Tag Archives: Old Lyme Zoning Commission

Letter to the Editor: Fogliano is ‘Fair-minded, Collaborative and Knowledgeable’ Zoning Candidate

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To the Editor: 

Our small town of Old Lyme will be tackling several serious issues in the next few years, which will shape our future in ways important to all of us. It is because of this that I am putting my full support behind Michael Fogliano for election to the Zoning Commission. He is uniquely qualified to tackle these issues, evidenced by his experience in housing and zoning, planning, and technology. 

Michael is a seasoned leader shown to be reliable, logical and reasonable. He will use those tools to ensure our town is put in the best position to make the most informed decisions. He is fair-minded, collaborative and knowledgeable in local, state and federal regulations affecting zoning as well as the proposed changes to those regulations. Michael is the kind of person I want on our Zoning Commission, and the kind of person Old Lyme needs. He will put our town first and will reflect the values and traditions we have all come to appreciate. 

In all, Michael’s experience, his nature and personality have prepared him to engage in the challenges of shifting economics, demographics and public policy that we will inevitably confront. He is a team player with know-how, and the common sense to preserve the best of Old Lyme while advocating for the careful changes that will help us meet the future together.

Please join me in voting for Mike Fogliano for the Zoning Commission. 

Sincerely,

Joe Carpentino ,
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: Elect Fogliano to Old Lyme Zoning Commission to Benefit From His ‘Deep Knowledge … Open Mind’

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To the Editor:

I served with Michael Fogliano on the Affordable Housing Exploratory Committee which he chaired in 2020-21. Michael’s leadership was instrumental in shaping the Town’s housing future. Under his guidance, the Committee navigated complex and unfamiliar legislation with clarity and purpose, delivering well-researched recommendations to the Board of Selectmen on time and as charged. That work directly led to the creation of the Affordable Housing Commission and the Town’s first Affordable Housing Plan which was milestone for our community.

Michael brings a proven record of thoughtful decision-making, strong work ethic, a deep knowledge of zoning and housing policy and an open mind. These qualities make him an outstanding candidate for the Zoning Commission. I will be voting for Michael Fogliano and encourage you to join me in supporting him.

Sincerely,

Tom Ortoleva,
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: Danenhower Disrespected Due Process on Zoning Commission, Elect Alternate Fogliano to Full Term

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To The Editor:

Sloan Danenhower wants us to see him as a local hero for his strident opposition to the Halls Road Overlay District (HROD) proposal. To be clear – as a member of the public, his opposition was an appropriate part of the public discourse that he had every right to express.

However, as documented in the minutes of the HROD public hearing on January 15th of this year, Mr. Danenhower, while sitting at the Zoning Commission table, stepped away to speak as a member of the public in opposition to the application.

That behavior, at best, demonstrated a lack of understanding of the role of the Zoning Commission, abandonment of his responsibilities as a Zoning Commission member, and disrespect for the fair due process afforded to all applicants. At worst, had this been a private application, it could have subjected the Town to costly litigation.

Mr. Danenhower can’t have it both ways. The Town needs Zoning Commission members who possess the judgment and temperament needed to handle controversial matters appropriately. Michael Fogliano brings those qualities to the Zoning Commission as an alternate. We now have the opportunity to elect him to a full five-year term. 

Sincerely,

Betsy Groth,
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: Fogliano Will Use Analytic, Research Skills Gained as Career Scientist to Benefit Old Lyme Zoning Commission

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To the Editor:

More than ever, The [Old Lyme] Zoning Commission needs thoughtful, systematic, and forward-looking members as it faces the formidable task of revising the present code. Michael Fogliano is just such a candidate.

I worked closely with Michael on the first Affordable Housing Commission in Old Lyme in 2021 when he was elected chairperson. Utilizing his career training as a scientist, Michael applied careful analytic and research skills to help the Commission bring forward the first viable affordable housing project in over 20 years with bi-partisan support.

As a current alternate member of The Zoning Commission, Michael is very knowledgeable about the issues which face Old Lyme and will use the same approach which has been his hallmark to deal with them in a fair and balanced manner. I am confident that Michael Fogliano will be an outstanding Zoning Commissioner and believe he is worthy of your vote on November 4.

Sincerely,

William J. Belluzzi,
Old Lyme.