Here’s What Got LymeLine Readers’ Attention in August

There’s a belief that news slows down over the summer, but it never seems to work that way around here.

August brought news and debate to LymeLine through posts on topics ranging from development and local politics to property sales, public safety and community controversies.

Take a look back at 10 of the stories and letters that drew the most attention from readers last month.

1. Old Lyme Shopping Center Sells for $3.95 Million

The sale of the Old Lyme Shopping Center on Halls Road was August’s most-read story. The property was purchased by a New York developer whose portfolio includes commercial and residential properties across Connecticut.

2. Old Lyme Marketplace Owners Respond to Criticism

Across the street, the new owners of Old Lyme Marketplace offered their perspective in a guest commentary following criticism of their plans for the Halls Road mainstay and the potential impact on the town.

3. Radio Host Lee Elci Enters State Senate Race Against Martha Marx

Republican Lee Elci announced his campaign to unseat Democratic State Sen. Martha Marx. A subsequent article by CT Mirror followed the developing story.

4. Old Lyme Residents Grapple With How to Preserve Identity While Planning for Change

What does Old Lyme want to preserve – and what does it need to change? This story explored residents’ sometimes competing visions for the town’s future.

5. Resident Calls for Accountability After Black & Brown Experience Gathering Moves to New London

A letter to the editor questioned the town’s response to a planned Black & Brown Experience gathering at Sound View Beach, which the writer said sent a painful message to families of color.

6. Frustration Mounts Over Mile Creek Road Excavation Operation

A local gravel pit remains a source of tension as neighbors cite environmental concerns, the town pursues litigation and officials face questions over a renewed permit.

7. Old Lyme Property Transactions

Always a favorite, the property transactions listing gave readers the opportunity to keep an eye on who’s moving in and who’s moving out. From waterfront homes to vacant land, this update showed more than 30 properties changing hands since late May.

8. Sound View Debate Sends Beach Party to New London

A dispute over music and DJs at Sound View Beach prompted organizers of the Black & Brown Experience gathering to move the event to New London. Critics of the town response said it made Old Lyme look unwelcoming.

9. Two Cars Stolen in Old Lyme Despite Theft Warnings

Two vehicles were stolen from Browns Lane on an early Thursday morning amid an uptick in break-ins and thefts in nearby towns. Old Lyme’s resident state trooper is urging residents to make locking up a habit.

10. Town, Private Beach Associations Clash Over $1.5 Million Sewer Bill

The Town of Old Lyme said it never officially signed onto an agreement to share the cost of a pump station and force main as part of a long-planned project to bring sewers to several beach communities. Three private beach associations disagree.

Thank you for reading, and for engaging with LymeLine by commenting and submitting letters to the editor. Your interest in town government, development, local history, community events and issues affecting your neighborhood helps guide our coverage. We look forward to bringing you more local news in September.