Selectman Jim Lampos called for a discussion about using the term “diversity, equity and inclusion” in town policies. He said the words have become politically charged.

The project is expected to offset about $610,000 in municipal electricity costs over two decades, with additional credits possible for the Region 18 school district.

The properties will be used as a nature preserve for children, according to local assessor’s documents. The properties were granted tax-exempt status earlier this year.

The state is requiring towns to allow small multifamily or mixed-use developments in commercial zones without a public hearing.

The event featured a reading of the winning essay from the annual Memorial Day student contest sponsored by Lyme-Old Lyme VFW Post 1467 and American Legion Post 41.

The event featured the story of Col. Richard W. Ellison, a Massachusetts native captured twice by the Germans during World War II. He later died in Vietnam.

The ceremony will move to the Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School auditorium.

Old Lyme officials hope the project can bring long-term savings on municipal electric bills amid expiring federal tax incentives.

Forty-six registered voters attended Lyme’s annual town meeting Thursday night, where residents unanimously approved a $14.23 million budget for 2026-27 and a flat tax rate of 14.5 mills.

Up for consideration is the proposed $14.2 million town budget and a supplemental appropriation tied to snow removal and truck repair costs from the unusually snowy winter.

The budget was approved at Monday’s town meeting with just 0.6% voter turnout and a lone dissenting vote.

Join or watch the parade as it makes its way to Duck River Cemetery for Old Lyme’s annual Memorial Day ceremony.

Community members are encouraged to complete an online survey and attend a June 4 workshop that will help guide a comprehensive zoning regulation rewrite.

The proposed $48.2 million 2026–27 town budget includes a 6.2% spending increase and an estimated 0.6-mill tax rate hike.

Proposed laydown areas for a long-planned shoreline sewer project may require a zoning amendment, potentially delaying construction by at least six weeks.

Voters will consider a $14.23 million budget and a $119,000 request for winter highway costs and equipment repair.

Local officials say the additional funding, while intended to ease budget pressures, won’t affect projected tax bills in Lyme and Old Lyme this year.

Lyme and Old Lyme voters backed the Region 18 budget with 624 ballots cast across both towns.

One resident stood up at the meeting to announce he was wearing a concealed firearm. “Do you feel infringed?” he asked. “Do you feel like you’re harmed?”

Polls are open Tuesday for Lyme and Old Lyme voters to weigh in on a $41.5 million 2026-27 Region 18 school budget proposal.