OLD LYME — The first item on Old Lyme Planning Commission’s agenda for their regular meeting being held this evening is a Public Hearing for the ‘Adoption of the 2020 Plan of Conservation & Development.’
The meeting, which starts at 5 p.m. and will be held via via WebEx, will consider and hear comments on the plan, a draft of which has been published on the Town of Old Lyme website at this link.
Readers can join the meeting by using this link: https://
The plan opens with this statement: In compliance with Section 8-23 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Old Lyme Planning Commission periodically reviews and updates its local Plan of Conservation and Development. The comprehensive plan makes fascinating reading and contains a blueprint for the future of the town.
This Public Hearing offers an opportunity for members of the public to comment on the draft plan prior to its submission to the state.
The Board of Selectmen will meet Tuesday, Jan. 19, at 3:30 p.m., at Lyme Town Hall. This is a meeting that will be held in person at Town Hall and take place on Zoom. To view the agenda or see instructions on how to attend the virtual meeting, visit this link.
OLD LYME — The Old Lyme Annual Town Business Meeting will be held Monday, Jan. 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the Old Lyme Town Hall Meeting Hall at 52 Lyme St., in Old Lyme. A maximum of 25 people will be allowed in the Meeting Hall and an additional number will also be permitted in the foyer.
The meeting will be conducted as a “hybrid,” as defined by the Governor’s Executive Order 9H. Instructions for attendance in-person and remotely are stated at the end of this article and are posted on the Town of Old Lyme website at oldlyme-ct.gov.
The agenda reads as follows:
1. To announce the recipient of the Board of Selectmen’s Citizen of the Year for 2020.
2. To accept the Annual Town Report for the fiscal year July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020, as submitted by the Board of Finance.
3. To consider and vote on the following proposed “Ordinance to Establish Town of Old Lyme Affordable Housing Commission”:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWN OF OLD LYME, CONNECTICUT THAT:
a. Establishment. There shall be established an Affordable Housing Commission for the Town of Old Lyme.
Purpose. The Affordable Housing Commission will serve as a planning and advisory body, and as a center of expertise and communication, working through the Board of Selectmen and in coordination with other boards, commissions, and departments on matters pertaining to affordable housing.
Membership; terms of office. The Affordable Housing Commission shall be composed of five regular members and three alternate members who will serve staggered three-year terms, appointed by the Board of Selectman. The initial appointments by the Board of Selectmen shall be for one, two and three year terms, and thereafter all terms shall be for three years. The Commission is subject to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 9-167a (minority representation) and Ordinance § 101-16 shall apply to each regular and alternate member of the Commission.
Qualifications; vacancies. All Commission members and alternate members shall be electors of the Town of Old Lyme. Any vacancy in the regular or alternate membership may be filled for the unexpired term of such member by the Board of Selectmen.
Powers and duties. The Affordable Housing Commission shall, among other things:
A. Maintain an understanding of affordable housing needs in Old Lyme for the present and future, related statutory and regulatory requirements, public policy, and best practices; develop approaches to meet those needs and requirements. The term “Affordable Housing” shall be as defined by Conn. Gen. Stat. Ch. 126A (Affordable Housing).
B. Prepare an Affordable Housing Plan for adoption by Old Lyme, and perform periodic updates at least every five years, according to the provisions of C.G.S. § 8-30j.
C. Coordinate an annual review of housing data in preparation for publication of the Affordable Housing Appeals List by the Connecticut Department of Housing.
D. Work with the Old Lyme Planning, Zoning, Economic Development, and Open Space Commissions, and other town functions as appropriate, on planning and other matters related to affordable housing.
E. Advise the land use boards, commissions, and departments concerning applications that include affordable housing provisions as part of the approval process.
F. Make recommendations on housing policies and practices designed to meet the need for affordable housing in Old Lyme, including changes to zoning regulations and ordinances.
G. Develop and maintain a list of potential opportunities for affordable housing development; make recommendations and proposals to the Board of Selectmen.
H. Monitor legislation, regulations and public policy relevant to affordable housing.
I. Monitor the availability of grants, programs, partnerships and other resources to support affordable housing planning and development; make recommendations and proposals to the Board of Selectmen.
J. Monitor events, practices, and trends relevant to affordable housing
K. Develop and maintain a program of public engagement, communication, and education on the topic of affordable housing for the residents of Old Lyme.
L. Provide a point of contact and a forum for advocacy groups, not-for-profit organizations, and developers on matters pertaining to affordable housing.
M. Represent Old Lyme in regional forums and collaborations relevant to affordable housing.
N. Other responsibilities relevant to affordable housing as determined by the Board of Selectmen.
b. This ordinance shall become effective fifteen (15) days after the date of publication of notice of its passage, per Connecticut General Statutes § 7-157 (a).
4. To consider and vote on the following proposed amendment to Ordinance § 41-2:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWN OF OLD LYME, CT. that § 41-2 of the Old Lyme Code of Ordinances, the “Designation” of a Town polling place, shall be amended as follows: (material in parentheses is to be deleted from the existing text and underlined material is being added to it):
a. The (Cross Lane Firehouse on Cross Lane) Old Lyme Middle School Gymnasium, 53 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, Ct., is hereby designated as the municipal polling place for all purposes.
b. This ordinance amendment shall become effective fifteen (15) days after the date of publication of notice of its passage, per Connecticut General Statutes § 7-157 (a).
To join the Town Meeting by phone, dial 1-408-418-9388 and enter access code: 179 998 7712.
To join the Town Meeting via Webex on a computer, click here: https://oldlyme
LYME — The Lyme Board of Selectmen meet Monday, Feb. 1, at 3:30 p.m., at Lyme Town Hall. This is a meeting that will be held in person at Town Hall and take place on Zoom.
To view the agenda or see instructions on how to attend the virtual meeting, click here.
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Call-In Phone: 1-408-418-9388 Access Code 24735882
As the Board will convene in the Meeting Hall with limited public access, persons wishing to listen to the meeting may call the above phone number to participate in the meeting.
- Approval of Minutes: 19 January 2021
- Communications:
- TEC Associates – Vegetation Management Plan for Amtrak Corridor
3. Appointments:
- Parks & Rec Commission – 3 Year Term – John Flower (R)
- Economic Development Commis. – 5 Year Term – Sheri Cote (U) or
Mora Rowe (D)
- Halls Rd. Impr. Committee – No Specific Term – Steven Calcagni (D)
- Rogers Lake Authority – 3 Year Term – Maneesha Joshi (D)
- Sound View Commission – Alternate – 1 Yr. Term – Frank Maratta (R), Jackie Miano (R) & Paul Orzel (U)
- Tree Commission – Alternate – 1 Year Term – Fred Behringer (R)
5. Old Business
- COVID
- COVID Cases YTD in Old Lyme
- Employee COVID Protocol
- Project Updates
- Sound View Sidewalks – Update
- Hains Park Restroom Bldg. – Update
- Grassy Hill Rd. Bridge – Discuss Options
- Ferry Rd. Sidewalk – Update
- Tantummaheag Landing – Draft Agreement
- Police Union Contract – Contract Signed
- Annual Town Meeting – Citizen of the Year, Town Report, Affordable Housing Ordinance & Change in Polling Location
- Senior Center – Use of Funds for Building Expansion Consultant
6. New Business:
- Finance Dept. – Increase hours from 30/week to 35/week
- Ethics Commission – FY 2022 Budget Request
7. Public Comment:
8. Other Business:
9. Adjournment:
This meeting includes an agenda item between New Business and Old Business for a Public Hearing as follows:
20-26 –Big Y Foods/Tony Coppola – 99 Halls Road & 25 Neck Road – Construct new convenience mart with retail motor vehicle fueling facility.
This is the controversial proposal to construct a new convenience store and gas station at the north end of Halls Rd. on land owned by Essex Savings Bank.
There are two opportunities to join the meeting remotely.
Via Webex:
https://oldlymect.webex.com/oldlymect/j.php?MTID=md7e689c717d8e5cc0a01ba…
Meeting number (access code): 129 901 7985
Meeting password: M2FraPiuY82
Via phone:
Call +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll
OLD LYME — This meeting will include the continuation of the Public Hearing regarding Big Y’s gas station/convenience store proposal at 99 Halls Rd. and 25 Neck Rd.,
Lyme Board of Finance will hold a Public Hearing (via zoom) for the proposed 2021/2022 budget for the town.
OLD LYME — After the Lyme-Old Lyme Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to organize an in-person debate between the candidates for the Old Lyme Board of Selectmen fell through, the Old Lyme Republican and Democratic Town Committees joined by Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau are now working together to try and make it happen.
The tentative date and time for the debate are currently Monday, Nov. 1, at 5 or 5:30 p.m. The location is yet to be confirmed but is likely to be either Old Lyme Town Hall or Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School.
Both LymeLine.com and the CT Examiner have been asked to solicit questions from their readers for possible inclusion in the debate. We therefore invite readers to send us their questions as soon as possible. Please send them via email to [email protected] with the subject line “Questions for BOS Debate.” Feel free to submit multiple questions if you wish.
We will update details of the debate as they are finalized, but in the meantime, send us your questions!
Join using this Zoom link: https://b
OLD LYME — State Rep. Carney (R-23rd) offers residents of Lyme and Old Lyme another opportunity to meet with him on Tuesday, May 24, in Old Saybrook at Acton Library from 5 to 6 p.m.
He will be available to discuss the recently concluded 2022 legislative session and any questions you may have about state issues.
For more information about Tuesday’s Office Hours, visit this link.
Those who are unable to attend but would like to contact Rep. Carney may do so by email at [email protected].
OLD LYME — UPDATED 6/29: The Old Lyme Board of Selectmen has called a Special Town Meeting to be held on Tuesday, July 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the Meeting Hall at the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall at 52 Lyme St. The Special Town Meeting will be conducted in person only.
This meeting will consider and act upon the following single agenda item:
Whether to approve the disbursement of $2,120,593 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, as outlined in the report of the Old Lyme American Rescue Plan Committee (APRC) report dated June 21, 2022, and as recommended by the Old Lyme Boards of Selectmen and Finance on June 21.
Copies of the proposed ARPA disbursements are available in the Town Clerk’s office and on the Town of Old Lyme website.
In summary:-
- 23 small businesses (< 500 employees per the US Treasury Department) applied for and met the requirements to receive grants up to $10,000, having substantiated pandemic-related economic loss occurring between March 3, 2021 and April 1, 2022:
- 10 nonprofit organizations (501c3) applied for and met the requirements to receive grants up to $10,000, having substantiated pandemic-related economic loss occurring between March 3, 2021 and April 1, 2022:Community Initiative Grants were recommended
- To invest in and support mental health services or public health services to assist Old Lyme residents (seven projects)
- To reinvest in Old Lyme government services that were deemed essential during the pandemic (such as emergency services) to ensure future preparedness (11 projects)
- To invest in current and future infrastructure challenges such as clean water and sewer/waste treatment (two projects)
- To invest in town-wide broadband (internet) improvements and/or cell services (one project)
- To invest in early childhood care, and education (three projects)
- To invest in bringing visitors to our Old Lyme attractions, restaurants, shops, and accommodations (six projects)
- To invest in affordable housing to meet the needs of those working and living in Old Lyme (one project)
- To provide (direct and indirect) financial assistance to Old Lyme families and households having difficulty recovering from pandemic losses (two projects)
In addition to the 10 recommendation categories above, the American Rescue Plan Committee has included in its recommendations:
• Reserving up to $20,000 to cover fees by an independent consultant retained to administer the Economic Recovery Grant applications (this expenditure was approved by the Town in its 3/21/22 Town Meeting)
• Reserving up to $20,000 in legal, outreach, and administrative costs associated with the survey and application, and granting processes.
Read the full details of all the proposed beneficiaries/projects at this link.
OLD LYME — The Old Lyme Board of Selectmen has called a Special Town Meeting on Thursday, July 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the Meeting Hall at the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall, 52 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, Conn.
This meeting will be conducted in person only.
The agenda for this meeting is as follows:
- Due to the absence of the Town Clerk from this Meeting, the appointment of a clerk pro tempore (per general Statutes § 7-21), for purposes of this Meeting only.
- The following proposed Resolution:
RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that the Town of Old Lyme, CT grants the request by The Point O’Woods Association, Incorporated (POW) that the Town of Old Lyme (Town), for purposes of Connecticut General Statutes §7-372 only, consents to POW issuing bonds pledging the security of POW in the amount of up to $820,000.00 for the purpose of restoration and rebuilding of the boat basin bulkhead.
POW is a separate taxing district situated within the limits of the Town of Old Lyme. The Town is not liable at law for any debt of such a district, and its consent to this bond issue does not and cannot be interpreted to mean that the Town is now assuming or shall ever have any obligation to assume any or all of the obligations to be created by the bond issue.
Copies of a brief description of the project proposed by POW are available in the Old Lyme Town Clerk’s office and online here.
Senator Richard Blumenthal will be attending as the honored guest.
There will be picnic goodies galore to enjoy, as well as opportunities to mingle with friends, neighbors and local DTC members.
Parking for the event will be available in the parking lot of the Lyme First Congregational Church or the Subaru dealership (the $6 fee benefits the church and the local Boy Scouts.)
A $25.00 donation for the picnic is suggested. Find donation information to the Lyme DTC and Old Lyme DTC at these links.
OLD LYME — Old Lyme’s Planning Commission will hold a Special Meeting/Public Hearing tomorrow evening, Thursday, Sept. 29, at 5 p.m. in Old Lyme’s Memorial Town Hall.
After the Pledge of Allegiance, there are only two items on the agenda and since it is a Special Meeting, no changes or addition to the agenda can be made.
The first agenda item is the continuation of the Public Hearing regarding the application by Keystone Capital Corporation for the resubdivision of 16 Neck Rd. into nine lots.
The second item, assuming the Public Hearing is closed, is for members of the board to discuss and then possibly vote on the proposal.
The land at 16 Neck Rd. is the same area where the HOPE Partnership endeavored to secure approval for a 37-unit Affordable Housing development back in 2018, which became a highly controversial topic in the community.
The new proposal is for a gated community of nine building lots.
Both the OL Open Space Commission and the Connecticut River Gateway Commission have submitted letters for consideration at tomorrow’s meeting to the Planning Commission. Both letters can be viewed in full at the links given above.
The Open Space Commission’s letter, signed by its co-chairs Amanda Blair and Evan Griswold, states, “It appears that no open space is indicated on the applicant’s plan and, even if land were set aside, the gated premises to be accessed by private roadway would not afford public access.”
The letter continues, “In accordance with the provisions of C.G.S. § 8-25, when there is not a suitable area within a subdivision and when there are other areas with Town that the Open Space Commission considers more beneficial to be preserved, the Planning Commission may authorize the applicant to pay a fee in lieu of open space of up to 10% of land’s pre-subdivision appraised value.”
The two-page letter proposes that, although, “It is the Planning Commission’s discretion to determine such payment,” the Planning Commission should request the 10 percent fee of the purchase price from the developer, which it states, “… would equal $105,010.”
These monies would then be used by the Open Space Commission to assist in the purchase other open space properties in the town as they arise. The letter explains, “Although we cannot identify the specific parcels, we will report to you that the Open Space Commission is now actively talking to or considering approaching the owners of at least four properties in Town for acquisition.”
Asked about the possibility of the Open Space Commission receiving a fee in lieu of the absence of open space in a building proposal, Griswold responded in a phone conversation with LymeLine that, “This has happened before,” citing the example of a proposed development on Binney Rd. submitted, “around three years ago.”
He added, however, that a similar previous request by the Open Space Commission regarding a proposed development on Mile Creek Rd. was declined by the Planning Commission on the basis it was, “a family-oriented subdivision.”
The CT River Gateway Commission four-page letter, signed by the Deputy Director of the River COG [Council of Governments] Staff, Gateway Commission Torrance Downes, describes the property at 16 Neck Rd. as “a highly visible riverfront parcel.”
In summary the letter says, “The Gateway Commission would recommend such an [Conservation] easement be placed along the banks of the Connecticut River at the western end of the property.”
It goes on to request that the Planning Commission should, “… use all of the regulatory tools available in its decision-making process to manage the development of the site – at least with respect to the western hillside of the property facing the Connecticut River.”
The letter continues, “Protection of natural areas including mature tree stands is recommended for consideration of open space designation,” noting, “Retention of an attractive and rural community appearance, which would include the treed hillsides of the Connecticut River, should be “one of the most important criteria used in land use decision making”.”
Concluding, “Community Appearance recommendations state visual details including preservation of natural site features and vistas are critical components of the town character Old Lyme is charged with protecting,” the letter notes, “Preserving and maintaining the tree cover on the river-facing side of this property is consistent with these … recommendations.”
Members of the community can address either or both of these issues during the Public Hearing or submit letters or emails to the Old Lyme Land Use Department prior to the meeting.
LYME/OLD LYME — Setting the Lyme-Old Lyme (LOL) Schools Building Referendum on Tuesday, Nov. 8 — the same day as the state elections — has, in Old Lyme First Selectman Timothy Griswold’s words (sent via text), been, ” … very complicated with, I believe, five lawyers working out the details.” Those details were required to be filed with the State of Connecticut today.
Griswold went on to explain, “Electors will vote on the candidates by ballot and on the school referendum question (yes/no ballot) in the same room,” but, “Qualified voters who are not electors may vote only on the referendum question in a separate room.”
Lyme Selectman John Kiker similarly confirmed by text, “… regular voting will be in [Lyme] town hall and the referendum voting will be in the [Lyme Public] library.”
Lyme-Old Lyme Schools Superintendent Ian Neviaser noted by email that Lyme-Old Lyme Schools are sending out a Fact Sheet to all Lyme and Old Lyme residents and property owners next week, which, along with additional information on the referendum, will help to clarify the difference between ‘electors’ and ‘qualified voters.’
The Fact Sheet explains that an ‘elector’ is any registered voter in either Lyme or Old Lyme.
It then goes on to state that, “A qualified voter who is not an elector is any citizen of the United States of the age of 18 years or more who, jointly or severally, is liable to the Town of Lyme or Town of Old Lyme for taxes assessed against him or her of not less than $1,000 on the last completed grand list of the Town, or who would be so liable if not entitled to an exemption under subdivision (17), (19), (22), (25) or (26) of Section 12-81 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and is not an elector (registered voter) of the Towns of Lyme or Old Lyme.”
This difference between the two is significant as qualified voters (who cannot vote in the state elections in Lyme or Old Lyme because they are registered to vote elsewhere) must by state statute physically vote at a location at least 75 ft. from that of registered voters.
Therefore, in Old Lyme:
- ‘Electors’, i.e., registered voters, will vote in both the state election and on the school building referendum in the LOL Middle School Gym.
- ‘Qualified voters’ (who are not electors) will vote solely on the LOL Schools Building Referendum in the LOL Middle School Cafeteria.
Meanwhile in Lyme:
- ‘Electors’, i.e., registered voters, will vote in both the state election and on the LOL Schools Building Referendum at Lyme Town Hall.
- ‘Qualified voters’ (who are not electors) will vote solely on the LOL Schools Building Referendum in the Lyme Public Library.
Regarding the unusual need for two polling locations in both Lyme and Old Lyme, Griswold stressed, “The Registrars must man and equip the two separate voting locations in each town,” noting, “The school will be responsible for the costs related to the school referendum.”
The ballot question for the LOL Schools Building Referendum will read as detailed below and and then ask for a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ response.
“Shall the resolution appropriating and authorizing bonds in the amount of $57,555,000, of which it is expected that an estimated $9,775,000 shall be reimbursed by the State of Connecticut, for the planning, design, demolition, construction, renovation, equipping and furnishing of Mile Creek School, Center School, Lyme Consolidated School and Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School and related costs, be approved?“
Two public meetings will be held in advance of the $57.6 million LOL Schools Building Referendum on respectively Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. at Lyme School, and Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. at Mile Creek School.
Polls will be open in both towns on Tuesday, Nov. 8, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information on the referendum from LOL Schools, visit https://www.region18.org/district-information/referendumwww.region18.org, email [email protected] or call 860-434-7238.