Old Lyme Planning Commission Reviews Proposed 14-Lot Subdivision Near Short Hills Road

OLD LYME, CT — A proposed 14-lot residential conservation subdivision near Short Hills Road and Flat Rock Hill Road was presented to the Old Lyme Planning Commission on Oct. 8, with commissioners raising questions about wetlands, lot sizes and traffic.

The commission also discussed concerns raised by the Historic District Commission about an Amtrak capacity planning study, reviewed proposed zoning regulation changes and unanimously approved its 2027 meeting calendar.

Proposed Conservation Subdivision

Attorney H. Heller, representing Twin Pond Development, outlined a preliminary proposal for a conservation subdivision involving 15 Short Hills Road and Flat Rock Hill Road.

Heller referenced a property split approved July 9, 2026, and said the proposed development would preserve more open space while locating residential construction farther from Interstate 95.

The proposal calls for four lots accessed directly from Short Hills Road and 10 lots served by a private cul-de-sac.

Individual lots would range from approximately 0.68 acre to 1 acre, according to information presented in response to a question from Commissioner Michael Riggio.

A homeowners association would be responsible for maintaining the development and its common areas. The proposed open space could be owned either by the town or the association.

The preliminary plans identify potential development areas within 100 feet of wetlands and on slopes of 20 percent or greater. Those conditions would need to be addressed during the formal application process.

The development would require approval from the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission before proceeding to the Planning Commission. Individual lots within 100 feet of wetlands would also require wetlands review.

The proposed private road would have a 22-foot-wide paved surface and a base and sub-base constructed to town standards, but would not include a closed drainage system.

The property has access to two fire ponds. Each residential lot would have an individual septic system, with soil testing already underway through the Ledge Light Health District.

Commissioner Todd Machnik questioned whether surrounding roads could accommodate additional traffic.

Heller said the existing pavement was in good condition and that the roads' relatively narrow widths would help limit vehicle speeds.

A formal subdivision application could be submitted in the coming months. The commission took no action on the proposal, which was presented for preliminary discussion.

Historic District Raises Amtrak Concerns

The commission also reviewed concerns from the Old Lyme Historic District Commission regarding an Amtrak capacity planning study.

According to the meeting minutes, the Historic District Commission requested action by the Planning Commission and other relevant agencies before completion of a bridge project anticipated in 2030.

The Historic District Commission expressed concern about areas identified in the study and emphasized the importance of addressing those concerns before the design process begins.

Planning Commission Chairman Rob McCarthy requested that the matter return for discussion at the commission's next regular meeting.

No formal action was taken.

Zoning Revisions And Accessory Apartments Discussed

Land Use Coordinator and Zoning Enforcement Officer Eric Knapp reported that more than 600 residents had participated in an online survey related to proposed zoning regulation revisions.

More than 200 residents and business representatives also attended a Sept. 15 workshop on the proposed changes, Knapp said.

The Zoning Commission was scheduled to review public comments later on Oct. 8.

The Planning Commission also discussed a memorandum submitted by Riggio concerning accessory dwelling units, commonly called ADUs, and the Old Lyme Beach Sewer Project.

McCarthy suggested revisiting the accessory dwelling unit issue in the coming months after the zoning regulations are in place.

He noted that the Zoning Commission had not submitted a formal proposal for Planning Commission consideration.

Commission Approves 2027 Meeting Calendar

The Planning Commission unanimously approved its regular meeting calendar for 2027.

Riggio proposed moving the November meeting from Nov. 11 to Nov. 4 because of the holiday. Machnik seconded that motion.

Vice Chairman Michael Aurelia subsequently moved to adopt the 2027 calendar, with McCarthy seconding. The motion passed unanimously.

The commission also unanimously approved minutes from its July 9 and July 20 meetings. Commissioner Howard Margules made both motions, and Aurelia seconded them.

The Oct. 8 meeting was held at 52 Lyme Street and adjourned at approximately 6:03 p.m.