As an engineer and rower, I frequently look at form and function and have provided several suggestions to the Hains Park Boathouse Improvement Committee (HPBIC). When developing a project, each feature should be considered for its benefit and its cost. The newest Boathouse plan for Hains Park in Old Lyme favors form over function, and is less sensitive to disruptions and … [Read more...] about Op-Ed: Hains Park Boathouse Options Could Save Funds While Also Supporting Rowing Program Needs
Op-Eds
Op-Ed: Lyme P & Z Needs to Separate “Agricultural” Activities Associated with Farms from “Commercial” Activities
Editor's Note: Last week, Christopher Roosevelt of Lyme sent the letter below to the Lyme Planning & Zoning Commission on behalf of the Lyme Rural Protection Group. We are publishing it as an Op-Ed due its length. 'I thought I would reiterate my recommendations regarding separating farm/agricultural pursuits from “commercial” activities of wine tastings and wine … [Read more...] about Op-Ed: Lyme P & Z Needs to Separate “Agricultural” Activities Associated with Farms from “Commercial” Activities
Op-Ed: Proposed Northeast Corridor High Speed Rail Route Cuts Through Old Lyme Historical District, Public Comment Now Extended to Feb. 16
One month ago, with little fanfare, the Federal government announced a plan to modernize the Northeast Corridor by rerouting high-speed rail lines over a new bridge crossing the Connecticut River, across the saltwater marshes at the Lieutenant River and through the historical district of Old Lyme. The plan appears so nonsensical, from a local perspective, that it is very … [Read more...] about Op-Ed: Proposed Northeast Corridor High Speed Rail Route Cuts Through Old Lyme Historical District, Public Comment Now Extended to Feb. 16
Op-Ed: Thoughts on Old Lyme’s Wastewater Situation and Where Blame Lies
With my growing family, my wife and I moved to Old Lyme over 55 years ago. Then it was another coastal town with a small, stable year-round population and a large vacationer transient group who came here to enjoy the Long Island Sound shoreline beaches for about 10 to 12 weeks in summertime. Many of these visitors scheduled their time here to mesh with summer school … [Read more...] about Op-Ed: Thoughts on Old Lyme’s Wastewater Situation and Where Blame Lies
Op-Ed: Valley Warriors Need to Reconsider Outdated, Distressing Mascot
I am a proud alum of Lyme-Old Lyme High School, class of 2010. I could not have asked for a better education or community. One of the most important experiences I had as a student there was my involvement in athletics. I enjoyed every moment of cross country that did not involve running, and during basketball games, I ensured that the team’s bench remained warm at all times. I … [Read more...] about Op-Ed: Valley Warriors Need to Reconsider Outdated, Distressing Mascot
Op-Ed: We Can All Help Protect Long Island Sound
Water quality begins at the point of discharge, not in relocation of bottom materials from one location to another. It is a very important distinction to make when talking about one of Connecticut’s most precious assets, Long Island Sound. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently released a draft Dredged Material Management Plan. Digging up the material at the bottom of … [Read more...] about Op-Ed: We Can All Help Protect Long Island Sound
Op-Ed: Connecticut’s Publicly-Funded Campaign System Is A Joke
Here’s one last poll I’d like to see the numbers for — how many Connecticut residents woke up Wednesday morning excited about four more years of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy? Unfortunately for Republican candidate Tom Foley, it appears voters chose the devil they know (or is it the porcupine?) instead of the devil they didn’t know ... Click here to read the full article by … [Read more...] about Op-Ed: Connecticut’s Publicly-Funded Campaign System Is A Joke
Op-Ed: The Road to Disaster is Paved with Good Intentions — Thoughts on The Boathouse Issue
In 2013 the Old Lyme community was excited to learn that it had been granted a $478,000 Connecticut Small Town Economic Assistance Program (CT STEAP) grant to expand the Boathouse and improve Hains Park. This grant was made possible by hard-working individuals involved with the District 18 rowing teams and the local Old Lyme Rowing Club (OLRA), which includes rowers from … [Read more...] about Op-Ed: The Road to Disaster is Paved with Good Intentions — Thoughts on The Boathouse Issue
Op-Ed: Coyotes in Town, Be Vigilant, Learn How To Respond
Our thanks to Joan Bozek of Old Lyme for sharing this important information with LymeLine readers. My 55-pound yellow Lab, Holly, was charged by two coyotes at 9 a.m. yesterday morning. We were on our daily walk at the junction of the Lord's Meadow and Lord's Woods subdivisions in northern Old Lyme when the coyotes charged across the lawn of one of the houses onto the … [Read more...] about Op-Ed: Coyotes in Town, Be Vigilant, Learn How To Respond
Op-Ed: Permit or Not? Chocolate Shell Zoning Issue is About a Change of Use
By Jane Schellens: In response to the question posted in a comment on the LymeLine: “What exactly is at the basis of the complaint against the Chocolate Shell selling coffee and a pastry on this tiny, charming corner in our town”, the issue is that no application for permit with the zoning office was filed for prior to changing the use from a retail chocolate shop to a … [Read more...] about Op-Ed: Permit or Not? Chocolate Shell Zoning Issue is About a Change of Use
Op-Ed: Good Fences Make Good Neighbors
By Diane Birdsall: I attended the ZBA meeting the other night and it was the democratic process at its best and at its worst. The issue was the cafe license or dba The Chocolate Shell ‘shop and cafe’. I appreciate the enthusiasm Barbara Crowley has brought to her new bespoke chocolate shop. Warren Hannas, my landlord for the past four years, has made many improvements to … [Read more...] about Op-Ed: Good Fences Make Good Neighbors
Op-Ed: Sorry, College Shouldn’t Be For Everyone
Shortly before the holidays, the state announced that college enrollments in Connecticut had suffered a 2-percent decline from 2012. At a time of economic stress, when Connecticut’s public colleges are a comparative bargain that might keep more students from fleeing to other states, how could this be? My reaction: Well, duh! To be fair, the drop in enrollments probably has … [Read more...] about Op-Ed: Sorry, College Shouldn’t Be For Everyone
Op-Ed: Gun Violence Needs A Public Health Remedy
Susan Campbell argues in this column published today on one of our partner websites, CTWatchdog.com, that the nation must take a public health approach to reduce gun violence. She points out, "Labeling something a public health issue is a game-changer. It brings together researchers and policy-makers across all sectors." Click here to read the full column. … [Read more...] about Op-Ed: Gun Violence Needs A Public Health Remedy
Op-Ed: Proposed Path to a Safer Society
Sandy Hook School is an earthquake that shakes the soul of human decency. My response: I acknowledge the right to have a hunting rifle and a pistol for self-defense. The right to self-defense is a root of liberty. Equally important is a coincident right of people who choose not to own a gun: the right to live in a safe and secure society. This right is an indisputable … [Read more...] about Op-Ed: Proposed Path to a Safer Society
Op-Ed: The River Fix for Fatal Attraction
With a salmon hatchery program no longer clouding issues, the US Fish & Wildlife Service (US F&WS), National Marine Fisheries Service, and directors from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire have a singular opportunity to redeem the Connecticut River restoration. They’re currently making choices for restoring migratory fish north to Bellows Falls, … [Read more...] about Op-Ed: The River Fix for Fatal Attraction