Speak Up, Old Lyme: Resiliency and Housing on the Table Wednesday

OLD LYME, CT – Residents will have two chances to weigh in on the town’s future this Wednesday, July 29, at Memorial Town Hall, 52 Lyme St.

Organizers describe the evening as a chance to ask questions and share perspectives on two fundamental issues: How best to withstand and recover from climate-related challenges, and how to preserve Old Lyme’s neighborhoods while planning for future housing needs.

From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., the town will hold a public forum on its grant-funded Strategic Resiliency Action Plan. The plan builds on existing efforts to develop land use strategies that reduce climate risk and protect the town’s vulnerable populations, infrastructure and natural resources.

The $57,900 project is paid for by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and administered by the University of Connecticut-based Connecticut Sea Grant organization, which brought in sustainability consultant SLR International Corporation to guide local volunteers through the planning process.

Selectman Jim Lampos has estimated it would take about two years to come up with the plan so the town can pursue new sources of funding to implement recommended solutions.

With community engagement identified as a core component of the project, organizers invite community members to drop in at any point during the session to ask questions and share input.

At 6:30 p.m., the Zoning Commission will hold an interactive Housing and Residential Zoning Workshop. Topics include housing and residential zoning, strategies to support future housing, preserving neighborhood character and priorities for residential areas.

The workshop is part of the commission’s comprehensive rewrite of town zoning regulations, which is expected to continue through the first part of next year.

The interactive format is designed to give participants an opportunity to share their ideas and help shape policy, according to organizers.

The Zoning Commission also encourages residents to complete the town’s online zoning survey, which seeks public input on a range of topics including housing, commercial zoning, parking, sign regulations, environmental considerations and other issues.