To the Editor:
In recently mailed campaign literature to Lyme voters promoting their candidates for First Selectman and Selectman, the Republican Town Committee made inaccurate and dishonest comments about Lyme Democrats and the Affordable Housing Commission (AHC).
Republicans are falsely claiming that the “Democratic chaired and controlled” AHC has “called for the creation of a ‘Cluster Overlay Zone’ to accommodate high-density housing in Lyme.”
The AHC does not believe in high-density housing in Lyme. The Commission’s vision is to preserve Lyme’s rural character and maintain autonomy in land use decisions. Few specific decisions have been made yet because AHC has been waiting for Lyme to approve its 2025 Plan of Conservation and Development (PoCD). To date, only a draft is available, but a public hearing will be held on November 12 with a final vote on November 17. (The report-writing subcommittee of the Planning and Zoning Commission is composed of two Republicans and two Democrats.)
Various methods of creating affordable housing have been discussed by AHC. Nothing, with the exception of using accessory apartments built on existing lots (ADUs), already permitted in the zoning code, has been recommended. While AHC supports this concept, to be town-approved affordable housing units, they will have long-term deed restrictions, which owners have refused to accept.
Using an Overlay Zone will not create high-density housing in Lyme. An Overlay is a clearly defined zoning modification that can be used in a selected area for a desired purpose, such as affordable housing. It is applied over an existing zoning district. It is site specific and does not apply to the entire town. Republicans ought to understand what an overlay zone does and how it can benefit our town before they erroneously make accusations.
Why does Lyme have to consider using an overlay? After considering all the costs of a modest house, including: acquiring land, necessary infrastructure, construction, some landscaping, roadway access and dealing with common obstacles such as rock ledge and wetlands, the AHC concluded it is not possible to create affordable housing in Lyme without building more units on selected parcels of land than the current zoning allows. (This would only be done in a limited number of selected areas.)
Lyme’s PoCD respondents want affordable housing for Fire Department and Ambulance workers, teachers and older residents. 57% were 65 years or older.
Incidentally, the low number of Republicans on the AHC could be remedied if more Republicans would volunteer to join the Affordable Housing Commission.
Sincerely,
Phyllis Ross,
Lyme, CT.
Editor’s Note: The author is a member of Lyme’s Affordable Housing Commission and Planning and Zoning Commission.
As a fellow AHC member and the only Republican to serve, I wish the above comments were true.
I also wish I could unhear and unsee what the AHC Chairs proffered in response to the State Legislature’s then-passed HB 5002 law at our June 5th meeting. Recall HB 5002 strengthened a previous law to essentially assist low income housing developers with NIMBY towns’ pesky zoning interferences with help approving high density developments among other things. Suggest you enter into Chat GPT “why do CT towns not like the HB 5002 law”
In addition, a Member suggested that we reach out to Low Income Housing developers and determine if we can help them. Then, at the end of the June 5th meeting a Motion was raised to push spot zoning with Lyme’s zoning board to help lower the “low income housing gap” in Lyme, which the State listed as 174-340 units.
I was the sole no vote. I implored Membership to perform more research prior to taking such a drastic early step. Leading with our nose isn’t smart. The Chairs approached the Town with the motion as evidenced via email as kept in the town records. Subsequently the Governor vetoed the bill. Even the Governor agreed that HB 5002 is a massive burden on CT Towns.
Since then, I have requested the June 5th minutes reflecting discussions and the Motion. As usual my comms and concerns are dismissed, and I discovered by accident, shared with Dem leadership outside of the AHC.
Previous minutes from previous meetings discussing the Chairs pushing town $ financed land purchases, site development, construction and rental management activity – are not referenced in the minutes. In fact I don’t believe minutes were produced.
Finally, the ADU concept which was spotlighted by me and other non AHC Republicans and Democrats – is perfect for Lyme’s seniors who wish to stay in place, their caregivers and family members. ADUs are perfect for Lyme’s Ambulance and Fire volunteers as well. ADUs carry no cost to the town and adds to the approximately 100 ADUs existing in Lyme.
I urge every Lyme Citizen to audit the AHC meetings. Naturally our Democrats have tabled the “go big” campaign due to the election, however an HB 5002 re-do law is currently being negotiated and is due out. soon after the election. The AHC meeting is also scheduled after the election. The October meeting was cancelled.
Those are the facts, I wish they were not. Politics have no place in sound Lyme Town management.
Phyllis (and the Democrat endorsed candidates), are you familiar with Federal and Connecticut Fair Housing Acts? Discriminatorily choosing who gets to live in housing, whether public or privately owned, is illegal. Housing is a human right.
The contrast between Phyllis’ letter and Andrew’s comment show us why meeting minutes are necessary. Otherwise, we pick a side based on … what … party affiliation? We need the 2025 minutes for town meetings.
Agree 100% George Fowler.
I am sad “oppo research” is the big driver in this small Town’s election. I loathe it actually, have my fill reading about international, national and NYC’s politics… I prefer my Town to be drama free.
Lyme’s issues are basic; sound budgeting, maintain open space for flora, fauna and hiking humans + a fabulous school system. Perhaps the very best strategy for any political party here is merely to just leave things alone – because Lyme is not broken. The Town employees are superb – both the office folks and our amazing outside guys.
My point about the AHC (above) is not to humiliate people, rather it is to remind them that there is a greater-good power that supersedes one or two individual’s emotional needs for risk and change. The AHC is above all a fiduciary for the entire town population. Lyme is special in all the very best ways. Lyme has scads of open organized hiking space available for all CT residents – a State treasure. No other CT town has this much thanks to our well run Lyme Land Trust, which is overseen by a Democrat… and we still donate…; )