EAST LYME, CT — The East Lyme Harbor Management and Shellfish Commission unanimously endorsed a proposed dock replacement at Old Black Point Road during its Oct. 20 meeting, while also considering plans to expand oyster farming in the Niantic River and improve public boating access.
Commissioners also discussed the potential reopening of shellfish harvesting areas west of Black Point, a proposed osprey nesting platform and the future leadership of the commission.
The commission voted unanimously to find a proposed dock replacement associated with 68 Old Black Point Road consistent with both the town's Harbor Management Plan and its shellfish regulations and policies.
Bill Bain of Sound Engineering presented the project, which involves replacing a dock that has existed for approximately 50 years.
Bain explained that although the application is associated with 68 Old Black Point Road, the dock is located on an easement serving three properties: 64, 66 and 68 Old Black Point Road.
The proposed L-shaped dock would accommodate boats serving all three properties and would be removed from the water during winter months.
Bain said the replacement would be similar in appearance to newer docks in the area and would improve upon the existing structure.
Commissioners discussed the dock's regulatory status. Because the original structure predates 1995, it is considered legally existing but does not have a permit under current regulations.
The dock's location on an easement, rather than directly on the applicant's property, requires a more extensive permit review instead of the simpler general permit process, according to the discussion.
Commissioner Paul Grady moved to find the project consistent with the Harbor Management Plan. Commissioner Don Landers seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Grady then moved to find the project consistent with shellfish regulations and policies. Landers again seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
The commission's votes were findings of consistency, not final authorization to construct the dock.
Commissioners reviewed a proposal from TJ Londregan, owner of Niantic Bay Shellfish Farm, to expand shellfish grow-out operations into three locations in the Niantic River.
Londregan explained that the proposed sites would be used to grow juvenile oysters in more protected waters before transferring them to existing leased areas for final growth.
He cited water conditions, reduced exposure to waves and limited conflicts with navigation and other uses of the river as reasons for selecting the locations.
Commissioners discussed water depths, winter ice conditions, navigation markers, permitting requirements and the potential effects on recreational shellfishing.
Londregan said he expects to submit applications for all three locations and welcomed feedback before beginning the formal permitting process.
No vote was recorded on the proposal.
Grady reported additional shellfish sampling west of Black Point, including the collection of approximately 12 to 15 clams near Giants Neck for testing.
He said earlier sample results had been encouraging and that state personnel had expressed surprise at the favorable water quality data.
Commissioners discussed the need to establish a sufficient baseline of test results before additional shellfish harvesting areas could be considered for reopening.
The state is currently focusing on shellfish meat samples before conducting further water quality testing, according to the meeting discussion.
No reopening decision was made.
The commission discussed seeking funding through the Small Harbor Improvement Projects Program, known as SHIPP, to study possible locations for additional transient docking and public boating access.
Potential locations included Grand Street and Cini Park.
Commissioners discussed the need for engineering and feasibility studies to assess potential dock locations, environmental effects, permitting requirements and construction costs.
Bain said existing survey and hydrographic information could help reduce study costs. He offered to provide preliminary evaluations and cost estimates.
Members also discussed possible state bonding funds to support future improvements.
No formal grant application or funding authorization was approved during the meeting.
Separately, Landers reported that Coastline Consulting had not submitted required forms for commission review of a previously discussed Giants Neck dock permit application.
The commission revisited a proposal to install an osprey nesting platform in the Niantic River.
John Hughes, chairman of the Waterford Harbor Management Commission, attended the meeting and asked about the status of the osprey project and the proposed kayak trail.
East Lyme Commission Chairman Steve Dinsmore reported that he had completed a letter supporting the kayak trail.
Commissioners discussed an earlier proposed osprey platform location near channel markers 7 and 8 that had been denied by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
The denial was associated with past enforcement issues involving an unauthorized piling and equipment storage in the area, according to the minutes.
A new location closer to shore near channel marker 17 was suggested.
Members discussed obtaining additional information about the proposed location and determining whether the commission would be asked to provide a formal letter of support.
Commissioners generally supported the osprey restoration effort but acknowledged potential permitting difficulties involving navigation and environmental regulations.
No vote was recorded.
Commissioners also discussed possible grant funding for eelgrass restoration projects.
Grady said he would gather information about available regional environmental grants.
Londregan reported that the state Bureau of Aquaculture was considering an eelgrass monitoring and restoration effort near existing shellfish lease areas.
No funding decision was made.
Dinsmore announced that he intends to step down as commission chairman at the end of 2026.
He said he would remain a commission member for the rest of his term to help with the leadership transition.
Dinsmore encouraged other members to consider serving as chairman, noting the responsibilities associated with the position.
Officer elections are scheduled for December.
Harbor Master Steve Albert reported a significant increase in mooring renewals, resulting in additional inspections and the issuance of more mooring stickers.
Albert said the town's online mooring system has reduced administrative work, although some applicants continue to encounter difficulties using it.
He also reported that a recent storm caused limited damage in the harbor.
One vessel capsized but was promptly recovered, along with a minor fuel spill.
Albert said the harbor patrol boat had been repaired, received a new battery and was operating properly. He plans to winterize and store it at the end of the boating season.
Treasurer Hull Manwaring reported total permit revenue of approximately $36,400 and said the commission had received a reimbursement from Waterford.
Ex-officio member Jason Deeble reported that the Board of Selectmen had approved the town's speed camera plan for submission to the state.
He also discussed a proposed purchasing and short-term investment policy, possible changes to Parks and Recreation rental policies and ongoing discussions about commercial dock leases.
The commission postponed approval of its Sept. 15 meeting minutes after Grady requested corrections and the inclusion of shellfish sampling locations.
The meeting was held at East Lyme Town Hall and began at 7 p.m.
Members present were Dinsmore, Suzanne Gonzalez, Manwaring, Landers, Grady and Craig Mason. Ron Johnson was absent.
This report is based on the East Lyme Harbor Management and Shellfish Commission's Oct. 20, 2026, meeting minutes.
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