On Monday morning, I submitted the Town of Old Lyme’s “Comments and Issues of Concern” regarding Amtrak’s Railroad Bridge Replacement to the United States Army Corps of Engineers. I am so appreciative of those that provided me with their input and background knowledge. This is a perfect example of what we can accomplish when various groups and individuals take the time to work together for the good of Old Lyme. I also requested that Amtrak provide us with various project documents and a hearing for town residents.

Monday afternoon, Teri Lewis (Harbor Management), Matthew Lynch (Harbor Master) and I attended a meeting with Amtrak and Old Saybrook officials to discuss the project and the timeline. Amtrak is planning on awarding their projects to winning bidders by the middle of May. Pre-construction work will begin this summer and should move into full construction mode in the fall. 

We have exciting news to report on our Senior Center expansion. The construction trailer was placed on site on Wednesday. This means that things are beginning to happen. We are looking forward to a groundbreaking ceremony sometime in May. 

The Board of Selectmen have a special meeting scheduled on Monday, April 29^th at 5:30pm to discuss the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Tantummaheag Landing. The majority of this meeting will be devoted to hearing remarks from the public. 

Please remember that we have a Town Meeting on Tuesday, April 30^th at 7pm in the Meeting Hall. The purpose of this meeting is to learn more about the resolution for Senior Center funding. Last year, we approved a resolution that had some conflicting language. This resolution corrects that and includes the additional funding that we approved on April 15^th. This resolution will move to referendum (paper ballot) on May 7^th from 12-8pm at the Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School.  We will also be voting on the Region 18 school budget that same day. 

A special shout out to our Public Works crew who worked so diligently this week on the Town Hall landscaping. The grounds look amazing! Yesterday, we had two visitors who are considering making Old Lyme their new home. They commented on how lovely the Town Hall grounds were.

Wednesday was Employee Appreciation Day! I know all of you will agree with me that we have the best municipal employees in the state.

This is a busy weekend; the Tree Commission is holding their Arbor Day Spring Seedling Giveaway. The hours are 10am-12pm and the members will be eager to help you in front of Town Hall. This is a first come, first serve basis for Old Lyme residents. Across the street, LYSB is having their Drug Take Back event from 10am-2pm at the Old Lyme Fire House in conjunction with the Old Lyme Police Department’s Car Seat Install & Safety Check – make your appointment here for your car seat check.

I am also hosting a “Spring Into Action” workshop for our boards, commission and committee chairs. This will be held on Saturday (tomorrow) from 9am-12pm in the Meeting Hall. I greatly appreciate those volunteers that will be giving more of their time to attend this event.

Since the weather is getting nicer, our Open Space Commission and The Old Lyme Land Trust will begin their Hiker’s Happy Hour on May 1^st. 

Speaking of nice weather, the beach will soon be calling! Our annual parking permits will be available for sale online this year. The website will go live at noon on May 1^st. You will have the option to have your pass mailed directly to you or you can pick it up at Town Hall. Please allow 72 hours for processing, as this system is new to us. 

As Donate Life month comes to a close please consider organ donation when you renew your driver’s license. Enjoy this last weekend of April! Let’s hope the temperature is above 60° next week! 

All my best, 
Martha