen/heard of similar ideas/ monies spent over the decades that never went anywhere mostly due to the lack of community between the town people and the beach people that is why I say we need to work together. Many Kudos go to Michaelle Pierson and all she has done. I am forever hopeful that this new plan works and works well. Hopefully things like the Osprey Festival will help.
Dear OLMOM,
The Sound View Commission and in particular Michaelle Pearson are doing a fantastic job raising awareness of the significance of Sound View to Old Lyme, southeastern Connecticut and our State.
Please look at the plans for the Sound View Improvements Project on the town website. The project became a reality because so many, including town officials, recognized the improvements needed in this beautiful area. Also, on the website, check out the plans for the new boathouse and park improvements at Rogers Lake.
Finally, continue to oppose the high speed rail draft plan with letters to the FRA. This information is also on the town website.
Mary Jo Nosal
Selectwoman, Old Lyme
I’m happy that Sound View is finally getting some recognition for its historic attributes. When Jim Lampos and I researched the area for our history of Old Lyme’s beaches, “Rumrunners, Governors, Beachcombers and Socialists” (published by the Old Lyme Historical Society), we were amazed that so many historic properties remained largely intact, with some still in the families of their original owners. There is also quite strong evidence that Sound View may be the nation’s oldest public beach, with development beginning circa 1892-3.
Sound View has a rich history that for too long has been clouded by its rowdy image from the 1950s-90s. In recent years, families have returned to Sound View to enjoy the pleasures of the Carousel, arcade, ice cream and Vecchitto’s Italian Ice, as well as the beach itself, with its gentle waves and legendary sandbar. Historic District status for Sound View would give recognition to the area as part of the historic fabric of Old Lyme, and encourage property owners to maintain their historic properties with the aid of grants, etc., which would be good for the beach area, and also for the town in general.
To the Editor:
Sound View residents have been receiving letters from Heidi DiNino-Fields of Hartford Avenue urging them to register their opposition to the Sound View Historic District designation. These letters are filled with incorrect information, designed to confuse and frighten residents into opposition. Among the more blatant lies are that owners would not be able to paint or maintain their property; that it would negatively affect insurance, taxes and marketability; that it would impede upgrading to FEMA standards, and that the property “will essentially be frozen in as-is condition.” Each of these is completely false.
The National Historic Register is simply an Honorary designation to recognize neighborhoods that have a unique character and history. There are absolutely NO restrictions on owners’ ability to renovate or develop their properties. This designation is different from the TOWN Historic District, on Lyme Street, which is overseen by the Historic District Commission, and has nothing to do with Sound View, or this type of designation.
Having a property within the Sound View Historic District actually conveys many benefits on owners, including BETTER rates on insurance, BETTER marketability, and assistance with waivers to FEMA requirements, building and zoning. The designation’s purpose is to make it EASIER for owners to renovate and develop their properties, if that is their CHOICE. If an owner wants to renovate their property in a non-historic manner, or not at all, that is their CHOICE. There is no government entity that can or will tell them what they can or can’t do.
IF an owner CHOOSES to renovate in a historic manner, they become eligible for grant programs and tax abatements up to $30,000. If the owner wants the tax credit, that particular work will be subject to review, but only to ensure that the money is going toward a historic renovation. If an owner doesn’t take the cash, they can do whatever they like. No review or oversight whatsoever. Historic District designation has no impact on property taxes.
Sound View’s rich history has been obscured for too long by its rowdy reputation from the 1950s-1990s. As an intact pre-1938 beach community, Sound View is a unique and rare coastal resource. It was developed in the early 1890s, and there is very good evidence that it is the nation’s oldest public beach. Many of the cottages have been passed down for generations within the same families, and are maintained with pride to this day. The Historic District designation honors this tradition, and will help to preserve the neighborhood and public beach for future generations. This is a valuable opportunity for our town. Let’s not let one uninformed naysayer scare people into opting out of this positive opportunity.
For the true story, actual facts, and some very interesting historic details, I urge concerned residents to read the official application which will be posted on the Old Lyme Town website early next week at http://www.oldlyme-ct.gov/Pages/OldLymeCT_projects/currentprojects
Michaelle Pearson