Author Says Proposed 11K Sq. Ft. Smiths Neck Home ‘Threatens’ Old Lyme’s ‘Environmental Heritage … Rural Character’
To the Editor:
Old Lyme residents need to be aware of a concerning development proposal at 43 Smiths Neck Road that threatens our town’s environmental heritage and rural character. The proposed 11,000 square-foot residence would dramatically alter our cherished riverfront landscape and sets a troubling precedent for future development along the Connecticut River.
The developer has already clear-cut native vegetation down to the waterline, destroying critical wildlife habitat and causing visible erosion. The massive proposed structure features 35-foot white walls that would be visible across the river, with over 90 outdoor lights that would significantly impact our dark skies and wildlife. Even more concerning, the water usage from such a large residence (8 bedrooms, 7 baths, pool, and extensive gardens) could strain the limited aquifer that all Smiths Neck residents depend upon.
The Connecticut River Gateway Commission has recommended denying this application, citing multiple violations of Old Lyme’s zoning regulations designed to protect our scenic and environmentally fragile river corridor.
I urge concerned citizens to write letters and attend the crucial Zoning Commission meeting on January 13, 2025, at 6:30 pm at Old Lyme Town Hall. Your presence and voice matter in preserving Old Lyme’s natural beauty and environmental resources for future generations.
The time to protect our riverfront access and ensure compliance with our Zoning regulations is now. Please join your neighbors in attending this important meeting.
Old Lyme Children’s Learning Center Board Chairman Marie Ryan cuts the ribbon to celebrate the reopening of the newly renovated Center. From left to right are Wendy Russell* , Mona Colwell *, Cheryl Poirier* , Jeff Hartmann (to rear, in hat)*, State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd), Old Lyme (OL) Selectwoman Jude Read, Joe Camean*, OL Selectman Jim Lampos, OLCLC Board Member Marie Ryan, OLCLC Board President Kristen St. Germain, OL First Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker, Jean Wilczynski*. Members of OL Economic Development Commission indicated with *. All photos by Rayna Dakin except where indicated.
OLD LYME—It was a brisk and sunny afternoon on Saturday when state and local officials, Old Lyme Children’s Learning Center (OLCLC) Board Members and members of the public gathered at the OLCLC building at 57 Lyme St.for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the reopening of the Center after a major renovation. The ribbon-cutting was followed by an Open House with children’s crafts for little ones.
Old Lyme Economic Development Commission Chairman Cheryl Poirier (fifth from left at front) welcomes everyone to the ribbon-cutting.
The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Old Lyme Economic Development Commission (OLEDC) Chairman Cheryl Poirier, then Old Lyme First Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker spoke, noting, “We’re just so glad this renovation went so well, it’s another new bright spot on Lyme Street, and we’re glad to have you back and up and running.”
State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd), whose District includes Old Lyme, spoke next reading an Official Citation from the State of Connecticut, which had been introduced by Carney and State Senator Martha Marx (D-20th).
State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd) reads the Citation from the state celebrating the reopening of the Old Lyme Children’s Learning Center.
Carney said, “Be it hereby known to all that the Connecticut General Assembly hereby offers its sincerest congratulations to Old Lyme Children’s Learning Center in recognition of your years serving Lyme and Old Lyme children and families. Your programs have helped develop the skills of so many children and enhanced their self esteem. Your welcoming environment has benefitted our community, and we congratulate you on your beautiful renovation.”
He noted, “The entire membership extends its very best wishes on this memorable occasion and expresses the hope for continued success.”
Then Kristen St. Germain, President of the OLCLC Board of Directors, spoke at some length about the importance of the Center and the renovation project, while expressing appreciation to many people. She first thanked the Old Lyme Economic Development Commission for organizing the event and all those in attendance for, “Joining us to celebrate this incredible milestone for the Center.”
Kristen St. Germain, former chair of the OLCLC Board of Directors, addresses the ribbon-cutting attendees. Photo by John Stratton.
She noted that the journey to reach the point at which they now stood had truly been “A labor of love,” adding, “For me, it’s personal—over the past 26 years, all three of my children have been part of the OLCLC programs making my own return to work that much easier. Like many parents on this board, I deeply understand the importance of quality childcare, and entrusting our children to a place that we can feel good about and I also know that this has been something that has become increasingly difficult for working families to experience these last few years.”
St. Germain went on to explain that following the pandemic, the Office of Early Childhood reported “a staggering shortage of 50,000 infant and toddler slots across the state.” She noted, “Our Center, too, faced significant challenges, having to close its doors for over a year. During that time, we reimagined our programming to help meet the growing demand for infant and toddler care in our community.”
But she noted the challenges did not stop there, referring to the discovery of a structural beam that was rotted in the OLCLC’s 1850 building. That “major setback” sparked the whole renovation project, which took some 18 months of intensive work to rectify. St. Germain then stated ebuliently, “But thanks to the unwavering dedication of so many, we persevered and reopened, ready once more to serve families seeking exceptional care for their children.”
She noted “an incredible team of people” had made the renovation happen, citing current Board Chair Marie Ryan and all of the Board of Directors, noting, “Your tireless volunteer efforts have been invaluable.” She mentioned the staff, who kept the OLCLC going in a limited capacity throughout the renovation and, “[worked] under some unbelievable obstacles to keep our toddler and school age programming running so successfully during the rebuild.”
Photo by John Stratton.
St. Germain added thanks to David Noe and HP Broom, “For transforming this space into a repurposed facility that will serve families for the next 40 years,” and to Charter Oak, “For helping us secure the funding to make this vision a reality.”
Thanking the Old Lyme Historic District Commission, St. Germain said, “We appreciate your partnership as we navigated the challenges of rebuilding within the historic district,” and then she mentioned First Selectwoman Shoemaker and the numerous town officials who had ensured, “Every requirement to get this project across the finish line,” was met.
State Representative Carney was also thanked for supporting the project at the state level.
The Old Lyme Historical Society also received a shout-out “For the use of your building during our renovation.” St. Germain elaborated on that act of kindness, saying, “This was so helpful in allowing us to conduct administrative work and operations while also being able to be close to the construction site.”
Celebrating the receipt of a congratulatory certificate from the OLEDC are, from left to right, OLEDC Chair Cheryl Poirier, OLCLC Board President Kristen St Germain, and OLCLC Board Member Marie Ryan.
St. Germain concluded by addressing the OLCLC patrons, whom she described as, “The most important people,” thanking them for their “patience and understanding during our temporary closure.,” noting how challenging it must have been and saying, “We appreciate your loyalty in returning to us. We promise to continue to take great care of your babies moving forward.”
Her final firm statement was, “As we stand here today, I can confidently say this was a labor of love. We are profoundly grateful to everyone who contributed to making this happen.”
Bill Bartlett of HP Broom addresses those gathered for the ribbon-cutting, noting the fun he and his team had enjoyed working with the OLCLC.
Bill Bartlett, project manager for HP Broom, the builder of the project, followed, saying, “We enjoyed working with the Old Lyme Children’s Learning Center, … when we met Marie and the gang in the early stages, you could walk in the door and see all the way down to the basement floor and then up into the roof rafters…. it was fun bringing it back…. it was great, it was a lot of fun.”
Poirier wrapped up the proceedings noting ” I think everyone knows childcare is an economic issue. Parents sometimes can’t have a caregiver go back to work because there isn’t quality childcare available. … We’re just very lucky to have the Center here on Lyme Street that our local employers can depend on to be part of the solution to employment.”
Editor’s Note: We received the letter printed below from Old Lyme First Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker. She noted in her accompanying message to us, “Our recent revaluation assessment letters arrived in mailboxes over the past weekend. Residents have been very concerned about their higher assessments. We have written a letter to the residents of Old Lyme to provide some clarity on the topic.” She then invited us to publish it, which we have done in the hope it is helpful to our readers.
Dear Old Lyme Residents,
We know that over the last few days most people in town received a Notice of Assessment including their new property assessment. We also know that most residents have seen a large assessment increase since the last revaluation and are asking what this means for their property taxes. Please be assured that the change in your assessment because of the town-wide revaluation does not mean a similar percentage change in your taxes. Instead, that change will relate to (1) the difference between your assessment change and the change in the overall grand list, (2) any change over the revaluation period in the value of your property compared to the value of others, and (3) the budget adopted next spring and the resulting new mill rate. The grand list is not yet determined but will be by January 31, 2025. Here is a brief explanation of the process and how it will continue to evolve over the next few months.
The Town of Old Lyme hired a professional appraisal company, Municipal Valuation Services, to assist in the systematic reassessment of all real property in Old Lyme. This includes residential and commercial. The revaluation process is done per state statute every 5 years to ensure that everyone is paying taxes based on the current worth of their home (or other real estate). This process essentially makes sure that the tax burden is distributed equitably and fairly across all property classes. Some homes will see an increase in their assessed value, and others may have a decrease, compared to the previous assessment or compared to the property of others. The goal is not to raise taxes overall, but to accurately reflect the current market value of each property.
In the revaluation the appraisers and the assessor compared your property with other Old Lyme properties that are similar, so that those properties pay similar taxes. The appraisal company takes into account all market value sales of comparable properties in the area. This process determines a new market value for your home, and, by statute, the assessed value is 70% of that value.
As stated in your Notice of Assessment, you have the opportunity to come into Town Hall for an informal hearing, which must be requested by December 18. At this hearing, you will meet with a revaluation representative and review your property data and value. These hearings are not for discussing tax rates or tax bills.
If a property owner disagrees with their new assessment, whether or not the taxpayer attended an informal hearing, they can file an appeal (February 1 – February 20, 2025) with the town’s Board of Assessment Appeals. Decisions of the Board of Assessment Appeals may be appealed to superior court.
Let us restate that revaluation is not done to generate more tax revenue for the town but to distribute the tax burden more equitably among all property owners. Property values change over time due to market conditions, which is why regular revaluations are necessary. A fair assessment system ensures that everyone is contributing their fair share to support the local services that make up our town budget.
We have just begun the budget process in town. This starts with the Board of Selectmen reviewing the needs of each department and commission for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Informal meetings with town hall departments are beginning now. The Board of Selectmen will be putting together the budget throughout January, before sending it to the Board of Finance. During the months of February and March the Board of Finance will analyze the Board of Selectmen’s budget, meet with various parties as needed and make changes. The public is invited to attend all of these meetings and listen to the proceedings.
At the Town Meeting in May, the Board of Finance will present the budget and a proposed mill rate that meets the budgetary needs. Because of the substantial increase in the grand list, this mill rate inevitably will be lower than the current mill rate. Your individual taxes will be based on your assessment multiplied by this new mill rate.
Please feel free to reach out to members of the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance with your thoughts, concerns and questions.
Respectfully,
Martha H. Shoemaker, Old Lyme First Selectwoman Bennett J. Bernblum, Chair, Old Lyme Board of Finance Melinda R. Kronfeld, Town of Old Lyme Assessor
Local Heroes: the veterans gathered outside Old Lyme’s Memorial Town Hall for a commemorative photo. All photos by Martha Shoemaker.
OLD LYME — A brief ceremony honoring Veterans Day was held Monday at the flagpole in front of Old Lyme’s Memorial Town Hall.
A wreath was laid Monday at the flagpole in front of Old Lyme’s Memorial Town Hall and then the flag was raised.
Current and former members of the military from Old Lyme gathered at the flagpole to honor those, who have given their lives to preserve the freedom of their country, and those who have served in the past or continue to serve today.
Richard Mason, Commander of VFW Post 1467, stands at right with Joe Lacasse in the center while Larry Ghirardi speaks.
The simple service was relatively short, but still poignant.
Retired Colonel Bill Bachman addresses the veterans gathered around the flagpole while Richard Mason, Commander of VFW Post 1467, stands at left.
A three-gun-salute was fired to commemorate all veterans everywhere.
Preparing to fire …
Here at LymeLine, we thank all veterans for your past or present service and commemorate all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
OLD LYME — The Town of Old Lyme (OL) is carrying out a survey to understand how both seasonal and year-round residents obtain their local news.
The primary purpose of the survey is to understand seasonal residents’ off-season newspaper access and subscriptions. The Town’s current Ordinance requires posting notice of town meetings in major newspapers during the months of November through May. The cost of posting these announcements has risen throughout the past two years.
The Town would like to ensure the Ordinance matches the newspapers that residents rely on for information about Old Lyme Town Meetings.
The survey also seeks to learn more in general about where residents obtain their information regarding Old Lyme news, events, and activities.
Town officials believe that by understanding where residents get their news, OL Departments and Commissions can better consider where to send press releases, or otherwise focus promotion of upcoming activities and events.
The survey also provides a chance to promote some of the Town of OL’s communication channels, such as the First Selectwoman’s newsletter, Notify Me,Everbridge, and the Town of Old Lyme and OL Emergency Management Facebook pages.
The survey is open to everyone, including property owners as well as those who are not property owners. Those who are not property owners skip straight to questions regarding where they find out about events, activities and news in Old Lyme.
The survey takes approximately four minutes to complete. Of course, we hope you mention LymeLine.com as an important source of local news!
