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.
Lyme-Old Lyme Schools Regular Board of Education Meeting
August 3, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in the Board of Education Conference Room at Center School
LIVE STREAM OF MEETING: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF2_W7yYtFwx067Ici9776Q/live
I. Call to Order
II. Approval of Minutes
- Regular Meeting and Executive Session of June 1, 2022
- Special Meeting and Executive Session of June 15, 2022
III. Visitors
- Public Comment
While in person public comment is still acceptable, those wishing to make public comment virtually may use the following Zoom link: https://region18.zoom.sus/j/87635839590; Meeting ID: 876 3583 9590; +16465588656,,83527766795# US (New York). Those choosing this option will be required to follow the same expectations for those making public comment in person. After being recognized by the chairperson, participants must state their name and place of residence before making their comments to the Board.
IV. Correspondence
V. Administrative Reports
- Superintendent’s Report
- Business Manager’s Report
- Educational Presentation
- Five-Year Curriculum Plan
VII. Chair and Committee Reports (Facilities, Finance, Communications, Policy, LEARN, LOL Prevention Coalition)
VIII. New Business
District Goals for 2022-2023
- Bond Resolution
- Building Committee
- Addition of .5 FTE Special Education Teacher and .4 FTE School Psychologist at Mile Creek School (per policy 4113.4)
IX. Old Business
- Closing of LOLHS Project
X. Executive Session
XI. Adjournment
Board of Education Conference Room at Center School
August 31, 2022
6 p.m.
LIVE STREAM OF MEETING:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF2_W7yYtFwx067Ici9776Q/live
Agenda
Discussion and possible action on PreK-8 Facilities Project.
Regular Board of Education Meeting
September 7, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in the Board of Education Conference Room at Center School LIVE STREAM OF MEETING: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF2_W7yYtFwx067Ici9776Q/live
I. Call to Order
II. Approval of Minutes
- Regular Meeting of August 3, 2022
- Special Meeting of August 31, 2022
III. Visitors
- Invention Convention Honors
- Report from Student Representatives
- Public Comment
While in person public comment is still acceptable, those wishing to make public comment virtually may use the following Zoom link: https://region18.zoom.sus/j/87635839590; Meeting ID: 876 3583 9590; +16465588656,,83527766795# US (New York). Those choosing this option will be required to follow the same expectations for those making public comment in person. After being recognized by the chairperson, participants must state their name and place of residence before making their comments to the Board.
IV. Correspondence
V. Administrative Reports
- Superintendent’s Report
- Business Manager’s Report
VI. Educational Presentation
- LOLHS English Department: The Teaching of the Classics
- Career Preparation at LOLHS
VII. Chair and Committee Reports (Facilities, Finance, Communications, Policy, LEARN, LOL Prevention Coalition)
VIII. New Business
- Approval of Bond Resolution and Referendum Date
- Discussion of Third Party Assessment of PreK-8 Facilities
- Goals for 2022-2023
- Tuition Student Request for LOLHS
- Old Business
- Closing of LOLHS Project
- Executive Session
- Adjournment
Second Annual LOLFSG Open House Slated for Saturday, Sept. 24, All Welcome
OLD LYME — The Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden (LOLFSG) celebrated a milestone this week!
Following a much-needed rain event, mid-week volunteers harvested kale, tomatoes, string beans, peppers, eggplants, and more. In doing so, the garden reached a total donation threshold of more than 2000 pounds of produce in its first growing season.
The LOLFSG President Jim Ward commented, “This incredible accomplishment is due to the dedication of volunteers and community support.”
Ward noted that the realistic LOLFSG goal for the 2023 season is to double production and is already looking forward to a “Two-Ton Tuesday.”
To celebrate the successful inaugural growing season and to learn more about the garden, all are invited to visit the 2nd Annual LOLFSG Open House on Saturday, Sept. 24, at the garden from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The garden is located at Town Woods Park behind the Field House and playground.
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.
“Conduct Us” October 2, 2022, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM, Hygienic Art Park
On Sunday, October 2 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., members of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra will be located at Hygienic Arts waiting to perform, all they need is a conductor. The general public will have a chance to conduct In the Hall of the Mountain King, Blue Danube Waltz, Toreador Song from Carmen, Can-Can from Orpheus in the Underworld, and William Tell Overture (The Lone Ranger Theme.) Everyone is invited to step up to the podium and try their hand at conducting the orchestra. Our Music Director and Conductor Toshiyuki Shimada will be there to give guidance and encouragement to the volunteer maestros!
Hygienic Art is located at 79 Bank Street, New London. This unique experience is free and open to the public in the outdoor Frank Loomis Palmer Amphitheater. Pack a lunch or enjoy takeout from the many eateries on Bank Street and come enjoy a gorgeous fall afternoon with us. Families and children are welcome and encouraged.
“Conduct Us” started when the ECSO participated in the international Make Music Day movement, which brings free, community-wide, outdoor musical celebrations to hundreds of cities worldwide! We last held this fun community event in Mystic River Park and we are delighted to bring it to New London.
LYME — On Sunday, Oct. 2, join Pete Picone, Connecticut DEEP wildlife biologist and native habitat expert, for a tour of the meadow and surrounding shrubland in Jewett Preserve.
The meadow walk, which is co-sponsored by the Lyme Land Trust, Lyme Pollinator Pathway and the Town of Lyme, will start at 1:30 p.m. and last until 3:30 p.m.
Meet at the Jewett Preserve in Lyme, Conn. Park in the lot on McIntosh Rd, about 1/4 mile from the intersection with Rte. 156.
During the tour, Picone will make recommendations for nurturing the vegetation that provides habitat for wildlife. Learn about which plants are beneficial for pollinators, and how to manage invasives. His guidance can be applied to enhancing habitat in your own back yard.
Registration is required at [email protected]
OLD LYME — The final Hikers’ Happy Hour of 2022, sponsored by the Open Space Commission, the Old Lyme Land Trust, and the Old Lyme Inn, will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 5.
A guided hike will leave at 4:15 p.m. from the Bunny Hutch behind the Old Lyme Inn to explore the Champlain North Preserve.
After the hike, a friendly happy hour at the Old Lyme Inn will follow from 5 to 7 p.m. Drinks will be half-price from 5 to 6 p.m.
Even if you do not hike, you are still welcome at the Inn for Happy Hour.
Hikers should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring insect repellent.
In the event of rain, meet at the Old Lyme Inn for Happy Hour instead of the Bunny Hutch.
Information on the Champlain South Open Space and its trails may be found at: https://www.oldlyme-ct.gov/
Regular Board of Education Meeting
October 5, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in the Board of Education Conference Room at Center School
LIVE STREAM OF MEETING: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF2_W7yYtFwx067Ici9776Q/live
I. Call to Order
II. Approval of Minutes
- Special District Meeting of September 7, 2022
- Regular Meeting of September 7, 2022
III. Visitors
- Preschool Students
- Unified Sports Team Recognition
- Recognition of Teacher of the Year and Employee of the Year
- Report from Student Representatives
- Public Comment
While in person public comment is still acceptable, those wishing to make public comment virtually may use the following Zoom link: https://region18.zoom.sus/j/87635839590; Meeting ID: 876 3583 9590; +16465588656,,83527766795# US (New York). Those choosing this option will be required to follow the same expectations for those making public comment in person. After being recognized by the chairperson, participants must state their name and place of residence before making their comments to the Board.
IV. Correspondence
V. Administrative Reports
- Superintendent’s Report
- Business Manager’s Report
VI. Educational Presentation
- Report on Results of Annual State Achievement Tests (SAT, AP, SBAC and NGSS)
VII. Chair and Committee Reports (Facilities, Finance, Communications, Policy, LEARN, LOL Prevention Coalition)
VIII. New Business
- LOLHS Field Trip Request
- Setting of Graduation Date for Class of 2023
- Budget Process Timeline
- Appropriation to the Reserve Fund for Capital and Nonrecurring Expenditures
- Policy Review
- Childrearing Leave Request
IX. Old Business
- Closing of LOLHS Project
X. Executive Session
XI. Adjournment
OLD LYME — On Saturday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Old Lyme Land Trust hosts a Free Outdoor Workshop at Watch Rock Preserve with local artist Barbara Barry.
Nature Journaling with watercolor and pen!
Rain date is Sunday, Oct. 9.
All materials provided or bring your sketchbook and paints as we capture the beauty of the Watch Rock Preserve in watercolor and pen.
Meet at the Watch Rock Preserve at the parking lot at 10 a.m. and we will all walk in together. (Off Rte. 156 at Joel Road)
Bring a lightweight chair or blanket to sit on, there are a few tight turns so no rolling bags. Also bring bug spray/sunscreen/hat/water/snacks – whatever you need to feel comfortable carrying and sitting on.
Donations are encouraged.
Learn to row an Irish currach on Saturday, Oct. 15, at Hains Park in Old Lyme.
OLD LYME — Learn to row Irish … remember, you don’t need to be Irish to row Irish!
Readers are invited to try out the ancient art of Irish Currach Rowing, Saturday, Oct. 15, at Hain’s Park, Rte. 1/Boston Post Rd. in Old Lyme from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Send an email to reserve your time: 9:00, 9:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30 a.m., 12:00 or 12:30 p.m. to [email protected]
An Irish currach is a traditional vessel made of wood lathe and covered in canvas. Currachs date back several thousand years. They were used for trade among islands, between islands and mainland and along coastal mainland villages. The relatively light (for their size) fishing/trade boats, which could withstand high swells, have been streamlined in design for rowing competitions.
Veteran and newcomer rowers are all welcome. Pre-register before Oct. 15. You will be required to sign a waiver.
Request the forms from [email protected]. Pre-register and also take an introductory lesson to receive a free team t-shirt.
The organizers suggest that attendees should bring gloves.
There is no obligation to join the group — simply come and try out currach rowing.
For more information, contact [email protected]
This event is sponsored by New London Currach Rowers with support from the Ancient Order of Hibernians of New London County and the Irish Coastal Club, the New London Maritime Society/New London Custom House and Forty Thieves Irish Pub.