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1. Is there a maximum grant application amount for the Town of Old Lyme American Rescue Plan Act Community Initiative Grant Application?

No. However, funds are limited, and total grants and amounts approved may be impacted by the total of grant amount requests. Initiatives that can demonstrate full implementation, including funding, as evidenced by the application, and supporting documentation, are likely better positioned to be approved.

2. What happens if my Town of Old Lyme American Rescue Plan Act Community Initiative Grant Application is approved but partially awarded?

As funds are limited, it is possible that grant amounts may be only partially approved. Please consider this possibility when making application.

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1. Are all business structures (S Corp, LLC, Sole Proprietor, etc.) eligible to apply for the Town of Old Lyme American Rescue Plan Act Economic Recovery Grant?

Yes. All business structures are eligible to apply.

2. Must a business/organization be established in Connecticut to be eligible to apply for the Town of Old Lyme American Rescue Plan Act Economic Recovery Grant?

No. Any business/organization that demonstrably bases operations from/in Old Lyme and/or serves Old Lyme is eligible to apply.

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1. When will approved grants receive payments?

While subject to change, the goal is for all approved grants to receive payment by September 30, 2022.

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1. Why should the town get into the development business? Isn’t that better left to private developers?

It shouldn't and yes. We are not suggesting that the town take charge of development on Halls Road but, rather, that we take steps to encourage private parties to develop the neighborhood in a manner and direction that will comply with current requirements (safety, complete streets, ADA accessibility, etc.) and best serve the needs of the community. These steps would include adopting a "master plan" and guidelines for future development, investing limited funds in infrastructure and public spaces, and making appropriate changes to the town's zoning code and Plan of Conservation and Development, all intended to allow for and encourage private developers to invest in upgrading existing structures and undertaking new construction.

2. Halls Road is fine the way it is—why is the town considering changes?

Halls Road, our central commercial center, has developed haphazardly over many years. It is inhospitable to pedestrian and bicycle traffic, portions of it are esthetically unattractive or looking tired, and residents currently have to leave town to seek products or services they cannot obtain locally. If nothing is done, we are concerned that the business environment will deteriorate, businesses will close, and even fewer goods and services will be available. With thoughtful planning and inducements, we should be able to:

1. Improve the business environment, thereby assisting existing businesses, attracting new ones, and growing and diversifying the tax base;
2. Create a physically-attractive neighborhood, safe and inviting for pedestrians and bicyclists;
3. Stimulate the development of housing that is inviting to down-sizing residents and to young folks wanting to move to town; and iv. provide public spaces for civic events and recreation.

The ultimate objective is to create a vibrant town center that has more to offer the citizens of Old Lyme and is one we can be proud of.

3. What is the new plan for Halls Road?

The plan does not yet exist; it is still developing and is flexible. The goal is to reach majority agreement on what the Halls Road neighborhood might ideally look like. Initially, we held a public meeting to obtain feedback regarding those elements residents would like to see included. The meeting produced many ideas, including the ability to park once and walk the entire road, creation of green space with a community gathering 2 area, development of mixed-use facilities (or a mix of uses), and esthetic enhancements. We recently held a second public meeting to gain further input, and will hold more meetings in the future. The Yale Urban Design Workshop is assisting us in developing a master plan, but we need substantial input from town residents and stakeholders in order to come up with sound ideas that enjoy widespread support.

4. What is the process for developing a master plan?

Once we have enough public input to begin to see the outlines of a plan, we will present these ideas to local and state governmental authorities for input and necessary approvals. At the town level, the plan will likely need buy-in from the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Finance, the Zoning Commission and the Planning Commission, as well as amendments to the zoning regulations and the Plan of Conservation and Development. At the state level, we will need approval from the Department of Transportation, which owns Halls Road. A master plan can be finalized only when it enjoys broad public support and satisfies governmental requirements.

5. What is the anticipated time-frame for implementing the plan?

The Committee intends to develop a master plan and set of guidelines for the future development of Halls Road. The plan would consist of several phases to be pursued in an orderly sequence over time, so that work done in one phase supports, or at least does not interfere with, improvements to be made in a subsequent phase. Each phase will also be expected to "stand on its own," in the sense that its completion will add value to the town even if subsequent phases are not pursued. For example, an initial phase might consist of improving access, such as by adding sidewalks, a bike path, improved signage, and a pedestrian bridge over the Lieutenant River. The timing and exact nature of subsequent phases, and the changes that will be implemented, will of course depend on future events, including available funding and the decisions made by private developers and property-owners. Hence the timing is unpredictable, but this is surely a multi-year process over which the master plan will evolve, perhaps substantially but consistent with the guidelines, to address changes over time in the town's commercial and residential needs.

6. Will the plan result in unfettered growth and additional traffic?

We view this project as a rehabilitation of the Halls Road neighborhood, and any potential growth must be managed to fit the needs and the character of the town. For example, we would encourage architectural design in keeping with the small New England town flavor of Old Lyme. There is no intent or appetite to change our "town business center" into a dense retail environment but, instead, to attract a limited number of businesses that our neighbors would like to enjoy locally (e.g., a restaurant, coffee shop, bakery, jewelry store), and enhance the patronage for existing businesses. These 3 changes would increase auto traffic somewhat. However, we intend to limit congestion through a design that encourages folks to park once and then walk the neighborhood, rather than drive from place to place.

7. How can this plan survive the overflow traffic from tie-ups on I-95?

These tie-ups will not be materially exacerbated by a normal increase in Halls Road traffic, and they occur infrequently enough so that they should not discourage business development along the road, which is currently a pass-through. The plan might call for locating parking behind the main shopping and business buildings and creating tertiary access roads and walkways, which would mitigate the Halls Road bottleneck. For example, we might explore the construction of a local access road south of the current Old Lyme Marketplace buildings (the Big Y plaza).

8. Will private property owners be required to make changes or invest money?

No one will be required to do anything. Other than the state right-of-way along Halls Road, the real estate in question is privately owned and changes must be voluntary. The expectation is that property owners will see the advantages of making changes to their property in order to increase profitability. Alternatively, they may discover that they can sell their property at an attractive price to a motivated developer who is ready to invest in a significant project consistent with the town's guidelines.

9. How will the plan be financed and how much will it raise property taxes?

The objective is to have this project be tax neutral or result in a tax rate decrease because of an increase in the tax base. The public infrastructure would hopefully be financed, at least in part, through state and federal grants, and from new tax revenue generated by the new construction, although this might initially require town bonding. The private development will be financed by developers and property owners, who may also help pay for common amenities such as wastewater management, sidewalks and landscaping. The town might consider creating a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District like the one just approved in Old Saybrook, under which new tax revenue generated by new construction may be allocated, in whole or in part, to improvements in the district and to financial inducements to developers. In all events, any material town expenditures will have to be approved at a town meeting.

10. What happens if I-95 is widened in the future or the exit or entrance ramps are reconfigured?

That question is impossible to answer, not knowing what properties the government might want to seize by eminent domain. However, given the current economic condition of the state and the absence of any such plans, we do not think it prudent to forego changes benefitting the town because of a remote, future risk.

11. What do you mean by residential housing on Halls Road and why is it needed?

We would seek to enable the construction of reasonably-priced rental properties and condominiums. Many concerns have been expressed about young people who want to move to town (perhaps after college) or out of their parents' homes, and older folks who are retiring or downsizing and would like to remain in Old Lyme, but cannot do so because of the lack of appropriate housing. The Halls Road neighborhood, as envisioned with expanded resources, offers an ideal location for this housing, since both groups prefer to live in areas where they can walk to stores, restaurants, banks, recreational facilities and other amenities. Furthermore, the retailers in the neighborhood would surely benefit from the presence of these residents.

12. How do you intend to address increased wastewater?

A good question that must be addressed, but there are solutions other than municipal sewers. For example, it might be feasible to construct a community treatment facility that would process the wastewater to a condition where it can safely be discharged.

13. How can the town validate what types of improvements would be the most successful for the town, its businesses and the tax base?

One way would be to retain a professional consultant such as CERC (the Connecticut Economic Resource Center) to perform an economic review of Old Lyme and the region, and recommend what improvements would likely be most viable. Such a study would give our residents and businesses guidance on the development possibilities and the impact on taxes. It would also serve as an attraction to serious investors, both for its content and as an indication of the town's seriousness about supporting the project.

14. How can I have input to the plan or keep updated on the progress?

There are several ways for you to stay informed and be heard, and we hope you will utilize them. We will hold more public meetings and focus groups, and intend to develop a page on the town's website where we can provide updates and receive input. You can also send an email to the Halls Road Improvements Committee, or ask to speak personally with any of us.

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1. Who is the Harbormaster in Old Lyme?

The Town of Old Lyme Interim Harbormaster is Matt Lynch. 

Harbor Masters are responsible for the general care and supervision of the harbors and navigable waterways over which they have jurisdiction, and they are subject to the direction and control of the Commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

In municipalities with an approved Harbor Management Plan, the Harbor Master and Deputy Harbor Master are responsible for implementing the Plan in accordance with CGS Section 22a-113r, including location planning and enforcement of mooring regulations. Harbor Masters work with Harbor Management Commissions to implement these plans.

Old Lyme Interim Harbor Master contact information is:

Matt Lynch
860-625-3625

OLHM@watertransit.net

2. When can I request a yearly mooring permit?

• Mooring permits can be requested after 1 March.
• Watch email,  local newspapers / Town website / Town Facebook page for details. Email will be sent from alerts@onlinemooring.com. Be sure to add this address to your whitelist, or check your Junk/Trash folders.
• Alternatively, request information on timing via email at Harbor Management Commission

3. How much does a yearly Private mooring permit cost?

As of the 2023 Boating season, the cost is $75.00

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1. What is a Certificate of Appropriateness?

A Certificate of Appropriateness is necessary for all buildings or structures within the Old Lyme Historic District if they are to be erected, altered, removed or demolished. Such a certificate is necessary whether or not a building permit is required. The purpose is to protect the integrity of the Historic District.

2. When do I need a Certificate of Appropriateness?

Also see "What is a Certificate of Appropriateness". No exterior changes may be made to buildings or structures in the Historic District without a Certificate of Appropriateness. It applies, but is not limited to, the following: Building additions, outbuildings, swimming pools, driveways, parking lots, signs, fences, walls, hedges, walkways, lighting, propane gas tanks, etc.

Prior to submitting formal requests, applicants are encouraged to discuss projects on a preliminary basis at a regular Commission meeting.

3. When do I not need a Certificate of Appropriateness?

A Certificate of Appropriateness is not required for repair or replacement of previously existing features or paint colors. However, please contact the Historic District Commission prior to doing any work if you are not absolutely sure whether or not you need a Certificate of Appropriateness.

Although not necessarily requiring a Certificate of Appropriateness (in many cases a phone call may be sufficient) the Commission should be consulted about the following:

• Air Conditioners
• Aluminum or vinyl siding (not permitted on buildings of historic importance)
• Dumpsters
• Benches
• Fireplaces and cooking facilities (outdoor)
• Garden and architectural ornaments (including sculptures)
• Gutters and downspouts
• Exterior lights and lanterns
• Oil and propane tanks
• Security system signs
• Shutters (blinds)
• Skylights, roof windows and solar-heating panels
• Storm and screen doors and storm windows
• Antennas
• Utility boxes and meters
• Ventilating fans
• Window boxes and planters

4. How can I get an application form for a Certificate of Appropriateness?

An application form can be obtained from the Planning Commission's office at Town Hall, 52 Lyme Street, or downloaded from the Town's website (select "Boards and Commissions" and then "Historic District Commission").

5. How long does it take to get a decision regarding a Certificate of Appropriateness application?

The Commission has sixty-five (65) days from the date the formal application is received in which to render its decision, although in practice most questions are resolved well before that.

6. What does it cost to get a Certificate of Appropriateness?

For signs, fences, walls, hedges, walkways, lighting, propane gas tanks, etc. ("Form A"): $25 For building additions, outbuildings, swimming pools, driveways, parking lots, etc. ("Form B"): $50

7. What determines if a Certificate of Appropriateness is approved or not?

Most applications the Historic District Commission is asked to consider may be reduced to a single question: Is a given action likely to enhance - or at least preserve - the qualities that identify Old Lyme and that set it apart from other Connecticut towns? If, in the opinion of the majority of the Commission, the answer appears to be "No" then the Commission has no choice but to reject the application as "inappropriate" but if the answer appears to be "Yes" then the application is considered to be "appropriate". In considering an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness, the Commission has no requirements as to specific architectural form or style and it has no mandate to favor the past over the present. Indeed, minute by minute the present is becoming the past. The Commission recognizes that change is inevitable and in many cases desirable, and it asks only that new structures or artifacts introduced into the Historic District and all changes to structures already existing, be appropriate, be competently designed and show respect both for their immediate neighbors and for the District as a whole.

8. How can I appeal a Certificate of Appropriateness decision?

Any person aggrieved by any decision of the Commission may appeal to the Superior Court within fifteen days of receiving written notification of the decision.

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1. What is a Legal Notice?

In most cases, a "Form B" of an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness requires a Public Hearing. A Public Hearing enables neighbors and others to express their views and comments on a proposed alteration (e. g. for building additions, outbuildings, swimming pools, driveways, parking lots, etc.). Legal notices are to be prepared for Public Hearings and publicized in a newspaper in the area not more than 15 or less than 5 days before a Public Hearing.

2. Where can I find and review Legal Notices?

The Historic District Commission publicizes Legal Notices in the Main Street News not more than 15 or less than 5 days before a Public Hearing, which take place during a regular Historic District Commission meeting. Legal Notices are also publicized on the Town's website and sent out via regular mail to abutting neighbors.

3. How can I comment on a Legal Notice?

Public hearings are open for the public to attend. Letters may be sent in advance to the Historic District Commission, 52 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT 06371. Application materials are on file and available for inspection at the time of the Historic District Commission hearing or by calling 434-1605 ext. 224 for an appointment at the Memorial Town Hall.

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1. What is the Old Lyme Historic District?

The Historic District is basically "Lyme Street" in Old Lyme. It runs from Number 1 McCurdy Road at the Town Green on the south end of Lyme Street to the Town Green at the north end, forking left to Number 2 Sill Lane and right to Number 1 Rose Lane off the Boston Post Road.

2. Can I get information about properties in the Historic District?

The Historic District Commission is currently in the process of compiling information on all the properties in the District. Let us know your interest and we will see if we can help.

3. Can I get a plaque to mark my house as being “historic”?

The Old Lyme Historic District Commission has inaugurated a plaque program to acknowledge historic buildings in the District. Buildings constructed prior to the outbreak of World War II in 1939 are eligible. The 16 inch x 13 inch white oval plaques cost $100 plus tax and contain the name of the original owner or the structure's purpose (Grange Hall, etc.) and the approximate date of construction. An Historic Plaque application may be obtained from the OLHDC by calling 434-1605 ext 224, or from the HDC's web page.

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1. How can I contact the Historic District Commission?

Call Town Hall at (860) 434-1605, ext 224 or contact us through email.

2. Who is a member of the Historic District Commission?

The Commission is composed of eight residents of Old Lyme appointed by the Town's Board of Selectmen. Current member list can be viewed on the Town's website.

3. Can I attend Historic District Commission meetings?

Yes the Historic District Commission's meetings are open to the public. Regular meeting are held at the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, 84 Lyme Street, the first Monday of each month (second Monday if the first Monday is a holiday) at 9 am. Meeting agendas are posted on the Town's website and in Town Hall.

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1. Can I put up a temporary sign for an event or a real estate listing?

Yes, but there are several limitations, please refer to the Historic District Handbook or contact the Historic District Commission for details.

2. What are examples of what is not permitted in the Historic District?

• Above-ground swimming pools
• High diving boards and similar pool equipment
• Display of items other than flowers for sale by private individuals
• Business establishments are allowed to display merchandise outdoors only after securing specific permission and only for short periods of time
• Newspaper tubes
• Television dishes
• Storage or sale of boats, trailers, motor homes, RVs trucks and automobiles within view from Lyme Street.

3. What are examples of what is not permitted in the Historic District?

• Above-ground swimming pools
• High diving boards and similar pool equipment
• Display of items other than flowers for sale by private individuals
• Business establishments are allowed to display merchandise outdoors only after securing specific permission and only for short periods of time
• Newspaper tubes
• Television dishes
• Storage or sale of boats, trailers, motor homes, RVs trucks and automobiles within view from Lyme Street.

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

Answer goes here...

2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

Answer goes here...

3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

Answer goes here...

4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

Answer goes here...

5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

Answer goes here...

6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

Answer goes here...

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1. What happens if my taxes become delinquent?

State law governs our collection process. Interest is assessed on all delinquent amounts at the first of the month at the rate of 1.5% per month, from the due date. There is a minimum interest charge of $2 per bill. In addition, we are required to report all delinquent motor vehicle accounts to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Clearance is needed from Tax Office to register at DMV. Registrations will not be processed by DMV until all delinquent taxes are paid in full.

2. What if I no longer own the motor vehicle or have moved out of state?

You may be entitled to a tax credit IF you no longer own the vehicle or have moved out of state AND you provide the Assessor's Office with substantiating information. The Assessor is located in the Town Hall and can be reached at 860-434-1605, ext. 218. All information must be dated and have the vehicle ID number on all documentation. In addition to a plate receipt from DMV indicating that the registration has been canceled, lost, or stolen, any of the following serve as a form of proof of vehicle disposition: copy of bill of sale, transfer of title, out-of-state registration, insurance statement indicating the vehicle was stolen, totaled, junkyard receipt or copy of purchase agreement identifying trade-in vehicle and plate receipt.

3. What if I have moved to another town in Connecticut?

If you lived in Old Lyme at the time the vehicle was registered but now live in another town, you are responsible for changing your registration information with the DMV. The bill, however, will not be sent from your new town until the next billing, and you must pay the bill from Old Lyme.

4. What if I do not receive a tax bill?

If you do not receive a tax bill for a vehicle you own, promptly contact the Tax Office at 860-434-1605, ext. 216. Connecticut State Statute 12-130 states that failure to receive a bill does not invalidate the tax.

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1. I need to order a new trash and/or recycling bin. How do I do that?

Please fill out the Trash and Recycling Container Order Form (PDF) and return it, along with payment, to:
Att: Selectman’s Office
52 Lyme Street
Old Lyme, CT 06371

2. My trash or recycling was not picked up. Who do I call to find out what happened?

Please call the Connecticut Waste Processing Materials (CWPM) at 860-447-1473 with all questions about the trash schedule and any issues with a missed pick-up.

3. What are the hours of the Transfer Station?

The Transfer Station is generally open from Tuesday through Friday from 7:30 am to 3:45 pm, and Saturday from 8:30 am to 4 pm. They are closed on Sunday and Monday.

4. Does the Transfer Station accept a certain kind of item?

For a list of what the Transfer Station will accept, please see the Transfer Station Guide (PDF).

5. How do I get a sticker to use the Transfer Station?

Please come visit the First Selectman's Office in Town Hall during the hours of 9 am to 4 pm to request a sticker for the Transfer Station. You must be a resident of Old Lyme and bring your car registration with you. The sticker is free of charge.

If you have any additional questions that were not answered here, please contact Michele Hayes at 860-434-1605, ext. 212.

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1. How can I get a copy of my DD Form 214 Discharge?

Request your military service records via the National Archives website.