Tag Archives: Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Lyme School Board Rep’s Endorse Zelek as ‘Uniter’

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To the Editor:

As Lyme’s representatives on the Board of Education, we are proud to endorse Christy Zelek for selectperson.

In our work representing the citizens of Lyme and supporting the students, teachers, and staff of Region 18, we know firsthand the value of thoughtful, steady leadership. Christy embodies those qualities. Though endorsed by the Lyme DTC (and we are both Democrats), Christy is a lifelong independent who consistently puts community above politics. She brings a practical, cooperative spirit that Lyme needs in its local government.

Christy’s long record of volunteerism in our schools and with local Scouts reflects her deep commitment to Lyme’s families. She understands that strong schools are the heart of a strong town, and she will continue to champion the values that make Lyme such a special place to live and learn.

Above all, Christy is a uniter. She listens carefully, builds consensus, and approaches challenges with integrity, accountability, and kindness. These are the traits that make effective public servants—and great role models for our youth.

We look forward to working with Christy to strengthen our schools, our community, and our shared future.

Sincerely,

Anna B. James,
Lyme CT.

Gavin Lodge,
Lyme CT.              

Letter to the Editor: Contrary to RTC Mailer Statement, Lyme Affordable Housing Commission (AHC) Member Says AHC Does Not Believe in High-density Housing

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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.

Letter to the Editor: Old Lyme is a Functioning Democracy, No Need for ‘Venom’ Being Injected Into Local Campaign Rhetoric

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To the Editor:

As an independent resident of Old Lyme for the past 38 years, I have recently become very distressed by the unpleasant tone of the local campaign rhetoric. The people who serve in our local public offices are our neighbors, most of whom volunteer their time and energy in service to the town welfare and functioning. In a town the size of Old Lyme the material and status benefits are minimal at best. It is reasonable to expect a wide variety of values and opinions as to how best to achieve optimal benefit and function. Most town business is also conducted either in public or at least on public record. Thus, citizens are free to keep fully informed as what is being considered and done.

In recent political discourse one party has decided to accuse their neighbors and current office holders of greed, dishonesty, laziness, ignorance and concealment. They have, further, claimed to have the mission to “protect” the town from these destructive forces. This inflammatory language seems designed to arouse anger and fear that our town is under malevolent threat.

Most people who live in Old Lyme do so by choice and value the small semi-rural nature of the town. Old Lyme does face some important challenges, as our local strip malls go up for sale for instance. People will and should have many differing ideas about these issues. it is, however, a functioning, small New England democracy, with town meetings and neighborly town office holders. There is no need for the venom that is being injected into our civil discourse.

Sincerely,

Suzanne Derry,
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: Reader Questions Kelsey’s Position on Halls Road ‘Political Football’

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To the Editor:

Because the Republican Party has made the HROD an issue this election season, I thought to correct a recent letter that seemed ill informed or deceptive. I offered the below to CT Examiner last week, but they have not responded. Notably, David Kelsey is listed as the principal funder of the CT Examiner on its website (1).

On October 14, CT Examiner published Emerson Colwell’s “Finance Candidate’s Backing of Halls Road Overlay Shows Lack of Judgement.” Colwell argued Board of Finance member Thompson supported the Halls Road Overlay District (HROD), and should be replaced by candidates Matthew Olson and David Kelsey.

A few facts:

  • Kelsey was a member of the Halls Road Improvement Committee (HRIC) from 2020-2023 (2). This was the key period in which the HROD plan as currently known was formed.
  • Kelsey on June 9, 2022 was THE member who motioned to forward the draft HROD to the Zoning Commission (3). This was to be the first time the Zoning Commission rejected the HROD.
  • HRIC minutes show Kelsey was an active HRIC participant and supported the plan.
  • Kelsey, a former Wall Street investment banker focused on real estate, is co-founder of an investment company headquartered in Old Lyme that owns and operates apartment complexes and other commercial properties across the United States (4).
  • Kelsey owns one property on Halls Road (5). I believe per the news at the time he claimed to buy it for altruistic purposes for the town. Kelsey’s company occupies another property in what could become the HROD. The property’s ownership is unclear per the Old Lyme GIS.  With HROD approval, it is reasonable to believe both properties would increase in value.

I do not personally know any of the candidates Mr. Colwell mentions. I do thank the three as well as our other volunteers of all or no parties upon our behalf. Mr. Kelsey has volunteered his time to the town over the years as have the others. I only wish to correct the errors.

But, if one were to take a paranoid mindset (and I do not), then … if there is anyone living in town that has the background, acumen, financial incentive, and access to massive sources of capital from across the country to build up Halls Road to the hilt, it is Republican Candidate David Kelsey and the team of Wall Street real estate investment professionals he leads.

The HROD was the result of many years of time generously volunteered by our neighbors. They did their best.  It was an open discussion with meetings, minutes, public outreach with surveys and open houses at Town Hall which many of us participated in. Greg Stroud the owner of the CT Examiner published some criticisms on legal issues, which the HRIC took to heart and made important changes. It was a non-partisan and bi-partisan effort to do something to improve things, as every generation should attempt to do for their community. Hopefully, some of its research assists the Zoning Commission in this new third round of examination of Halls Road.

What I would like to see next from the local press is an open discussion among the Republican candidates; perhaps Kelsey and a major HROD detractor. What does Kelsey think about the way things have gone down this year with his creation; it becoming a political football?  Does Kelsey and his firm have a secret plan for Halls Road?

Beware of those who peddle in unsupported accusations, drama, division, and/or deception.  Character matters.

Sincerely,

Kevin Clougherty,
Old Lyme.

Sources:

  1. https://ctexaminer.com/about/
  2. https://onboard.oldlyme-ct.gov/board/4213
  3. https://www.oldlyme-ct.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06092022-1686
  4. https://hamiltonptinv.com/team/
  5. https://oldlymect.mapgeo.io/datasets/properties?abuttersDistance=100&latlng=41.322986%2C-72.338979&previewId=21-54-1&zoom=20

Letter to the Editor: Why Won’t Old Lyme Republicans Participate in a Debate?

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To the Editor:

As a long term beach resident of Old Lyme and a past elected official, I have had the honor to serve with members of both parties and independents. I am however disappointed that our Republican candidates have refused to participate in a debate with our Democratic opponents.

One has to wonder why.  Perhaps they do not want to publicly defend their misleading attacks on Martha Shoemaker or perhaps their alignment with the priorities of the GOP and Project 2025 or most disturbing their support for Trump/MAGA. So much for “All politics are local”. Very disturbing.

Martha Shoemaker and her running mate, Jim Lampos, have proven themselves as dedicated public servants who “put the people of Old Lyme first”.  They have worked diligently and transparently to address long standing issues, many of which were stalled under prior Republican leadership.  Only through open meetings and community engagement have they shown what responsive, responsible government looks like.

Running a town requires Listening and being willing to engage in “Honest” discussion.  I urge my fellow residents whether you be Democratic, Republican or Independent to support them on Nov. 4-Row A for leadership that represents every resident of our beautiful town.

Sincerely,

George Finley,
Old Lyme.

Editor’s Note: The author is chair of Old Lyme’s Board of Assessment Appeals and a member of its Harbor Management Commission.