First Selectwoman Newsletter

December 1, 2024

December is here and such a bustling time for us all. I appreciate the interest you have in our work here at Town Hall.

You may have noticed new stop signs at the ends of two roads, Mile Creek Road (by the Nearly New Shop) and Town Woods Road at the Boston Post Road intersection. These stop signs are an initiative of the State Department of Transportation. Please note, although the signs are posted on the left and right sides of the road, that does not mean the roads are now one way. As always, please use caution at these intersections. Residents have expressed their concerns to me; however, we must comply with this initiative at this time.

The Town Hall is a busy place with all departments continuing to improve services to the public, including the Land Use Department digitizing all of their records, and the Finance Department streamlining the budget preparation process. A new boiler has been installed at the Animal Control building and the entry to the Hains Park boathouse has been regraded, extended, and repaved.

The Economic Development Commission (“EDC”) held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday evening at A Behavioral Approach (“ABA”) on Davis Road West. State Representative Devin Carney and Selectwoman Jude Read joined me and EDC members in congratulating ABA owner Monica Santos and her staff. The State Board of Education has recommended ABA to be an Approved Private Special Education Program (APSEP). A tour of their facility was provided at the conclusion of the ribbon cutting and it is impressive to see the services small business owners in Old Lyme are providing.

Several Town representatives attended the Connecticut Council of Municipalities Convention on Tuesday. Various workshops and panel presentations provided us great insight into how other municipalities approach issues we are currently addressing, such as solid waste reduction, creating vibrant commercial districts, and understanding and controlling IT costs. Those representing Old Lyme this year included Information Technology Manager Tom Meyer, Executive Assistant to the First Selectwoman Katie Balocca, EDC Chair Cheryl Poirier, Affordable Housing Commission Chair Michael Fogliano, and myself. I look forward to Selectmen Jim Lampos and Jude Read joining me next year at the convention.

We are excited to implement a new nomination process for the Town of Old Lyme Citizen of the Year.  If you would like to nominate a resident, please complete this form and submit it by December 21^st.

We are pleased to welcome Matthew B. Lynch as our new Harbormaster. Mr. Lynch was appointed by Governor Ned Lamont earlier this week. 

We are hiring for a part-time position in the Tax Collector’s office. The job description can be found here.

The first weekend in December is the unofficial kickoff to many holiday activities in our vibrant, small town. We wish you all the best as you celebrate the season. The Town of Old Lyme Social Services Department stocks a small food pantry for our residents in need. To learn about donating or if you know of any residents who are in need at any time of the year, please contact Social Services Coordinator Amy Bonatti at (860) 434-1605 ext. 228.

I hope you will consider attending in person (or calling in to) our Monday evening Board of Selectmen's meeting at 5:30pm.

All the Best,

First Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker

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