Editor’s Note: We have been asked by the Halls Rd. Improvement Committee to share this June 2021 update with our readers.
OLD LYME — Phase II of the Halls Road Plan has been completed by our consultants the BSC Group. This includes maps and descriptions of the new public right of way improvements, and a look at a range of private development opportunities that will be enabled by the new Village District zoning.
Two key drawings from the final Halls Road Plan are on display in the foyer of Memorial Town Hall and can be viewed during open hours.
Committee members and BSC team will be at Town Hall for another Open House on Sunday, Aug. 8, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. to discuss the plan and answer questions.
The Master Plan Booklet is also available online at this link.
This phase represents the formal conceptual plan for the future Halls Road Village District. BSC will complete additional detailed work in support of the plan (as described below) in the coming weeks.
The Town of Old Lyme is responsible for improvements to the public right of way.
The formal Halls Road Plan will aid the town in securing grants to help offset the costs of construction. The changes in zoning – creating a mixed-use Village District along Halls Road with a supporting set of Design Guidelines – are tools to guide future private development and investment along Halls Road.
Under the current contract, BSC Group will also help with next steps in regulatory approvals, grants, zoning, and design guidelines.
Next Steps for Public Right of Way Improvements:
- Obtain approvals from CT DOT and other agencies. (BSC)
- Provide a comprehensive list of available grants for Public Right of Way construction. (BSC)
- Provide grant writing assistance to apply for grants. (BSC)
- Apply for grants. (Town)
Next Steps in Guiding Future Private Investment in the Halls Road Village District:
- Provide recommended zoning language changes to describe a new mixed-use Village District for the Halls Road area. (BSC)
- Help those responsible to finalize zoning language for the new Village District. (BSC)
- Create architectural Design Guidelines to supplement Village District zoning. (BSC)
I completely support the HRIC and their efforts to improve Halls Road and make it consistent with the charm and character of the town.
We need to have an enhanced infrastructure to invite more upscale restaurants and shops to our town.
We can’t sit and do nothing under the delusion that we are some little gem that needs no improvement.
These changes are what should have been made 60 years ago.
It’s not some grandiose vision but an appropriate one for the town as we march on in the 21st century.
Sidewalks that connect Halls Road Business District to Lyme Street , Yes.
Revised zoning regulations that support Village Concept, Yes.
Continued involvement by BSC Group to further develop the plan, No.
Town official’s should move forward , immediately, with the first two items. All additional plans and costs should be undertaken by private investers and not by taxpayers. The infrastructure and zoning regulation changes will encourage
private investment although I do not believe on the scale presented by the Hall’s Road Improvement Committee.
Hi William
Thank you for your support. I think we may have written that part of the update in a way that is unclear. BSC Group is finishing up the work already contracted. We are not suggesting any new project, just the completion of the items on the original list.
Edie Twining, HRIC Chair
Does anyone remember the Limelight , where the now empty Bank is, wonderful quick bites and place to have a coffee meet up with friends. Hope it is more like this!
Lymelight
I’ll never stop missing the Lymelight! It was perfect for dropping in any time of day.
It’s clear than an extraordinary amount of time, careful thought and hard work has gone into the development of these plans. They offer a vision for the future of our community that is vibrant and sustainable. We are all indebted to the committee and others responsible for their commitment and patience in bringing the project along to this critical moment. All of the next steps that have been outlined in their presentation deserve our full support.