To the Editor:
I have lived in Old Lyme for almost 50 years and raised my family here. People love Old Lyme because it is a beautiful, peaceful and non-commercial community. Old Lyme has intentionally sought to keep our community distanced from unnecessary development. Our Main Street is a beautiful example of that. Old Lyme would not let a McDonalds be located here, and Dunkin Donuts was eventually allowed in, but with no signage.
1. We do not have any need for a new gas station or a convenience store. We already have that on Halls Road. Furthermore, this proposed development would put two local people at risk of going out of business.
2. We do not want to make Halls Road a pass through for traffic from 95 which would include the inevitable large, noisy and polluting 18-wheel vehicles.
3. The Halls Road Improvement Committee is working hard to develop a plan to beautify Halls Road. Another gas station and convenience store would be in direct opposition to that intent.
4. Why would Old Lyme compromise its values for corporate gain?
It is my hope that LymeLine will join with others in opposing this absurd project that would only compromise the visions of an intentionally non-commercial small town.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mary Devins,
Old Lyme.
Old Lyme.
Perhaps an electric vehicle recharging station would be in keeping with the needs for the future. No more inground fuel tanks. Just a charger mixed in with the retail establishments giving the drivers access to all local merchants.
My family has vacationed in Old Lyme for over 40 years. My wife and I now live in town since our retirements four years ago. Over those years, I have not seen much change to the Halls Rd area. Therefore I welcomed the opportunity to visit the Open House sponsored by the Halls Road Improvement Committee.
I was most impressed with the presentation and preliminary plans for improvements. Halls Road is the gateway to the historical and scenic town of Old Lyme. Unfortunately, Halls Rd in its current conditions is a poor representation of the towns beauty. Buildings are out of date and many of the existing businesses are not surviving because accessibility to their location. Except for the Hangry Goose, the eateries are “out of site and out of mind” In order to get a good meal, we must leave the area. The one gas station is an eye sore and the convenience store / deli is subpar. A few businesses, such as Big Y and Essex Bank, have taken steps improve their properties. We need more property owners like these to step up and take action.
The Halls Road Improvement Committee should be applauded for it’s effort to develop plans to create a welcome, useful and safe entry to Old Lyme. It is now time for our town leaders, planning & zoning, finance, local businesses and property owners to support plans to improve Halls Road. It is my understanding that a survey of towns residents, a couple of years ago, indicated that over 70% recognized that improvements must be made.
Lets all get behind the committee’s efforts and make things happen.
Greg LaRocque