Mary Jo Nosal

Since elected Selectwoman in 2011, I have actively listened worked to address the concerns of Old Lyme residents, relying on skills learned from my research and business careers to analyze issues brought to the Board.  I believe that through collaboration we can preserve our community’s quality of life and find creative ways to minimize spending while addressing needed improvements.  I’m an active community volunteer, and when I can, substitute in our wonderful schools.   I hope to continue to serve Old Lyme, the community where my husband, Roger, and I chose to raise and educate our three daughters. 

Q1: What is your personal vision in broad terms for the Halls Road/Lyme Street area of Old Lyme in 2025?

Especially, since the high-speed train threat, I believe it is critical to identify opportunities to protect and preserve our assets and economic drivers in this area of town, specifically across the business, school and arts district. This imperative requires the collaborative approach to planning that has been initiated by the Halls Road Improvements Committee, and the Economic Development Commission’s engagement with the Connecticut Economic Resource Center.

The Halls Road Community Open Houses offered outstanding opportunities for residents to share their ideas and provide direct feedback on the scope, development and magnitude of the preliminary design options.  Data from the community outreach surveys and the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats workshops will yield information that will provide a framework for conceptual development plans and further refinements by Old Lyme residents and stake holders. By investing in opportunities to attract desirable businesses, leverage access and proximity to the Lieutenant River, attract and accommodate shoppers and tourists, this initiative can improve the appeal and access to sustainably meet entrepreneurial, business and community needs.  

According to Rails to Trails Conservancy, active transportation for bicyclists and pedestrians is a $74B industry. Connecting people to local business, schools and the arts district is a sensible approach to improving our local economy. A significant proportion of the costs to develop safe transportation access can be supplemented through state and federal grants. Under First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder, Old Lyme received a $400,000 construction grant this year to provide safe connectivity in the Sound View area. I anticipate that by 2025 Halls Road improvement plans will serve as the basis for grant applications, design and engineering planning, and regulatory approvals.  Having a vibrant center will bring revenue to Old Lyme and allow us to live, stay and play more in Old Lyme. 

Q2: What is your personal vision in broad terms for the Sound View area of Old Lyme in 2025?

Sound View has a natural charm with stunning vistas across Long Island Sound. The historic Sound View District has been long overdue for a face lift that introduces economically viable and sustainable recreation by providing safe access for pedestrians, bicyclists and other visitors to the public beach and boutique businesses. Enhancing Sound View’s appeal and improving access to the beach was part of a master plan that began with grants to upgrade the streetscape for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Since this focus on improvements to Sound View began, a new, enjoyable restaurant has opened, and some property owners are updating their property. While the mandatory sewer construction will no doubt delay some aesthetic improvements by 2025, I envision cafes, retail shops, restroom facilities and attractive residences to enhance Sound View’s pedestrian friendly footprint. Pursuing grants in accordance with Old Lyme resident’s approval, make these improvements in infrastructure possible, cost effective and adds value to the quality of life in Old Lyme. I look forward to enjoying the improvements in safety and the energetic melding of a bustling community with the natural allure of Sound View Beach.

Q3: In light of Old Lyme’s current non-compliance with the state mandate that 10 percent of housing stock be deemed, “Affordable” and the recent withdrawal of the Affordable Housing proposal on Neck Rd., how do you see the future of Affordable Housing in Old Lyme?

This is a complex and not well understood concern that we are beginning to address.  It was clear from the 2018 Zoning Board Hearings for the proposed 8-30g affordable housing proposal for work-force housing, that many residents have strong opinions on the location and type of affordable housing developments in Old Lyme. A new committee being established by the current Old Lyme Board of Selectmen, will research the implications of the 8-30g statute, local options for housing, as well as alternatives to meet state requirements.

I believe that this committee will thoughtfully consider the difficulties a small town such as Old Lyme has in meeting a 10% affordable housing requirement. I believe we should explore how this requirement could be addressed in conjunction with neighboring towns since individual need for affordable housing is frequently accompanied by need for additional services. For example, one town may provide more employment opportunities while another can accommodate infrastructure for housing. One municipality may offer flexible access to mass transit while another may have a variety of social services.

My hope is that through this scholarship, by 2025 Old Lyme will be better able to help people, including our children, teachers, and first responders, to name a few, meet the basic right to safe, affordable housing in Old Lyme. The residents of Old Lyme made it clear last summer they support affordable housing done right. I am optimistic that collaborative efforts in Old Lyme and advocacy at the state legislature will produce a progressive approach to affordable housing.

Tim Griswold

Currently Treasurer of Old Lyme and member Board of Assessment Appeals
First Selectman of Old Lyme for 14 years (1997 – 2011)
Member Old Lyme Board of Finance for 15 years – Chair 6 years
Served on numerous local Boards including the Flo Gris, LOL Chamber of Commerce, Lyme Academy College, OL Historical Society and MacCurdy Salisbury Educational Foundation (Investment Committee)
Appointed by Gov. Rell to CT Resources Recovery Authority (the trash to energy facility)
U.S. Navy as Officer of the Deck – aircraft carrier ‘Bon Homme Richard’– Viet Nam  Member American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Q1: What is your personal vision in broad terms for the Halls Road/Lyme Street area of Old Lyme in 2025?

Realizing Halls Rd. (Rte. 1) is a State road and the adjacent properties are privately owned, the Town of Old Lyme should develop a master plan that is affordable and achievable, based on discussions with the Department of Transportation and the abutting landowners.

As a first step, I envision improved pedestrian access from the Lyme Art Association to the Essex Savings Bank, including a new sidewalk (possibly a new “Bow Bridge”) and safe crosswalks. The aesthetic appeal of the road could be enhanced with new plantings (trees and bushes) and, possibly, select roadway island planters. The DOT might be willing to eliminate redundant/unnecessary signage and the Town should enforce or expand its sign regulations to cut down the number of private signs. These improvements could be designed and implemented in the near future.

Our Zoning Commission should review its regulations to allow construction of new buildings closer to Halls Rd. in order to provide more parking behind them. However, I seriously doubt the abutting land owners could justify the scope and cost of the proposed Yale School of Urban Design master plan because I don’t believe the new rental incomes could amortize the cost of demolition and/or new construction.

Another concern about the Yale Urban plan is how to deal with the disposal of the associated wastewater. Conventional septic tanks and leaching fields would likely not be adequate and the Town would have to install some type of a sewer system. This would be very costly and have profound ramifications for our town.

While it is sensible to create a master plan for Halls Rd., I believe the current plan is unachievable and far too expensive for the abutting property owners. Let’s start by addressing improved pedestrian access.

Q2: What is your personal vision in broad terms for the Sound View area of Old Lyme in 2025?

Unlike the adjacent private beach associations, the Sound View Beach is unique because its roads are owned by the Town of Old Lyme. Dating back over a century, Sound View has a rich history as a family beach community and as a mecca for fun loving adults. Most of the properties consist of small lots with small dwellings. The CTDEEP has decreed the septic systems are inadequate and must be converted to structural sewers. The Town’s WPCA worked independently of the three adjacent private beach associations on plans to install sewers and a shared pumping station. The question of how to pay for sewers in Sound View is contentious.

As we look to the next five years, the advent of sewers will hopefully encourage property owners on the lower end of Hartford Ave. to make significant upgrades. In addition, our Zoning Commission should review its regulations (including the Sound View Design District) to encourage/enable owners to make upgrades. We know the seasonal businesses along Hartford Ave. struggle because the summer season is short. However, on a sunny summer weekend, we also know the beaches cannot handle the crowds and traffic. Our police are pushed to the limit to control the crowds, unruly at times.

The Town should encourage a mixture of residential and commercial use properties on Hartford Ave. If we have more year-round residents living there, the area would become more stable and vibrant. Most of the “fun loving” adults do little for our town and we should encourage visitors who would patronize restaurants and shops in Sound View and in other parts of town. We need to encourage more families and discourage the party animals.

The beach at Sound View is outstanding and Hartford Ave. should be upgraded to attract local and out of town people.

Q3: In light of Old Lyme’s current non-compliance with the state mandate that 10 percent of housing stock be deemed, “Affordable” and the recent withdrawal of the Affordable Housing proposal on Neck Rd., how do you see the future of Affordable Housing in Old Lyme?

Let’s get something straight – there is no State mandate that CT towns/cities must have 10% of their housing stock be “affordable”. It’s a goal.

I am pleased that the 37 unit complex on Rte. 156 proposed by Hope Housing was withdrawn because its location was very hazardous. It was also disappointing that First Selectwoman Reemsnyder, who was formerly on the Old Lyme Affordable Housing Committee and then on the Advisory Board of Hope Housing, quietly promoted the Hope project for months before it became public knowledge. However, once it became public, she chose not to promote it and let the Hope officials and supporters do that work.

The 2010 Planning Commission’s Plan of Conservation and Development recommended that the Board of Selectmen create a committee to promote affordable housing efforts in town. This is now being done by our Selectwoman, some nine years later. The committee should consist of a diverse group of people that will consider the needs of all who need affordable and elderly housing. Thought should also be given to an independent living and life care facility and to expand accessory apartments.

As we plan any affordable housing, we must not compromise public safety or public health standards. Structures should be designed in scale and in appearance with a small town. Hopefully, priority could be given to deserving residents of Old Lyme.

Old Lyme residents are welcoming and generous but the poorly planned Hope project on Rte. 156 divided our community deeply. I would work to heal that divide and unite our town behind a successful, well thought out project.

Bonnie Reemsnyder

Bonnie has served on the BOS for 16 years, the last eight as First Selectman. Her priorities have included prudent fiscal planning for maintenance of buildings and roads, utilization of grants, customer service, regional opportunities, and collaboration. 

Over the past eight years, she has overseen many projects and is most proud of the derailing of the FRA bypass plan. She and her husband Bob have three adult children who have attended LOL Schools, and are now the proud grandparents of Zane Farias, who is 4 years old and living with his parents in California.

Q1: What is your personal vision in broad terms for the Halls Road/Lyme Street area of Old Lyme in 2025?

One of the concerns expressed by constituents who first came to me regarding Halls Road was that it is disconnected from our beautiful Lyme St., Lyme Art Association and the FloGris Museum. With a master plan in place, by 2025 we could have sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting and green spaces, connecting Halls Road to Lyme St. I also anticipate that some property owners will choose to invest in beneficial upgrades because we reviewed and adapted zoning regulations to allow them to maximize their properties, while still maintaining the character of Old Lyme. I foresee it as a vibrant area, with restaurants and cafes, outdoor seating, niche-type retail, and pocket parks where people will gather to enjoy our natural resources that will be highlighted because of the master plan. There will certainly be a bow bridge across the Lieutenant River, with a “step-aside” area that allows lingering to enjoy the iconic view. The green space near this bridge would also be landscaped in a natural way to allow more opportunities to stop, relax and breathe. 

Halls Road will also boast carefully situated and stylish residential complexes, perfect for retiring adults who seek proximity to services with less maintenance, and for young couples just starting out who like the option of enjoying a village atmosphere. With creative landscaping and signage, marketing of various events can be accomplished tastefully, with banners on poles, rather than across Halls Road, which would also allow for more than one event to be advertised at a time. Imagine coming into Old Lyme and seeing several “Midsummer Festival” banners hanging vertically on both sides of the street. When completed, I believe that Halls Road can become a lovely town center that preserves the quintessential feel of our community.

Q2: What is your personal vision in broad terms for the Sound View area of Old Lyme in 2025?

Sound View has been a challenge for every administration in Old Lyme, but our administration has made great strides in its transformation. Phase 1 saw major renovations to the sidewalks and parking on the southern part of Hartford Ave. Phase 2 is bringing connecting sidewalks on the northern half of Hartford Avenue, as well as Route 156, creating a gateway into Sound View, providing added safety for pedestrians, and allowing the businesses on 156 to successfully attract new customers from those passing through.

While Hartford Ave. has traditionally supported businesses in the past, I understand the challenges due to seasonality, so it would not be a surprise if many properties turn residential. But I think it will be essential to preserve the Carousel and associated shops at that end of Hartford Ave. I also believe that we will find a solution to the bathrooms, if not building new, then acquiring one of the buildings to accommodate restrooms. In addition, we need to do what we can to make the town parking lot more attractive, either by making some of it into a park (and finding other parking to make up for any loss), or completely redesigning it. This does not mean paving as there are attractive alternatives that would fit into the beach theme, but rather a smarter layout that has attractive amenities.

Finally, I hope that tasteful changes to the area will attract families who respect the beauty of the area, patronize businesses that are there and allow children of all ages to enjoy a day at the beach, with conveniences that you would expect at any beach. With these changes, I am sure many people will be flocking to Old Lyme to enjoy our great community.

Q3: In light of Old Lyme’s current non-compliance with the state mandate that 10 percent of housing stock be deemed, “Affordable” and the recent withdrawal of the Affordable Housing proposal on Neck Rd., how do you see the future of Affordable Housing in Old Lyme?

When HOPE partnership unveiled their plans for the Neck Rd. project in April of 2018, I applauded them for keeping a promise they made to look for opportunities to build Affordable Housing in Old Lyme. With that said, I also wanted to understand how they would address traffic safety concerns expressed by some and shared by me. Ultimately, though they were approved, they chose to withdraw their application as the appeal would take valuable time and resources to get through. Their withdrawal does not prevent another developer from coming in with a similar plan under 8-30g, but making only 30% affordable units in the very same location. For that reason, I was heartened when a thoughtful constituent came to the Board of Selectmen with a suggestion to form an exploratory committee to proactively address Affordable Housing mandates.

We supported the idea, developed a charge for the committee, which has already been approved by the Board, and began soliciting applications for appointments from interested individuals. This committee will be helpful in fully understanding the 8-30g mandate, the consequences for towns who do not comply, identifying appropriate opportunities and recommending solutions to address the need in Old Lyme. I am hoping that they will also provide educational materials that clearly articulate the difference between Affordable Housing and Low Income Housing, which are two different models. We already have people who have volunteered to serve on the committee, so I am hopeful that we can get right to work after the election. I fully support addressing the Affordable Housing needs in our community, and I think that a proactive approach on the part of the Town is the right way to accomplish this.