OLD LYME, CT — The Old Lyme Harbor Management Commission reviewed plans to expand the town dock, discussed pending mooring applications and raised no objection to an existing dock approval on Tantummaheag Road during its Oct. 13 meeting.
The commission also received updates on state-funded harbor improvement projects, including dock designs at Horseneck Creek and Ferry Road and a proposed dredging project on the Four Mile River.
Commissioners reviewed Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Application No. 202606667-SDFTW, submitted by Long River LLC for property at 15-2 Tantummaheag Road.
Chairman Michael Presti read correspondence from Walker Potts concerning the proposed dock, which exceeds 100 square feet.
Potts told commissioners that water depth at low tide is no more than 8 inches and that the proposed 160-square-foot dock would not obstruct the waterway or neighboring property owners' views.
Following discussion, the commission decided not to object to the previously approved dock plan.
Commissioners discussed a Sept. 29 email from DEEP representative Jessica Bilyard concerning a pre-application meeting for expansion of the town dock.
Presti said he would resend the correspondence so commissioners could review it.
The commission also discussed the review process involving other agencies, including fisheries officials and the U.S. Coast Guard, and reestablishing a working committee for the project.
The proposed Ferry Road town dock design remains part of the commission's Small Harbor Improvement Projects Program grant work.
Harbormaster Matthew Lynch presented his September activity report, which included the status of private and commercial mooring applications.
In District 1, 34 private moorings had been approved, with four applicants on a waiting list.
Across Districts 2 through 9, 74 private moorings had been approved, with five renewals and one new application pending.
For commercial moorings, the report listed 11 approvals, eight pending renewals and six pending new applications. It also listed 45 moorings associated with OLM/DiMillo's.
Mooring fees deposited during the year totaled $14,245.
Lynch reported 39.25 hours underway during September, bringing his year-to-date total to 119.25 hours.
Commissioners also discussed winterizing town moorings, removing a bridge buoy in the coming weeks and purchasing a used harbormaster boat.
The 2027 mooring fees have been updated in the town's online system.
Lynch reported completing a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators tactical operator course.
The harbormaster's report noted continuing activity associated with Amtrak bridge work and referenced Baldwin Bridge activity planned for 2027-28.
Commissioners also reviewed the status of several harbor improvement projects.
Coastline Consulting LLC's design contract for the Horseneck Creek dock was signed July 9, and the design has been submitted to DEEP.
A sampling and analysis plan for the Four Mile River dredging application was submitted to DEEP on Aug. 5.
The commission also listed a transient mooring project involving slow-no-wake signs and navigation markers, with 50 percent reimbursement from CTPA.
Commissioners discussed upcoming training for the Online Mooring Services system.
Presti reported that the commission's General Fund 01 balance was $3,924 and that two commission positions remained vacant.
The commission approved its Sept. 8 meeting minutes on a motion by George Finley, seconded by Richard Shriver.
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. following a motion by Shriver, seconded by David Acosta.
The commission's next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 10 at 7 p.m.
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