Old Lyme

Historic District Commission

The Old Lyme Historic District Commission will meet to discuss and potentially advance demolition guidelines and a related ordinance, as well as sign guidelines. The meeting also covers ongoing business including the commission's authority, lighting guidelines, an Amtrak planning study, zoning regulation revisions, and responses to the Plan of Conservation and Development.

• Review of demolition guidelines and proposed ordinance
• Sign guidelines update by John Noyes
• Discussion of HDC's authority and lighting guidelines
• Amtrak planning study update
• Zoning Regulations revisions and POCD responses

Zoning Commission

The Old Lyme Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing and then discuss a proposed amendment to zoning regulations. The amendment would add definitions and uses for 'mixed use middle housing' (2-9 units) in five zoning districts. It would also create parking districts in the Halls Road area and Sound View Area to regulate parking spaces per Public Act 25-1.

• Amend zoning to allow mixed-use middle housing (2-9 units) in WF-20, C-10, C-30, C-30S, SVVD districts
• Create parking districts in Halls Road area and Sound View Area per Public Act 25-1

Inland Wetlands Commission

The Commission will conduct a site walk to observe properties for four pending applications. No public comments or substantive input will be taken; the meeting is for location observation only.

• Case #26-10: 72 Columbus Ave – demolish/reconstruct single-family residence
• Case #26-12: 41-1 Whippoorwill Road – excavation/grading for new residence
• Case #26-11: 10-1 Wolcott Lane – excavation/relocation of septic tank
• Case #24-3: 72 Grassy Hill Road – review neighbor complaints on work consistency with permit

Economic Development Commission

The Economic Development Commission will confirm recommendations on zoning regulation updates and schedule interviews for a part-time Economic Development Analyst. They will also approve the scope of on-call Community Resource Management services and coordinate a booth for the Midsummer Festival. The meeting will review progress on strategic plan areas including marketing, signage, business resources, land use, and commercial district support.

• Confirm and issue recommendations on zoning regulations
• Schedule interviews for part-time Economic Development Analyst
• Approve scope for on-call Community Resource Management services
• Coordinate EDC booth for Midsummer Festival
• Review America 250 July 4th townwide celebration and rootEd Alliance school-to-career program

Affordable Housing Commission

The Old Lyme Affordable Housing Commission will review an update on the McCulloch Property, discuss Heritage House Incorporated, and consider multi-family housing options. Approval of previous meeting minutes is also on the agenda.

• McCulloch Property update
• Heritage House Incorporated discussion
• Multi-family housing considerations

Housing Strategic Planning Steering Committee

The Housing Strategic Planning Steering Committee will discuss responses to the EDC Strategic Plan, continue talks on a Transit Community District, and receive an update on the Zoning Commission survey and public hearing.

• Discussion with Jim Lampos of Board of Selectmen
• Response to EDC Strategic Plan
• Continued discussion on Transit Community District
• Update on Zoning Commission survey and public hearing

The committee heard from a resident on housing challenges and received updates on the state's PA 25-1 implementation via River COG and the ongoing zoning regulation rewrite. No formal votes were taken on new policies or expenditures; the meeting focused on information sharing and planning.

• Approved May 28, 2026, minutes (unanimous)
• Added updates from River COG committees to agenda (unanimous)
• Adjourned at 10:30 a.m. (unanimous)

Zoning Commission

The Zoning Commission will hold a special meeting to discuss rewriting zoning regulations with a focus on environmental issues like sustainability, resiliency, and flood zones. They will review input from boards, agencies, and the public, including a summary from the June 4, 2026, community workshop.

• Focus group discussion on sustainability, resiliency, and flood zones
• Review of input received from boards, agencies, and the public
• Summary from June 4, 2026, Community Workshop prepared by IMEG

Inland Wetlands Commission

The Inland Wetlands Commission will review a neighbor complaint at 72 Grassy Hill Road regarding work consistency with a permit, and consider four new cases: demolition/reconstruction of a home at 72 Columbus Ave, septic relocation at 10-1 Wolcott Lane, excavation/grading for a new home at 41-1 Whippoorwill Road, and a driveway/grading at 15 Short Hill Road. The commission will also receive updates from Wetland Enforcement Officers on two sites and approve minutes from previous meetings.

• Review of neighbor complaints at 72 Grassy Hill Road
• Demolish/reconstruct single-family home at 72 Columbus Ave
• Septic tank relocation at 10-1 Wolcott Lane
• Excavation/grading for new home at 41-1 Whippoorwill Road
• Driveway and grading at 15 Short Hill Road and Flat Rock Hill Road

The Commission approved a single-residential lot development including a new driveway and grading. Several other applications regarding residential construction, septic relocation, and seawall compliance were reviewed, with site walks scheduled for July 1st.

• Approved Twin Pond Development LLC driveway and grading application (unanimous)
• Scheduled site walk for 72 Grassy Hill Road (July 1, 6:15 PM)
• Scheduled site walk for 72 Columbus Ave (July 1, 5:30 PM)
• Scheduled site walk for 10-1 Wolcott Lane (July 1, 6:00 PM)
• Scheduled site walk for 41-1 Whippoorwill Road (July 1, 5:45 PM)
• Approved May 26th and June 2nd meeting minutes

Sound View Commission

The commission will receive updates on the Shoreline Gateway Committee and facility maintenance. Members will also discuss a postcard mailing to local residents and planning for July 4th and USA 250 celebrations.

• Shoreline Gateway Committee update
• Postcard mailing to Sound View residents
• Facility, operations, and maintenance updates
• July 4th and USA 250 event planning

The commission unanimously approved sending a postcard to Sound View residents to opt into an email list for updates and to encourage sign-ups for Old Lyme Alerts. They also approved funding to replace flags on Hartford Avenue. Public comment raised concerns about ATV and golf cart use on Shore Road and unauthorized paid parking at Kokomo's lot.

• Approved May meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved postcard mailing to Sound View residents for email list and Old Lyme Alerts (unanimous)
• Approved funding for replacement flags on Hartford Avenue

America 250 Committee

The committee is meeting to coordinate activities and collaborative efforts for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. Discussions will focus on specific projects including a community picnic and a quilt project.

• Picnic planning update
• Quilt project status
• Review of project list activities

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board will continue a public hearing regarding an application to expand a nonconforming structure on an RU-40 lot. Additionally, the Board will consider a proposed update to the ZBA fee schedule.

• Case 26-6: Expansion of nonconforming structure at 300 Mile Creek Rd
• Proposed update to ZBA Fee schedule

The Board approved a fee increase for Variance and ZEO Appeal applications to cover processing and legal notice costs. Several new public hearings were scheduled for July and September, and one existing case was continued.

• Approved increase of Variance and ZEO Appeal fees to $560 effective July 1, 2026 (5-0-0)
• Continued public hearing for Case 26-6 (300 Mile Creek Rd) to July 16, 2026 (5-0-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for 87 Hill Crest Rd for July 16, 2026
• Scheduled public hearing for ZEO Appeal (50 Shore Rd) for July 16, 2026
• Scheduled public hearing for 72 Columbus Ave for September 17, 2026
• Approved May 21, 2026 meeting minutes with amendments (5-0-0)
• Approved June 2, 2026 special meeting minutes (5-0-0)

Tree Commission

The Tree Commission will review and approve past meeting minutes, discuss the General Fund budget balance of $12,090, and consider old business including a memorial tree project update and a tree inventory. New business includes a watering plan for trees on Ferry Road and Sill Lane, and a proposal to purchase a replacement pink dogwood for a dead tree at 17 Ferry Road for up to $1,000. The commission will also address resident concerns about hazardous trees and shopping center landscaping.

• Approve up to $1,000 for a replacement pink dogwood (Cornus 'Rutugan' Stellar Pink) at 17 Ferry Road
• Update on memorial tree project: sites, species selection, planting, and plaque
• Watering plan and timeline for newly planted trees on Ferry Road and Sill Lane
• Hazard tree complaint at Lone Pine Trail and Shore Road (dead branches)
• Letter from Mary Wamby about trees at Old Lyme Marketplace Shopping Center

The Tree Commission approved minutes of three prior meetings and a list of recommended species for memorial trees. They allocated up to $2,000 to purchase, plant, and care for a new dogwood tree at the Krieg property. Discussions included the tree inventory, memorial tree project, and maintenance of town trees.

• Approved minutes of 1/15/26 (4-0)
• Approved minutes of 3/19/26 (2-0-2)
• Approved minutes of 5/21/26 (2-0-2)
• Approved recommended species list for memorial trees (4-0)
• Approved up to $2,000 for new dogwood tree at 17 Ferry Road (4-0)

Flood & Erosion Control Board

The board will review progress on the Community Rating System and zoning rewrites. Members will also discuss the results of a resident survey and potential grants for mitigation projects.

• Community Rating System (CRS) updates
• Zoning rewrite updates
• Resident survey summary for website
• Old Lyme Strategic Resiliency Commission update
• Grants for mitigation projects

The board seated John Swarts as an alternate member and approved minutes from May. Discussion focused on advancing the Community Rating System application, upcoming zoning rewrite presentations, and identifying projects for hazard mitigation grants. No substantive policy or funding decisions were made.

• Seated John Swarts as alternate member (unanimous)
• Approved May 21, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Decided not to add a special July meeting (unanimous)

Boughton Road Emergency Operation Center Expansion Committee

The committee will hear updates on the punch list and final report for the Boughton Road Emergency Operations Center expansion project. The meeting also includes public comment and approval of previous minutes.

• Update on punch list and final report for EOC expansion

Affordable Housing Commission

This special meeting of the Affordable Housing Commission will review the closing and deed transfer for the McCullough project, discuss revisions to zoning regulations, and consider the budget status and town-owned properties for affordable housing. The commission will also hear updates from zoning focus group sessions and plan a collaborative website review.

• Project update on McCullough closing/deed transfer
• Discussion of zoning regulations revision process
• Review of town-owned properties for affordable housing
• Budget status update
• Website collaborative review

The commission discussed several ongoing projects but took no formal votes. Approval of June 3 minutes was postponed. Updates were provided on the McCullough property closing delay and the zoning regulations revision process.

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance meeting consisted primarily of discussions and reviews. No decisions were made on the backhoe repair or the unassigned fund balance policy. The board approved previous meeting minutes and agenda additions.

• Approved May 18 meeting minutes
• Added backhoe discussion to agenda
• Added unassigned fund balance policy discussion to agenda
• Adjourned meeting at 9:26 p.m.

Lymes' Senior Center Board of Directors

The board approved spending up to $700 to move a donated grand piano to the senior center. The new slate of officers was approved: Peter Lucchese as Chair, Fred Verillo as Vice Chair, and Jane Folland and Margaret Thach as Co-Treasurers. Minutes from May 18 were accepted with a correction.

• Approved up to $700 for moving donated grand piano (carried)
• Approved new slate of officers (carried)
• Accepted minutes of May 18 with correction (carried)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen approved awarding the landfill solar project to Greenskies Clean Energy LLC (3-0). They also appointed Adam Seidner to the Ledge Light Health District Board and approved the Social Services and Town Clerk sections of the policy book. Several agenda items were postponed, including the Tax Collectors section and the Human Resources section.

• Approved landfill solar project to Greenskies Clean Energy LLC (3-0)
• Appointed Adam Seidner to Ledge Light Health District Board (3-0)
• Approved Social Services section of policy book (3-0)
• Approved Town Clerk section of policy book, with corrections (3-0)
• Approved proclamation for America 250 celebration (3-0)
• Postponed Tax Collectors section of policy book
• Postponed Human Resources section of policy book
• Postponed Board of Selectmen section of policy book

Shoreline Gateway Committee

The committee approved the minutes from May 14, 2026 (4-0-1). They heard a presentation from Heritage Housing about a possible development at 220 Shore Road. Members discussed concerns over proposed 'Middle Use Housing' zoning, including density increases in the SVVD district and the elimination of public hearings. No votes were taken on these items.

• Approved minutes of May 14, 2026 (4-0-1, one abstention)

Planning Commission

The commission found a zoning amendment (Case 26-14) consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development but recommended modifying it to allow multifamily or mixed-use in all commercial zones except C30-S. The motion passed 3-1-1. Three subdivision bond returns were also approved unanimously.

• Approved $262.92 bond return for 8 Short Hills Drive (unanimous)
• Approved $21,081.52 bond return for 14 Finnegan Farm Road (unanimous)
• Approved $6,674.27 bond return for Sandpiper Point Road Lots 7-8 (unanimous)
• Found Case 26-14 consistent with POCD but recommended modifications to allow multifamily/mixed use in all commercial zones except C30-S (3-1-1)
• Approved minutes of May 14 with amendments

Rogers Lake Authority

The Rogers Lake Authority unanimously approved up to $12,000 for herbicide treatment for invasive plants, to be applied after July 4th. The board also approved the May 2026 meeting minutes. A candidate for boat launch monitor was recommended for hiring pending training, and the rapid response plan for invasive species continues to be refined.

• Approved May 13, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Authorized herbicide expenditure up to $12,000 (unanimous)

Open Space Commission

The commission approved the May regular and special meeting minutes. They discussed beaver habitat management, stewardship reports, and potential DEEP climate resilience grants. No substantive decisions were made; all actions were procedural or discussion-based.

• Approved regular meeting minutes of May 13, 2026 (5-0-1, Futoma abstained)
• Approved special meeting minutes of May 26, 2026 (5-0-2, MacGregor and Behringer abstained)
• Entered executive session for possible land acquisition (unanimous)
• Exited executive session with no decisions made (unanimous)

Halls Road Sidewalk Committee

The committee decided to proceed with the north side of Halls Road for the sidewalk after DOT guidance indicated south side issues. First Selectwoman stated the decision was already made and engineering surveys will start, with results expected in early August. The committee will not meet in July and scheduled the next meeting for August 12.

• Approved minutes of May 13, 2026 (unanimous)
• Reaffirmed north side of Halls Rd. for sidewalk after DOT analysis
• Instructed Jacobson Engineering to proceed with north side surveying
• Set next meeting for August 12, 2026 at 6:30 PM

Water Pollution Control Authority

The Water Pollution Control Authority approved the minutes of the May 12 meeting. No substantive decisions were made; the board discussed plans to amend the sewer ordinance from a 7-year to a 5-year pump-out cycle, with a special meeting to vote on changes. Other updates included budget status and communication with DEEP and beach associations.

• Approved minutes of May 12, 2026 (unanimous)

Road and Public Safety Committee

The Road and Public Safety Committee decided to deploy UConn T2 speed feedback signs at Shore Road and Town Woods Road using standard signposts, pending police consent. They also approved special meeting minutes and added an agenda item on littering. No major contracts, ordinances, or funding approvals were voted on. Discussions included Boughton Road safety concerns and potential collaboration on littering.

• Approved May 21 special meeting minutes (1 abstention)
• Added agenda item on littering and roadside debris (carried)
• Recommended deploying UConn T2 speed feedback signs at Shore Road and Town Woods Road (pending police consent)
• Will explore using unused FY 25-26 funds for Traffic Logix cloud access
• Will purchase key for existing speed feedback signs (quote obtained)

Harbor Management Commission

The meeting consisted largely of reports and updates. The only formal vote was to approve the previous meeting minutes. No new permits were voted on, and dock designs were reviewed with no changes but no formal action was taken.

• Approved HMC meeting minutes for May 12, 2026 (unanimous)

Zoning Commission

The commission unanimously approved a special permit and coastal site plan for two buildings containing eight residential units at 77-1 and 77-2 Lyme St (Lyme Academy Apartments) with ten conditions including landscaping, water supply, fire marshal and dark-sky lighting requirements. They also received and set a petition to amend the sewer project to include laydown yards at 224 and 250 Shore Road for a July 13 public hearing, and set a special permit application for an addition at 6 River Lane to the same date.

• Approved special permit & coastal site plan for 8-unit apartment at 77-1 & 77-2 Lyme St (5-0)
• Closed public hearing for Case 26-3 (5-0)
• Received & set sewer amendment petition (laydown yards at 224 & 250 Shore Rd) to July 13 hearing (5-0)
• Received & set special permit application for 6 River Lane addition to July 13 hearing (5-0)
• Approved May 11, 2026 meeting minutes with amendments (5-0)

Waste & Recycling Committee

Historic District Commission

The Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for 36 Lyme Street to replace leaking cedar roof with asphalt shingles, conditioned on matching neighboring roofs. Also approved revised door design at Center School (49 Lyme Street) due to blast-resistant glass. Discussed sign guidelines but took no vote; will revisit in July after consulting Land Use Coordinator.

• Approved CofA for 36 Lyme Street asphalt roof shingles, condition to match 6 & 40 Lyme Street (5-0)
• Approved revised CofA for Center School door with blast-resistant glass (5-0)
• Tabled sign guidelines discussion until July after consulting Land Use Coordinator (consensus)