Monthly Archives: August 2014

A Closer Look at the Sound View Bike Path, Revitalization Project

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Proposed route of new bike path.

Proposed route of new bike path.

In a recent interview with LymeLine, Old Lyme First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder stated, “The Old Lyme town government has been attempting to pursue renovations of the Sound View beach since May of 2013.”   The desired outcome of the renovations will be a bike path that leads from exit 70 on the Baldwin Bridge following I-95, down Rte. 156 to Hartford Avenue.

This will lead bikers to what will be the new parking lot.  The community lot on Hartford Avenue, across from Sound View beach, will be redeveloped into a picnic area.  The lot will maintain 44 parking spaces, and the rest will be transformed into grassy regions for a more park-like feel.  The town was awarded a grant to revitalize the area, with instructions for the money to be put into specific stages.

The federal grant covers up to 80 percent of the project, and the town is responsible for the remaining 20 percent.  The amount of $148,500 has already been approved by the grant, but the construction costs will be determined after the design phase is complete.

The first stage is for engineers to “complete the ‘picture’ of the final product,” noted Reemsnyder.  They will draw up designs for the park area.  These documents will then go to contractors, who will decide on the cost of the project.  The bike path will need to be mapped and signed off as well.  Once all of the designs for the park and path are finalized and approved, the second stage of the project can begin.

The second stage is construction, which is projected to start in the fall of 2015.  Town meetings will be held at various points throughout the project, such as the one on Wednesday,July 16, which “went well” according to Reemsnyder.  Before construction can begin, the allocation for construction cost funds will need to be approved at one of these town meetings.

The revitalization is hoped to enhance tourism, improve business, and connect the beach to the rest of the town in a more accessible and friendly manner.

On the town website, under current projects, there is a link to more information regarding the proposal.

Miller’s Eagle Scout Project Restores Hamburg Fair’s Animal Ring to Former Glory

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Working on the animal ring.

Working on the animal ring.

Visitors at this year’s Hamburg Fair on Aug. 15, 16 and 17, will see that the animal ring where the horse and oxen competitions are held has been refurbished.

Life Scout Matthew M. Miller of BSA Troop 26 of Lyme and Old Lyme led approximately 25 people over the weekend of June 14-15 as part of his Eagle Scout Project to repair the ring that was in desperate need of restoration.  The project benefited the Lyme Grange Fairgrounds where the annual Hamburg Fair is held every August.  The Fair draws several thousand visitors from all over the state each year.

Repairing the fence.

Matt Miller repairs the animal ring fence during Father’s Day weekend when he led a team of volunteers on the project, which will contribute to his Eagle Scout award.

Matt developed his project by meeting with the Lyme Grange and then submitting his plan for approval with BSA Mohegan District.

It Takes a Village - in this case, three young men, but there were many more on both days of the project - to fix an animal ring.

‘It Takes a Village’ – in this case, three young men, but there were many more on both days of the project – to fix an animal ring.

Everything came together over Father’s Day weekend under beautiful skies and clear weather.  His team replaced four gates, installed new gate latches, replaced the vast majority of wooden rails, replaced or repaired posts and gave the whole area two coats of barn red stain.

Congratulations, Matt – what a great project!

Pasta Dinner Saturday at Shoreline Community Center, Sound View

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There will be a Pasta Dinner on Saturday, Aug. 9,  at the Shoreline Community Center, 39 Hartford Ave., Old Lyme.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the event ends at 8 p.m.  Enjoy delicious fresh  pasta, meatballs, fresh salad, bread, desserts, and coffee.  All you can eat.  Walk-ins welcome.

Admission adults $12, children under 8 years $6.

Tickets available at door or call Shirley Grande 860-434-8875.  Sponsored by the Sound View Beach Association, Inc.

Letter to the Editor: Similarities to Giuliano Make Lanier Best Candidate to Fill Giuliano’s Shoes

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To the Editor:

For a seamless transition to elect a new State Rep in the 23rd District, Republican voters should consider the similarities between the retiring Marilyn Giuliano and Vicki Lanier when voting on August 12th.

Both are long-time Republicans with experience in elected office before running for state rep; Vicki was treasurer on Region 18 Board of Ed; Marilyn was vice chair of Old Saybrook Board of Finance.

Both are working mothers who balanced demands of parenthood, work, and volunteerism with their public service; Vicki is partner in her law firm, Marilyn is a public school employee.

Both devote time to community outreach; Vicki mentors women in need; Marilyn lent time to public health and housing. Both gave time and effort to PTO and Scouts.

In an ironic twist, both Giuliano and Lanier did not emerge with their party’s endorsement.  Twelve years ago, Marilyn won her primary.  Given the similar strengths and experience that both Vicki and Marilyn possess, please vote for Vicki Lanier on August 12th.

Sincerely,

Joan C. Carlson,
Old Saybrook.

Letter to the Editor: Carney Has the Character to Continue Giuliano’s Work as State Rep.

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To the Editor:

Devin Carney is a great choice to be our next State Representative for the 23rd District and we will proudly vote for him in the Republican primary on August 12th.  Marilyn Giuliano has held this seat for 12 years and it is important the next person represents us with the same passion as she has.  We believe Devin is that person.

Devin is committed to the 23rd District and believes in focusing on making it possible for our families and seniors to be able to continue calling it home.  Times are tough and no one better than Devin understands, first-hand, that when times are tough it means rolling up your sleeves and getting to work. We are reminded of when he was a kid and he started a paper route to help his single mom, Deb, make ends meet.  Through hard work and against the odds, he became the first person in his immediate family to graduate college.

We believe his character, morals, and values are exactly what our district needs and he is more than ready and able to continue what Marilyn began. Please join us on August 12th in voting for Devin Carney for State Rep.

Sincerely,

Sharon and Dave Tiezzi,
Old Saybrook.