Category Archives: News

Old Lyme Zoning Approves Lyme-Old Lyme Schools Proposal for Turf Field — With Conditions

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This image, courtesy of Milone & MacBroom, shows the current field behind Lyme-Old Lyme High School (left) and the proposed synthetic turf field (right.)

OLD LYME — At their regular monthly meeting held virtually last Monday, Dec. 14, Old Lyme’s Zoning Commission members unanimously approved Lyme-Old Lyme School’s Special Permit Application to “modify the playing geometry ” of the athletic field behind Lyme-Old Lyme High School and change the “playing surface from manicured lawn to synthetic turf.”

The motion to approve the application did, however, have one significant condition.

At the November meeting, commission members had requested that Tom Metcalf, the engineer for the Planning and Zoning Commission, should review the project plans and report back to them.

Commission Chair Paul Orzel was expecting Metcalf to be on the phone during the meeting but Metcalf was not present. Commission member Jane Marsh reminded Ozol that Metcalf had submitted a letter to the commission with details of his review.

Ozol then requested that Marsh should read the letter aloud for those present and everyone attending the meeting virtually.

Marsh noted that in the letter Metcalf stated he had reviewed a set of project plans prepared by Milone & MacBroom, Inc. and recently visited the site to view existing conditions. 

His comments read verbatim by Marsh were as follows:

  • Presumably the synthetic turf is a proprietary product. The project plans do not specify the synthetic turf type or manufacturer. Therefore, I assume the details associated with the synthetic turf and collector (drainage) pipe system shown on Sheet SD–2 are compliant with the synthetic turf type and manufacturers requirements and specifications for the application proposed at the Lyme – Old Lyme High School. ] suggest the applicant confirm this. Additionally, it appears the Sheet SD–2 details for the synthetic turf and collector pipe system are general in nature and do not provide sufficient information for construction/installation purposes. While perhaps not necessary for permitting purposes, Prior to construction, I suggest the applicant provide the Town with final construction plans and specifications for the project.
  • Similar to the synthetic turf installation, additional information for the turf stone grid pavers (detail on Sheet SD-2) should be included on final plans to facilitate construction.
  • Additional information and details for the “French Drain System” should be included. The information and details should include elevations, materials and construction details to facilitate installation. Reference: Sheet UT. 
  • Although Grading Note 3 on Sheet GR and the existing conditions shown on Sheet EX acknowledges the presence of the existing geothermal well system within the project area, presumably the layout and design of the synthetic turf field and associated drainage have considered potential conflicts and impacts to these proposed improvements as well as to the existing geothermal well system. 
  • I recommend that the construction/installation of the synthetic turf and associated drainage be monitored/inspected by the design engineer to assure improvements are satisfactorily constructed. Additionally, I suggest that an as–built survey/plan (horizontal and vertical/elevation) be prepared of the drainage system to verify improvements have been constructed per design plans and for future reference. A copy of the as-built plan should be provided to the Land-Use Office.
  • Given the lengths/runs of the 12″ perforated collector (drainage) pipe (873 linear feet and 170 linear feet) and the inclusion of angle/bend points along the lengths/runs, consideration should be given to placing manholes and/or accessible cleanouts along the pipe length at critical locations to facilitate future maintenance.
  • I did not review the playing field(s) layouts, slope and dimensions or the associated fencing for the fields. I assume the field layouts and fencing were developed in conjunction with the school and meet their use needs.
  • An elevation bench mark should be included on the plans to facilitate construction.
  • To avoid any misunderstanding of the intent of final landscape plantings, you may want to confirm the size, type and number of shrubs. Reference: Sheet LA.
  • Presumably the 8 fiberglass hand-holes shown on Sheet LA are associated with the electrical conduits to be placed around the field perimeter as shown on Sheet UT.
  • Plan graphics of existing drainage pipes and flared end sections at the Detention Pond should be checked. (FES inv. = 7.6′ is outlet from pond through the pond berm; FES inv. = 7,4′ is outlet from pipe through pond berm). Reference: Sheet EX. Accordingly, the proposed 18″ HDPE outlet pipe from the manhole to the Detention Pond should include a flared end section or other suitable outlet type and suitable scour protection at the pipe outlet. Reference: Sheet UT.
  • Construction sequencing, procedures and timing is unclear. I suggest the plans include basic construction sequencing, procedures and timing information. In addition to facilitating construction, this information is necessary to assist with implementing temporary erosion control measures during construction.

Metcalf concluded by asking Old Lyme Land Use Coordinator Daniel Bourret to forward a copy of his letter to the design engineers Milone & MacBroom, Inc. and the Regional School District since he did not have their emails.

Bourret reported that he had not complied with that request since the Public Hearing was closed and rules prohibit the applicant from supplying more information after that point.

Marsh commented that in the past it has been permissible for the engineer to talk with Zoning staff in order to resolve outstanding issues. She then proposed that in this case, since the project had been under their review by the Zoning Commission for some time, that the commission should approve the project with the condition that all the requirements stated by Metcalf are met. Further, as part of her motion, she said Bourret would be required to ensure the condition were enforced.

The motion with the condition passed unanimously.

Death of William “Bill” Maurice Grover Announced, Member of Old Lyme HS Class of 1958

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William “Bill” Maurice Grover, 80, of Rocky Hill, CT (formerly of East Lyme), beloved husband for 57 years of Virginia “Ginger” (Heslin) Grover, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 17, 2020 after a valiant struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease and finally a brief fight with COVID-19 …

… Bill was a graduate of Old Lyme High School, class of 1958, where he lettered in soccer, basketball and baseball and also served as student council president. His basketball scoring record, where he tallied 32 points in a single game in 1957, stood for many years …

… In July of 1959, while working at the White Sand Beach Store, Bill met Ginger, the love of his life, whose family spent their summers in Old Lyme. Their courtship progressed throughout their college years culminating with an engagement in 1962, and a beautiful summer wedding in August of 1963. They welcomed a baby boy (Roger) into the world in 1964 and a set of twin girls (Tracey and Trisha) …

Visit this link to read the full obituary published Dec. 20, in The Hartford Courant.

Nosal Again Raises Resolution Against Racism at Old Lyme BOS Meeting, Griswold Agrees to Further Review But With No Agreement to Sign

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OLD LYME — At the Old Lyme Board of Selectmen’s (OL BOS) meeting, Monday, Dec. 7, Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal again raised the issue of the board signing a Resolution stating Racism is a Public Health Crisis (see draft at the end of this article.) She ultimately received a commitment from First Selectman Timothy Griswold that he would look at the wording of the Resolution again, but no agreement to sign it.

Pointing out that she had been requesting this since August (see LymeLine.com reports of the Sept. 8 OL BOS meeting and the Sept. 22 OL BOS meeting), she informed the board that the Old Saybrook Board of Selectmen (BOS) had now approved the Resolution that she had previously presented.

First Selectman Timothy Griswold expressed surprise at the Old Saybrook BOS decision.

Explaining that the resolution is, “a framework for the town,” Nosal continued, “[It requires us] to look at everything with racial equity. I think because we are white people, we think everything is fine.”

Noting the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities is supporting the Resolution, which has already been approved by numerous towns in the state, Nosal commented, “As white people, we are not trained to think something is happening because it doesn’t happen to us. Data supports the fact that our systems support certain people but not everybody.”

Then, urging the board to make a decision, she said, “We need to move forward. It takes courage,” adding, “I’m asking us again to do the right thing. It takes political courage to do this. To ignore this, it boggles my mind.”

Nosal informed the board that she believed the next legislative session will take up the resolution, and said she felt, “It would be helpful for [State Rep.] Devin Carney to have our experiences.”  She stated firmly, “I’m here to help.”

Griswold agreed to look at the Resolution again, but commented, “I don’t have a whole lot of time,” adding, “I’m not comfortable with some of the things it’s setting us up to do … I’m not comfortable with the language.”

He concluded, “We’ll look at it again,” noting that Nosal was, “persistent.”

***

The following is the original DRAFT Resolution that Nosal presented for discussion. She has since offered other versions of the document with amended wording.

WHEREAS, racism is a social system with multiple dimensions: individual racism that is interpersonal and/or internalized or systemic racism that is institutional or structural, and is a system of structuring opportunity and assigning value based on the social interpretation of how one looks;

WHEREAS race is a social construct with no biological basis; 

WHEREAS racism unfairly disadvantages specific individuals and communities, while unfairly giving advantages to other individuals and communities, and saps the strength of the whole society through the waste of human resources; 

WHEREAS racism is a root cause of poverty and constricts economic mobility; 

WHEREAS racism causes persistent discrimination and disparate outcomes in many areas of life, including housing, education, employment, and criminal justice, and is itself a social determinant of health; 

WHEREAS racism and segregation have exacerbated a health divide resulting in people of color in Connecticut bearing a disproportionate burden of illness and mortality including COVID-19 infection and death, heart disease, diabetes, and infant mortality; 

WHEREAS Black, Native American, Asian and Latino residents are more likely to experience poor health outcomes as a consequence of inequities in economic stability, education, physical environment, food, and access to health care and these inequities are, themselves, a result of racism; 

WHEREAS more than 100 studies have linked racism to worse health outcomes; and 

WHEREAS the collective prosperity and wellbeing of TOWN depends upon equitable access to opportunity for every resident regardless of the color of their skin: 

Now, therefore, be it Resolved, that the TOWN Board of Selectmen

(1) Assert that racism is a public health crisis affecting our town and all of Connecticut; 

(2) Work to progress as an equity and justice-oriented organization, by continuing to identify specific activities to enhance diversity and to ensure antiracism principles across our leadership, staffing and contracting;

(3) Promote equity through all policies approved by the Board of Selectmen and enhance educational efforts aimed at understanding, addressing and dismantling racism and how it affects the delivery of human and social services, economic development and public safety;

(4) Improve the quality of the data our town collects and the analysis of that data—it is not enough to assume that an initiative is producing its intended outcome, qualitative and quantitative data should be used to assess inequities in impact and continuously improve;

(5) Continue to advocate locally for relevant policies that improve health in communities of color, and support local, state, regional, and federal initiatives that advance efforts to dismantle systemic racism;

(6) Further work to solidify alliances and partnerships with other organizations that are confronting racism and encourage other local, state, regional, and national entities to recognize racism as a public health crisis;

(7) Support community efforts to amplify issues of racism and engage actively and authentically with communities of color wherever they live; and

(8) Identify clear goals and objectives, including periodic reports to the Board of Selectmen, to assess progress and capitalize on opportunities to further advance racial equity.

 

 

 

 

Ledge Light Report Shows 34 New COVID Cases in Old Lyme in Past Two Weeks, 11 in Lyme

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LYME/OLD LYME — Ledge Light Health Department (LLHD) issued their most recent Weekly COVID-19 Report this afternoon, Friday, Dec. 18.

Stephen Mansfield, LLHD Director of Health, prefaces the report with this statement, “Our contact tracers continue to report that they have observed many COVID cases associated with family and social gatherings, as well as a significant increase in cases associated with long term care and assisted living facilities. We encourage everyone to remain diligent and take appropriate precautions throughout this holiday season.”

The report shows that in the past two weeks, Old Lyme had 34 new confirmed cases while Lyme recorded 11. This report only includes cases and tests among persons residing in community settings; it does not include cases or tests among residents of nursing home, assisted living, or correctional facilities.

It also details that 820 Old Lyme residents had molecular tests and antigen tests in the past two weeks while the equivalent number for Lyme residents was 217.

The report offers this link to the Connecticut COVID Data Portal, which provides centralized access to data on the COVID-19 emergency and response.

The next Weekly Report from LLHD is due Friday, Dec. 25 but will likely be delayed by the holiday.

Neither the LLHD nor the Connecticut Department of Health (CT DPH) reports give any details of the age of those infected, their gender, or the date the case was confirmed.

 

Zoning Commission Approves Change of Use for Bee & Thistle to Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center

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Old Lyme’s Zoning Commission has approved plans for the former Bee and Thistle Inn to become the new home of the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center.

OLD LYME — At their monthly meeting held virtually Monday evening, the Old Lyme Zoning Commission approved the applications by the Connecticut (CT) Audubon Society that will enable the former Bee and Thistle Inn at 100 Lyme St. to be converted to the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center’s (RTPEC) new headquarters.

The CT Audubon Society had submitted both Special Permit and Municipal Coastal Site Plan Review Applications requesting that permission be granted for the use of the property for non-profit and educational activities.

Michael Cronin, the Society’s attorney, told the commission that Tom Metcalf, the engineer for the Planning and Zoning Commission, had reviewed the site plan and approved it. Cronin noted that his client, “is not proposing to do anything different to the exterior of the property.”

Asked to describe the RTPEC plans for the interior of the building, Cronin responded that the first floor would comprise a Discovery Center, a general “laboratory,” and display rooms. He added that the second floor would be designated as offices while the third floor would be a storage area.

Cronin stressed that use of the property as ‘educational’ is a conforming use and also that the Society was seeking rapid approval of its request since, “a condition of sale of the property is that it must close before Dec. 31 [of this year.]”

Commission member Jane Marsh asked whether there were any plans for residential use of the property since Old Lyme Fire Marshal David Roberge had identified that a cottage on the property could be used as a residence. Cronin replied that if residential use were desired in the future, a separate application would be made at the time.

Cronin went on to say there was “major support” for the conversion of the former inn to the RTPEC Educational Center and headquarters. He mentioned that the Florence Griswold Museum — the immediate neighbor to the south — had offered “enthusiastic support,” and the Hamilton and Noyes families respectively to the north had written “nice letters of support.”

Torrance Downes of the Gateway Commission had also expressed his support while Ledge Light Health District had confirmed they did not see the proposal as a change of use.

Cronin then called on Claudia Weicker, chair of the RTPEC Regional Board and wife of Connecticut former governor Lowell Weicker, to speak. She said, “The Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center is very much excited about the property. This opportunity to combine the outside environment with an indoor facility offers space for scientific studies and exploring the latest thinking.”

Weicker added, “Here on the banks of the Lieutenant River … art, science and the river come together,” and will provide, “a legacy to the community … a place to turn to nature for distraction from the world around us … to find meaning in this world.”

She concluded that the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center is set, “to become something important in the town of Old Lyme.”

The commission approved the proposal unanimously noting the requirement for a traffic study was waived, the approval of 49 additional parking spaces was deferred until they were required, designation for water-dependent use was deemed adequate and that no residential use is permitted at this time.