As many of you know, I sent a letter to the Old Lyme Zoning Commission requesting that they postpone the public hearing that was scheduled for February 27^th to a later date. One reason for this request was to provide more time to review the additional exhibits that were recently submitted. While it was not included in the letter that was posted on social media, an additional reason for the request to postpone directly relates to potential occupancy. I am aware of the strong interest in the topic of the Halls Road Overlay District proposal. After consulting with other town officials, there was a concern that the Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School auditorium (with a capacity of 225 people) could be too small for this meeting to take place. Given the importance of having adequate time and space for every citizen of Old Lyme who wishes to attend and/or be heard, we felt it appropriate to make a change. I asked Land Use Coordinator, Eric Knapp to plan for the Lyme-Old Lyme High School Auditorium (with a capacity of 550) for a future date. I was informed this morning that arrangements have been solidified for Wednesday, April 9^th at 6:30PM.

This week our town engineer and I began discussing the Grassy Hill Road Bridge. We will be meeting with the public utility suppliers in March to discuss the initial plans for telephone pole relocation. There are a multitude of steps to take to in planning this project. I will keep you posted as we move forward.

I greatly appreciate the work that Selectman Jim Lampos did to obtain a grant from the Eastern Regional Tourism District through the Regional Marketing Partnership Program. This $500 grant will be used to develop some historical signage at the solstice stone that is located near the transit station on Shore Road.

Tennett Tree will begin cutting down trees in the following areas on March 1^st.

• Route 1 from Halls Road to Four Mile River Road
• Route 156 from Halls Road to Bill Hill Road

Please note that the Tree Commission and Tree Warden have been provided information about this Eversource project. This project will be completed by December 31, 2025.

We are looking for some interested residents who like to plan events. On March 4, 2024, the Board of Selectpersons unanimously voted to designate an America 250 Committee to engage, encourage, and coordinate Old Lyme residents and organizations in celebrating our country's 250th anniversary. The United States Semiquincentennial ("America 250") takes place in 2026, culminating on July 4, Independence Day. Please consider volunteering on this committee.

On Wednesday, USA Today announced the results of its 2025 Readers’ Choice Award for Best Small Town Arts Scene. Old Lyme came in second place behind Vermillion, South Dakota. We are thrilled with this exciting news and hope that this will bring more visitors to our town in the coming months.

This week the Lyme-Old Lyme boys’ basketball team won the Shoreline Championship, defeating East Hampton 59-55. The team will now compete in the CIAC Division V State Tournament, entering as the #3 seed. Congratulations to Brady Sheffield, his coaching staff and amazing team. We look forward to the State Tournament games this coming week.

Have a wonderful weekend!