Letter to the Editor: Support Old Lyme Zoning Commission in Enforcing Regulations for Smith Neck House Plan, Reminder That a Hill is Still a Hill

To the Editor:

Over 100 people attended the OL Zoning Commission hearing on Monday evening. They frequently applauded the many speakers who disapproved of the proposed 11,000 square foot house proposed beside the Smith Neck Boat launch. Speakers described site violations of regulations, excessive water use and un-permitted clearcutting. The CT River Gateway Commission has recommended denial of the zoning application. Over many decades, Old Lyme residents have developed and agreed on our zoning regulations to protect the quality of our environment and the character of our towns.  

The Applicant’s architect asserted many surprising defenses as to why they should be allowed to build a house that does not comply with the zoning regulations. One main point was that the other houses in the neighborhood didn’t comply with the regulations but she forgot to add that the other houses were built in the 30’s before the regulations existed. 

Perhaps the Applicants most bizarre claim was that the requirement to locate the house behind the crest of the hill doesn’t apply. They actually asserted that the  property is not really on a hill, so there isn’t really a crest of the hill, because there can’t be a crest if there isn’t a hill. Anyone with two feet knows that there is a hill and a crest at the boat launch and this house must be located behind the crest according to the regulations. 

The hearing reinforced the need for town residents to support the CT River Gateway Commission denial and let the volunteers on the Zoning Commission know that we support them in enforcing our regulations. The hearing process for this Application is closed but Old Lyme’s need for regulatory clarity and compliance is not.  The Zoning Commission rules apply to everyone and failure to enforce them puts us all at risk of living in a community with unchecked development, with no hills. 

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Karter,
Old Lyme.