Labor Day Weekend is upon us and the chilly mornings have a fall-like feeling to them.

This past week, Water Pollution Control Authority Commission Chair, Steve Cinami presented his expected costs associated with the Sound View Beach and Miscellaneous Town Area B Sewer Project. After a detailed slide presentation, audience members had the opportunity to ask questions and comment on the project. There were approximately 90 people in the audience and another 29 people online. The Board of Selectmen will be meeting on Tuesday, September 2^nd at 6:30PM to further discuss the presentation and the questions that arose from those attending. The Resolution for the Referendum will also be on the agenda.

Last evening I had the opportunity to take part in the Boughton Road Emergency Operations Center Expansion Committee Owner’s Meeting with Newfield Construction. I was also able to have a tour of the new addition to the Boughton Road Fire House. It is a beautiful space and will be a wonderful enhancement to our community. We have added a few pictures for you to peruse. Thank you to Tisha Kirk, Mike McCarthy, John Duddy, Bonnie Reemsnyder, Ray Zelek, Facilities Director Erik Olsen, and Emergency Manger Dave Roberge for their participation on this committee. Additional thanks to Point One Architects and Newfield Construction for another excellent team project in Old Lyme. They have worked to create a space that is efficient and will fulfill our needs as we move into the future. We should have our Certificate of Occupancy by the end of September and then Sound Computers will begin wiring all the monitors and workstations. Stay tuned for grand opening information!

Our Waste and Recycling Committee has hired a part-time coordinator, who will begin later this month. The funding for this position is made possible through the nip bottle receipts that we receive from the State of Connecticut. I will introduce this new hire when they begin working at Town Hall.

Our UCONN Intern, Alena Jalbert, began working at Town Hall this week. Alena is a Master’s Candidate at UCONN. She will be working to create an Old Lyme Policy Manual. Alena will work with all department heads and update policies as necessary, with the Board of Selectmen approval. Alena will work in Town Hall for 15 hours per week until May of 2026.

We began the interview process for our next police candidate this week. This is a rigorous process that takes weeks to complete. We hope to have a new hire to attend the session that begins at the Connecticut State Police Academy in October.

The Parks and Recreation Department wanted me to let the public know that we still have slots available for the Fall Youth Soccer program and Zumba classes. Please sign up on their webpage.

Updates on Road Projects In and Around Old Lyme

1. There will be Nighttime Ramp Closures on I-95 in East Lyme and Old Lyme. These ramp closures will begin Tuesday, September 2, and will run until Sunday, November 23, 2025. On I-95, exits 70 to 72 will be closed north and southbound from 7:00PM to 5:00AM. Detour routes will be clearly posted, and motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time, remain alert, and follow all signage in the work zone. Traffic will be detoured with advance warning signs and State Troopers will guide motorists through the work zone. Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.
2. The Project on the Route 156 Bridges in Old Lyme and East Lyme will not have construction taking place on Labor Day. The installation of the coffer dam sheeting will continue next week. I have been in touch with the project manager for the bridge construction and he has informed me that the two projects are not expected to be completed until 2027. He will be sending me updated project reports every two weeks so that I can keep you informed.

Holiday Closings

1. Please note that the Transfer Station will be closed on Saturday and Monday due to the holiday weekend.
2. Town Hall will be closed on Monday.
3. We have also been notified by CWPM that our trash and recycling collection will not take place on Monday. Please make sure your bins are out on Tuesday as they will be doing double runs to complete their full week’s pickup in four days.

We hope that you all enjoy the Labor Day Weekend!

All my best, 
Martha