Old Lyme meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Sound View Commission votes to ban amplified music, catering on beach

The Sound View Commission voted unanimously on August 20 to recommend updating Sound View Beach rules to prohibit amplified music, DJs, PA systems, generators, catering, and food service on the public beach. The commission also recommended establishing a permitting process for potential events that would not conflict with the public's right to quiet enjoyment of the beach. The vote is the most consequential decision from the past two weeks of town meetings.

Sound View Beach rules

The commission's motion to recommend the prohibitions passed with all members in favor. A second motion to recommend a permitting process for beach events also passed unanimously. The recommendations now go to the Board of Selectmen for consideration.

Wetlands and Harbor decisions

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved a wetlands permit for the reconstruction of a washed-away bridge and boardwalk at 129-1 Whippoorwill Road, voting unanimously at an August 17 site walk meeting. The commission discussed but did not vote on a seawall repair and two sheds at 7 Shore Drive, and a house demolition and reconstruction at 23 Osceola Trail.

The Harbor Management Commission declined to sign off on a pre-submission consultation for a floating dock at 36 Homestead Circle, determining it inconsistent with the Harbor Management Plan. The commission approved its July 14 minutes unanimously.

Waste and recycling

The Waste & Recycling Committee voted unanimously to support the Tire EPR Program, deferring the final decision to the transfer station. The committee also agreed to gather ideas for Baystate Textiles proceeds and vote at its next meeting, decided to revisit compost and form a Compost Committee, and suggested extra textile bin locations at Cross Lane, the vet hospital, and Town of Woods park. It approved the July 13 minutes unanimously.

Other recent meetings

The Zoning Commission held a focus group on housing and residential zoning as part of the Zoning Regulations Rewrite; no formal decisions were made. The Road and Public Safety Committee approved its June 9 minutes and added a road litter and bicycle safety update to its agenda, but took no other votes. The Open Space Commission approved minutes from its July 8 and July 20 meetings and entered an executive session on a possible land acquisition, exiting with no decisions. The Rogers Lake Authority approved its July 8 minutes and reviewed routine operations. The Shoreline Gateway Committee and Planning Commission both cancelled their August 13 meetings.

Coming up

• **America 250 Committee** – August 24: review of July events, quilt project, upcoming programs.
• **Sound View Commission** – August 24: beach rules discussion, postcard mailing to residents, facility updates.
• **Inland Wetlands Commission** – August 25: state referral for Rotolo Property tidal marshes, four wetland cases, and a public meeting on a notice of violation at 72 Grassy Hill Road.
• **Housing Strategic Planning Steering Committee** – August 27: discussion of zoning workshops, housing in commercial districts, and accessory dwelling units.

Old Lyme EDC sends zoning recommendations to Zoning Commission; other boards act on housing, waste, harbor

The Economic Development Commission approved and sent zoning regulation recommendations to the Zoning Commission, the most consequential action from the past two weeks. The commission voted 5-0-1 to approve the recommendations with edits and to send them on behalf of the EDC. Other boards acted on affordable housing, waste, and harbor matters.

Economic Development Commission

At its Aug. 5 meeting, the EDC approved the July 1 minutes as amended (6-0) and approved recommendations to the Zoning Commission on a regulations update, with edits incorporated (5-0-1). It also authorized sending the amended recommendations to the Zoning Commission on behalf of the EDC (5-0-1).

Affordable Housing Commission

Also on Aug. 5, the Affordable Housing Commission approved the July 1 minutes (5-0) and heard a presentation from Andrew Woodstock of Eastern CT Housing Opportunities (ECHO) on affordable housing development. Members discussed the McCullogh closing, with attorney Rich Cody handling the town's side, and assigned Sheila Riffle and Heather Gagnon to review the commission's website pages. Ross Higgins and Sheila Riffle will attend a Zoning Commission housing focus group on Aug. 10.

Parks & Recreation Commission

At its Aug. 6 meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the June 6 minutes and moved public comment earlier in the agenda (both unanimous). It discussed a proposed youth basketball program for grades 6-8 with guest Al Furrow, expressing support contingent on participation and space; Furrow will explore collaboration with East Lyme and report back in September. No vote was taken. The commission also discussed Hains Park improvements, including an ADA path (estimates to be obtained), goose mitigation (continued Goose Scram applications), and maintenance (public works contacted), but took no votes.

Waste & Recycling Committee

On Aug. 10, the Waste & Recycling Committee approved the July 13 minutes (unanimous) and voted unanimously to support the Tire EPR Program, deferring the final decision to the transfer station. It agreed to gather ideas for Baystate Textiles proceeds and vote at the next meeting, decided to revisit compost and form a Compost Committee, and suggested extra textile bin locations at Cross Lane, the vet hospital, and Town of Woods park. The committee will continue investigating a $19,000 leaf pickup charge.

Harbor Management Commission

At its Aug. 11 meeting, the Harbor Management Commission approved the July 14 minutes (unanimous) and declined to sign off on a CTDEEP pre-submission for a floating dock at 36 Homestead Circle, determining it inconsistent with the Harbor Management Plan. No other formal votes were taken.

Road and Public Safety Committee

Also on Aug. 11, the Road and Public Safety Committee approved the June 9 minutes (unanimous) and approved adding a road litter and bicycle safety update to the agenda (motion carried). Members discussed volunteer cleanup efforts, safety concerns at several intersections, and plans for additional speed feedback signs, but took no formal decisions.

Cancellations

Two meetings were cancelled: the Shoreline Gateway Committee's Aug. 13 meeting (next regular meeting Sept. 10) and the Planning Commission's Aug. 13 meeting.

Other recent meetings (agenda only)

The Zoning Commission held a special meeting Aug. 10 to discuss housing and residential zoning as part of the zoning regulations rewrite, reviewing input from boards, agencies, and the public, plus an IMEG summary from the July 29 Community Workshop. The Open Space Commission met Aug. 12 to discuss grants (DEEP Climate Resilience Grant for Ferry Landing Wildlife Refuge, Horseneck Creek Dock Grant), endangered species mapping, an Ames Eagle Scout project, and held an executive session on a possible land acquisition. The Rogers Lake Authority met Aug. 12 to review July expenditures, patrol boat update, invasive species rapid response plan, water quality and eDNA testing, and a water diversion permit application; it also considered fishing tournaments (Butterball Baits Team Trail Aug. 16, Rogers Lake Sunfish Regatta Sept. 19).

Coming up

• **Inland Wetlands Commission** – Aug. 17, site walks for three property cases (7 Shore Drive, 23 Osceola Trail, 129-1 Whippoorwill Road).
• **Board of Selectmen** – Aug. 17, discussion of a new policy for large groups at Sound View Beach, updates on grants for 102-1 Mile Creek Road, Grassy Hill Bridge, Halls Road sidewalks, and a guest from Connecticut Water.
• **Water Pollution Control Authority** – Aug. 17, special meeting on the recent water shortage, vote on sending a second notice letter for delinquent properties to the Board of Selectmen, and finance updates.
• **Board of Finance** – Aug. 18, discussion of a proposed policy regarding the Unassigned Fund, approval of July 21 minutes, financial report, carry overs, and Selectman's report.

Old Lyme roundup: Septic pump-out rule change advances; boards make appointments

The Water Pollution Control Authority voted to send a revised septic ordinance to the Board of Selectmen for final approval, a change that would shorten the required pump-out interval from seven years to five. The motion passed at the authority's July 27 meeting. In other business, the Board of Selectmen appointed members to two town boards, and the Inland Wetlands Commission approved a permit amendment for a patio and pergola.

Water Pollution Control Authority

The WPCA approved minutes from its June 9 meeting and approved a motion to move the revised septic ordinance and timeframe to the Board of Selectmen. The proposed change would reduce the pump-out requirement from 7 to 5 years. The authority also discussed appointing an agent to perform town sanitarian duties, though no vote was recorded on that item.

Board of Selectmen

At its July 27 meeting, the Board of Selectmen appointed four members to the Lymes' Senior Center Board: Jane Folland, Christine Gotowka, Kathy Lockwood, and Diana Seckla. The vote was 3-0-0. The board also appointed Bonnie Reemsnyder to the RiverCOG Regional Housing Committee by a 2-1-0 vote. The board reviewed the Emergency Operations Center project close-out and discussed concerns about the town's water supply. The board cancelled its August 3 meeting.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission, meeting July 28, approved its June 2 minutes and the July 28 agenda, both unanimously. It established a monthly inspection schedule for 308-1 Mile Creek Road to ensure compliance with a surface water discharge permit. The commission tabled a decision on a Microsoft Teams recording policy until September 1, and deferred discussion on endangered species mapping to the same date. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM unanimously.

Inland Wetlands Commission

The Inland Wetlands Commission approved an administrative permit amendment for a patio and pergola at 64 Grassy Hill, unanimously. It also approved the June 23 minutes with amendments and the July 1 special site walk minutes as written. The commission scheduled site walks for three properties on August 17: a bridge/boardwalk at 129-1 Whippoorwill Road, a house reconstruction at 23 Osceola Trail, and a seawall and sheds at 7 Shore Drive. For 41-1 Whippoorwill Road, the commission requested 10 additional reviews or mitigations.

Zoning Commission

The Zoning Commission held a special community session on July 29, featuring a presentation and breakout sessions led by IMEG to gather input on preferred residential uses. No decisions were made and no votes were taken.

Economic Development Commission and Sound View Commission

The Economic Development Commission met August 5 to review progress on its 2026 strategic plan, including promotion, signage, business resources, and land-use processes. It discussed recommendations to the Zoning Commission for regulatory updates and confirmed attendees for a September 15 Zoning Commission meeting. No votes were recorded. The Sound View Commission met July 27 to discuss a postcard mailing to area residents, facility maintenance, and a recap of July 4th and USA 250 activities. Its minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

The Inland Wetlands Commission will hold a special site walk on August 17 at 7 Shore Drive, 23 Osceola Trail, and 129-1 Whippoorwill Road. This is a site walk to identify locations and remediation areas, not a public hearing for substantive input.

Old Lyme boards advance septic ordinance changes, Whippoorwill Road land sale finding

Old Lyme's Water Pollution Control Authority voted to send revised septic ordinance changes to the Board of Selectmen for final approval, including a proposal to shorten the required pump-out timeframe from 7 years to 5 years and appoint an agent to carry out town sanitarian duties. The move could affect every property owner in town with a septic system.

WPCA advances septic ordinance revisions

At its July 27 meeting, the Water Pollution Control Authority approved meeting minutes from June 9 and approved a motion to move the revised septic ordinance and timeframe to the Board of Selectmen for approval. The proposed changes would reduce the pump-out ordinance timeframe from 7 to 5 years and appoint an agent to perform town sanitarian duties. Final action now rests with the Board of Selectmen.

Planning Commission clears Whippoorwill Road land sale

The Planning Commission unanimously found that the sale of two lots at Subdivision 130-1 Whippoorwill Road is consistent with the town's Plan of Conservation and Development. The review came as a referral from the Board of Selectmen. The unanimous vote clears a procedural step for the land sale to proceed.

Open Space Commission targets Ferry Landing restoration grant

The Open Space Commission approved a motion to begin preparing an application for the DEEP Resilient Forestry Practices grant. The project would restore the Ferry Landing Wildlife Refuge through invasive species removal, native seedling planting, and deer browsing management. The grant application is now in preparation.

Board of Finance appoints alternates, delays fund balance policy

The Board of Finance appointed Fred Behringer as alternate for David Kelsey and Tom Walsh as alternate for Andrew Russell. Both appointments passed. The Board approved the June 16 meeting minutes and reviewed the June 30 financial report. Discussion of the proposed Unassigned Fund Balance Policy was postponed to the August meeting.

Inland Wetlands Commission approves Grassy Hill permit amendment

The Inland Wetlands Commission unanimously approved an administrative permit amendment for a patio and pergola at 64 Grassy Hill. The Commission also scheduled site walks for August 17 for three cases: 129-1 Whippoorwill Road bridge/boardwalk reconstruction, 23 Osceola Trail house reconstruction, and 7 Shore Drive seawall and sheds. The Commission requested 10 additional reviews or mitigations for 41-1 Whippoorwill Road construction. June 23 minutes were approved with amendments unanimously, and July 1 special site walk minutes were approved as written.

Zoning Commission gathers community input on residential uses

The Zoning Commission held a special meeting July 29 with a presentation and breakout sessions led by IMEG to gather community input on preferred residential uses. No decisions were made and no votes were taken.

Boards with agenda-only meetings

Several bodies met during the past two weeks with agendas available but minutes not yet published. The Board of Selectmen's July 27 special meeting included an Emergency Operations Center project close-out presentation by Erik Olsen, appointments to the Lymes' Senior Center Board and RiverCOG's Regional Housing, review of a Technical Review Committee Phase 1 evaluation for 102-1 Mile Creek Road, and discussion of a letter from Joe Camean regarding water resources. The Sound View Commission discussed a postcard mailing to area residents and a July 4th recap. The Conservation Commission discussed endangered species mapping and an update on a surface water discharge permit for 308-1 Mile Creek Road. The Lymes' Senior Center Board of Directors reviewed standing reports including the treasurer's report by Jane Folland.

Coming up

• **Economic Development Commission, Aug. 5** — Review of 2026 strategic plan progress and recommendations to the Zoning Commission on regulatory updates.
• **Inland Wetlands Commission, Aug. 17** — Site walks for three property cases at 7 Shore Drive, 23 Osceola Trail, and 129-1 Whippoorwill Road. This is a site walk, not a public hearing.

Old Lyme Roundup: Zoning Approves Sewer Staging Yard, Selectmen Set July 21 Town Meeting

The Zoning Commission approved a special permit for an off-site sewer laydown yard on Shore Road, and the Board of Selectmen set a July 21 Town Meeting, during a busy two-week stretch of Old Lyme municipal meetings.

Zoning Commission

The commission approved a special permit with conditions for an off-site laydown and staging area for a sewer project at 224 and 250 Shore Road (5-0-0). It also approved a special permit with conditions for renovations and additions to a single-family residence at 6 Lieutenant River Lane (5-0-0). A motion passed to receive a special permit application for grocery beer sales at 85 Halls Road and set its public hearing for September 14, 2026 (5-0-0). The June 8 regular meeting minutes and July 1 special meeting minutes were each approved (4-0-1, with one abstention). Approval of the June 24 special meeting minutes failed for lack of a second.

Board of Selectmen

The board approved a request for a well at Town Woods Park for the Lyme/Old Lyme Food Share Garden (3-0-0). It approved a warning for a July 21, 2026 Town Meeting (3-0-0) and an 8-24 referral to the Planning Commission for a property sale (3-0-0). The nomination of Michael Barnes for a Zoning Board vacancy was denied (1-2-0), and Bonnie Reemsnyder was appointed to the Zoning Board regular seat (2-1-0).

Planning Commission

The commission approved a free split for Twin Pond Development LLC at 15 Short Hill Road and Flat Rock Hill Road (unanimous). It voided an unrecorded subdivision at 36 and 38 Rowland Road (unanimous) and approved lot line modifications for 4-2 and 6-1 Craig Road (unanimous) and for 36 and 40 Flat Rock Hill Road (unanimous). June 11 meeting minutes were approved (unanimous).

Open Space Commission

The commission authorized expenditure of funds to conduct appraisals for potential real estate targets. Members reviewed budget balances, including approximately $732,000 in the land acquisition fund, and discussed a DEEP Climate Resiliency Grant application for Ferry Landing Wildlife Refuge. June 10 meeting minutes were approved.

Historic District Commission

The commission adopted revised Sign Guidelines (5-0-0) and approved minutes of its June 1 regular meeting (5-0-0) and June 8 special meeting (5-0-0). Other agenda items were discussed but no votes were taken. The meeting adjourned at 10:46 a.m.

Other Boards and Commissions

• **Rogers Lake Authority** approved June 10 meeting minutes (unanimous). Discussions covered patrol boat operations, water quality testing, and a potential water diversion permit application.
• **Shoreline Gateway Committee** approved June 11 meeting minutes (5-0-0) and agreed to send a draft blight ordinance to Paige Gregory. Members discussed a special permit application for a construction staging area at Shore Road.
• **Waste & Recycling Committee** approved June 8 minutes and declined to attend the Hamburg festival. It will not participate in this year's Midsummer Fest but plans zero-waste stations for next year. Raechel Peterson was tasked to confirm 20-lb propane tank prices and to consult Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker on the Regional Waste Authority.
• **Ethics Commission** approved April 14 meeting minutes (unanimous) and approved a final presentation format for the July 21 Town Hall (unanimous). The meeting was held by phone because the Teams link was not activated and adjourned at 5:22 p.m.
• **Tree Commission** — the July 16 meeting was cancelled with no agenda items.

Coming Up

• **July 20 — Open Space Commission** (virtual, Microsoft Teams): special meeting to discuss Ferry Landing Wildlife Refuge restoration. No votes are indicated on the agenda.
• **July 20 — Planning Commission** (special meeting): review of a Board of Selectmen referral on the sale of two lots in Subdivision 130-1 Whippoorwill Road for consistency with the town's Plan of Conservation and Development.
• **July 20 — Lymes' Senior Center Board of Directors**: regular meeting with treasurer's report by Jane Folland, director's notes, and facilities report.
• **July 21 — Town Meeting**: warned by the Board of Selectmen.

Old Lyme Zoning Commission Approves Middle Housing Regulations; Wetlands Permits Issued for Two Properties

The Old Lyme Zoning Commission approved amendments allowing mixed-use middle housing of 2–9 units and created parking districts in the Halls Road and Sound View areas, both by 5–0 votes on July 1, 2026. The commission also approved updated zoning regulation text that includes a site plan approval requirement and voted to post public comments to its webpage for Phase II of its regulation rewrite.

Zoning Commission

The middle housing amendment and parking district creation were the most significant land-use decisions of the past two weeks. All four Zoning Commission votes on July 1 passed 5–0, including the final vote to adjourn. The changes allow mixed-use developments with 2–9 units in specific areas and establish parking districts at Halls Road and Sound View.

Inland Wetlands Commission

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission unanimously approved wetlands permits for two properties: 72 Columbus Ave and 10-1 Wolcott Lane. A third application, for 41-1 Whippoorwill Road, was deferred to the July 28 regular meeting. The commission took no action on a right-of-way complaint at 72 Grassy Hill Road.

Affordable Housing Commission

The commission heard a preliminary presentation from Heritage House Incorporated regarding a proposed 156-unit apartment complex at 220 Shore Rd. Members discussed shifting focus toward multi-family housing opportunities rather than small town-owned lots. The commission approved June 3 minutes 4–0 with one abstention, approved June 17 special meeting minutes 3–0 with two abstentions, and voted 5–0 to move New Business to the beginning of meetings. No decision was made on the 156-unit proposal itself.

Economic Development Commission

The EDC approved June 3 meeting minutes 6–0–1. A motion to approve the commission's summary recommendations to zoning was defeated, receiving 1 vote in favor and 6 opposed. The meeting was adjourned 8–0–0.

Historic District Commission

The commission adopted revised Sign Guidelines by a 5–0–0 vote on July 6. Members also approved minutes from the June 1 regular meeting and June 8 special meeting, each 5–0–0. Other agenda items were discussed but no votes were taken. The meeting adjourned at 10:46 a.m.

Shoreline Gateway Committee

The committee approved June 11 meeting minutes 5–0–0 on July 9. Members discussed a special permit application for a construction staging area at Shore Road and agreed to send a draft blight ordinance to Paige Gregory at UCONN.

Coming Up

July 13 — Zoning Commission: Public hearings for Case 26-17 (offsite staging area at 224 and 250 Shore Rd) and Case 26-18C (renovations and additions at 6 Lieutenant River Ln). New application Case 26-19 seeks a special permit for grocery beer sales at 85 Halls Rd. The commission will also review Phase 2 of its zoning regulation rewrite.

July 13 — Board of Selectmen: The board will consider an 8-24 referral to Planning regarding a property sale to Habitat for Humanity, a Food Share Garden request for a well at Town Woods Park, appointment of a replacement for a Zoning Board vacancy, and approval of a warning for a July 21 town meeting.

July 14 — Ethics Commission: Will meet by video conference to approve April 14 minutes and hold a final discussion on a Code-revision presentation scheduled for Town Hall on July 21.

July 16 — Zoning Board of Appeals: Public hearings on three cases — expansion of a nonconforming structure at 300 Mile Creek Rd (Case 26-6), demolition and reconstruction of a residence at 87 Hill Crest Rd with multiple variance requests (Case 26-8C), and an appeal of a zoning permit for a privacy wall/deck screening at 50 Shore Rd (Case 26-10).

Old Lyme Roundup: Wetlands Panel OKs Twin Pond Driveway; Zoning Eyes Mixed-Use Housing Changes

Old Lyme's Inland Wetlands Commission unanimously approved a driveway and grading application for Twin Pond Development LLC at its June 23 meeting, clearing the way for a single-residential lot development. The commission also scheduled four site walks for July 1 covering pending applications on Grassy Hill Road, Columbus Avenue, Wolcott Lane, and Whippoorwill Road.

Inland Wetlands Commission

The commission approved the Twin Pond Development LLC application unanimously. It also approved minutes from its May 26 and June 2 meetings. Four site walks were scheduled for July 1: 72 Columbus Avenue at 5:30 p.m. (Case #26-10, demolish/reconstruct single-family residence), 41-1 Whippoorwill Road at 5:45 p.m. (Case #26-12, excavation/grading for new residence), 10-1 Wolcott Lane at 6:00 p.m. (Case #26-11, excavation/relocation of septic tank), and 72 Grassy Hill Road at 6:15 p.m. (Case #24-3, review of neighbor complaints on work consistency with permit). The site walks were for observation only, with no public comment taken.

Sound View Commission

The commission unanimously approved sending a postcard to Sound View residents encouraging them to opt into an email list for updates and to sign up for Old Lyme Alerts. It also approved funding to replace flags on Hartford Avenue. May meeting minutes were approved unanimously. During public comment, residents raised concerns about ATV and golf cart use on Shore Road and unauthorized paid parking at Kokomo's lot.

Housing Strategic Planning Steering Committee

The committee approved its May 28 minutes unanimously and added updates from River COG committees to the agenda, also unanimously. The meeting included discussion of state housing law PA 25-1 implementation via River COG and the ongoing zoning regulation rewrite. A resident spoke on housing challenges. No formal votes were taken on new policies or expenditures. The meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m. unanimously.

Zoning Commission — Environmental Rewrite and Housing Proposal

A June 24 special meeting focused on rewriting zoning regulations with attention to sustainability, resiliency, and flood zones. The commission reviewed input from boards, agencies, and the public, including a summary from the June 4, 2026, community workshop prepared by IMEG. Minutes were not yet published.

A separate July 1 Zoning Commission agenda included a public hearing on a proposed amendment to add definitions and uses for "mixed use middle housing" (2–9 units) in five zoning districts: WF-20, C-10, C-30, C-30S, and SVVD. The same agenda proposed creating parking districts in the Halls Road area and Sound View Area to regulate parking spaces per Public Act 25-1. No decisions were recorded.

Other Meetings (Agendas Only, No Decisions Recorded)

• **America 250 Committee (June 22):** Discussed planning for the 250th anniversary of the United States, including a community picnic and a quilt project.
• **Affordable Housing Commission (July 1):** Scheduled updates on the McCulloch Property, Heritage House Incorporated, and multi-family housing considerations.
• **Economic Development Commission (July 1):** Scheduled to confirm recommendations on zoning regulation updates, schedule interviews for a part-time Economic Development Analyst, approve the scope of on-call Community Resource Management services, and coordinate a booth for the Midsummer Festival.

Coming Up

Historic District Commission — July 6: Will discuss and potentially advance demolition guidelines and a related ordinance, plus sign guidelines. The agenda also covers the commission's authority, lighting guidelines, an Amtrak planning study, zoning regulation revisions, and responses to the Plan of Conservation and Development.

Inland Wetlands Commission approves driveway application; Sound View to mail postcard to residents

Old Lyme’s Inland Wetlands Commission unanimously approved a driveway and grading application for Twin Pond Development LLC on June 23, clearing the way for a new single-residential lot. The approval was the most concrete land-use decision of the past two weeks, while other boards addressed email outreach, flag replacements, and began discussions on zoning and housing.

Inland Wetlands Commission

At its June 23 meeting, the commission voted unanimously to approve the Twin Pond Development application. Commissioners also scheduled site walks for four properties on July 1: 72 Columbus Ave, 41-1 Whippoorwill Road, 10-1 Wolcott Lane, and 72 Grassy Hill Road. The walks were intended for observation only; no public input was taken. Meeting minutes for May 26 and June 2 were also approved.

Sound View Commission

The Sound View Commission on June 22 unanimously approved sending a postcard to Sound View residents inviting them to opt into an email list and encouraging sign-ups for Old Lyme Alerts. The commission also approved funding to replace flags on Hartford Avenue. During public comment, residents raised concerns about ATV and golf cart use on Shore Road and unauthorized paid parking at Kokomo’s lot. No dollar figure was provided for the flag replacement. The commission’s May minutes were approved unanimously.

Housing Strategic Planning Steering Committee

Meeting June 25, the committee heard from a resident about housing challenges and received updates on the state’s PA 25-1 implementation via the River Council of Governments and the ongoing zoning regulation rewrite. No votes were taken on new policies or spending. The committee unanimously approved the May 28 minutes and voted to add updates from River COG committees to future agendas before adjourning at 10:30 a.m.

Zoning Commission

The Zoning Commission held a special meeting June 24 to discuss an environmental rewrite of zoning regulations, with a focus on sustainability, resiliency, and flood zones. Agenda materials included input from the June 4 community workshop prepared by IMEG. No decisions were reported that evening.

On July 1, the commission convened for a public hearing and discussion on amendments that would add definitions and uses for “mixed-use middle housing” (2-9 units) in the WF-20, C-10, C-30, C-30S, and SVVD districts, and create parking districts in the Halls Road and Sound View areas consistent with Public Act 25-1. Minutes from the July 1 meeting are not yet available.

Other boards and commissions

The America 250 Committee met June 22 to coordinate 250th anniversary events, including a community picnic and a quilt project, but no final actions were announced.

The Affordable Housing Commission’s July 1 agenda called for an update on the McCulloch Property, discussion of Heritage House Incorporated, and consideration of multi-family housing options.

The Economic Development Commission on July 1 was scheduled to confirm recommendations on zoning regulation updates, schedule interviews for a part-time economic development analyst, approve the scope of on-call Community Resource Management services, and coordinate a booth for the Midsummer Festival.

The Inland Wetlands Commission’s July 1 site walk covered four cases: demolition and reconstruction at 72 Columbus Ave, excavation and grading at 41-1 Whippoorwill Road, septic-tank relocation at 10-1 Wolcott Lane, and a permit-compliance review at 72 Grassy Hill Road. No public comments or substantive input were taken.

Coming up

The Historic District Commission meets July 6 to discuss demolition guidelines and a proposed ordinance, sign guidelines, its own authority, lighting guidelines, an Amtrak planning study, zoning regulation revisions, and responses to the Plan of Conservation and Development.