Editor’s Note: We originally published this op-ed submitted by Howard Margules of Old Lyme on July 12, 2024. After the 4-1 defeat of the Halls Road Overlay District proposal by Old Lyme's Zoning Commission last Monday (April 14), several members of the Halls Road Improvement Committee, including its former chair Edie Twining—who resigned yesterday—suggested republishing it as a … [Read more...] about Op-Ed: After HROD Defeat, Some Thoughts on Improving Old Lyme’s Approach to Managing Major Projects Going Forward
Letter to the Editor: Are Old Lyme Residents Being Overtaxed? Demand Answers to Why Town Surplus Fund is so High, How it Impacts Tax Rates
To the Editor:Are the residents of Old Lyme being overtaxed? I would bet that most residents probably believe that our property taxes are relatively reasonable compared to other CT towns, but is that really correct? To try and find an answer to that question I Took a look at the town budget.Reviewing the budget, the first thing that jumps out is that our “Unassigned Surplus … [Read more...] about Letter to the Editor: Are Old Lyme Residents Being Overtaxed? Demand Answers to Why Town Surplus Fund is so High, How it Impacts Tax Rates
Op-Ed: Support HROD—Inevitable Halls Rd. Will Change, Optional Overlay Positions Old Lyme to Better Manage Its Future: Other Choice is Leave it to Chance
Editor's Note: This op-ed is a response by Howard Margules to the op-ed by Jill and Russell Todd, which we published Feb. 5, 2025 on LymeLine.com. Margules is an Old Lyme resident and member of the Halls Road Improvements Committee. Thank you for your interest in the Halls Road Overlay District (HROD) zoning proposal—I would like to address your concerns: Developers … [Read more...] about Op-Ed: Support HROD—Inevitable Halls Rd. Will Change, Optional Overlay Positions Old Lyme to Better Manage Its Future: Other Choice is Leave it to Chance
Op-Ed: Old Lyme Needs to Do Better on Major Projects
Editor’s Note: This op-ed was submitted by Howard Margules of Old Lyme. Our town’s major projects—Halls Road, Lymes’ Senior Center, Sewers, Shoreline Gateway, and Affordable Housing—are all vital to our town’s future economic viability. They also share something else in common: they have been “works in process” for quite a while, and all remain unfinished. It … [Read more...] about Op-Ed: Old Lyme Needs to Do Better on Major Projects
Letter to the Editor: Conclusions Being Reached on Halls Rd. Project Without Understanding Facts
To the Editor: It is very frustrating to see people reaching conclusions about Halls Road without obtaining the facts. The town is not hiring a developer!. Property owners can choose to keep their buildings right where they are and not move them.The overlay is an option that they take advantage of or not. If they do choose it, they pick a contractor not the town. The … [Read more...] about Letter to the Editor: Conclusions Being Reached on Halls Rd. Project Without Understanding Facts
Letter to the Editor: Misinformation Abounds About Halls Rd. Improvement Project, Clarifications Offered
To the Editor: Local Republicans seem to have been spreading misinformation about the Halls Road Improvements plan during their door-knocking and social media campaigns. The most common misstatements are the following. 1. Misstatement: The Halls Road Overlay District (HROD) proposal will raise our taxes.Fact: If HROD is passed developers will be able to … [Read more...] about Letter to the Editor: Misinformation Abounds About Halls Rd. Improvement Project, Clarifications Offered
Letter to the Editor: Old Lyme Planning Commission Candidate Makes Case for Merging Planning, Zoning Commissions
To the Editor: I have lived in Old Lyme for 19 years and am deeply committed to its welfare, including its economic vitality. To that end I have served on the town's Economic Development Commission and continue to serve on the Board of Selectmen's Halls Road Improvements Committee. I am now running for election to the Old Lyme Planning Commission. Decisions made by the … [Read more...] about Letter to the Editor: Old Lyme Planning Commission Candidate Makes Case for Merging Planning, Zoning Commissions
Letter to the Editor: Old Lyme Ice Cream Store’s Closure Prompts Questions on Future Viability of Retail in Town, OL EDC Has a Process to Address Challenge
To the Editor: The announced closing of the ice cream store on Lyme Street has prompted many expressions of both disappointment, and concern and has even led to a broader based discussion regarding the economic viability of the town’s retail sector. This is very understandable since our town, as well as most others, is facing significant challenges due to a combination of … [Read more...] about Letter to the Editor: Old Lyme Ice Cream Store’s Closure Prompts Questions on Future Viability of Retail in Town, OL EDC Has a Process to Address Challenge
Letter to the Editor: Let’s Work Together to Advance Halls Road Zoning Improvements, Public Hearing Tonight is Best Forum to Discuss Project
To the Editor: Regarding the Halls Road zoning proposal, I agree the zoning is not perfect, and certainly needs review and revision, but we should not lose sight of the context and the bigger picture. The Public Hearing for the zoning proposal under discussion Monday, Nov. 8, at the Old Lyme Zoning Commission's Regular Meeting is just a way to implement and make real a … [Read more...] about Letter to the Editor: Let’s Work Together to Advance Halls Road Zoning Improvements, Public Hearing Tonight is Best Forum to Discuss Project