To the Editor:
We were both heartsick that the proposal by the Halls Road Improvement Committee was defeated and that two members of the committee failed to vote.
Our wonderful village needs both more local shops and restaurants so that we don’t have to go across the bridge to Saybrook. We would welcome a bakery and other shops.
Apartments for residents are another priority. Many friends of ours want to move out of their larger homes and want to remain in Old Lyme. Younger residents who can’t afford high priced homes would welcome this affordable option.
Currently, our refugee family, The Popals, are looking for a three bedroom apartment so that their children can remain in Old Lyme attending our fine school. There is nothing available for them.
As someone who walks around Old Lyme frequently, I notice the dilapidated buildings around The Hideaway. Newer shops and restaurants would attract customers. Apartment rents would provide another source of revenue for the projects as well as giving property tax revenue for Old Lyme.
We were particularly saddened that the immediate reaction was to vote down the proposal because of a lack of an adequate septic system instead of opting to look at solutions. We want to have officials who look at the big picture with creativity instead of negativity. How can we make Old Lyme a wonderful place for residents to live in the future? We need to focus on how an acceptable septic plan can be designed and implemented.
I hope that new proposals offered by the Halls Road Committee will be heard with constructive thoughts. Edie and her committee have worked on this plan for more than three years asking for opinions from residents. It is time for the board to approve the Halls Road Plans, which include necessary plans for septic meeting State standards required.
With hope …
Sincerely,
Bill and Sandra Rueb,
Old Lyme.