Lyme Zoners Delay Decision On Proposed Eightmile River Residential Dock

LYME, CT — The Lyme Planning and Zoning Commission closed a public hearing July 13 on a proposed residential dock along the Eightmile River before the applicant withdrew the application to seek a zoning variance, delaying further consideration until at least October.

The proposal, submitted by the Michael E. and Anna B.G. James Trust, sought a special permit to construct a small floating dock for recreational boating access at 43 Joshuatown Road within the Eightmile Overlay and Conservation District. Applicant representative Dave Provencher said the dock would primarily serve kayaks and paddleboards and would be removable. The owners plan to construct it during the fall and winter to minimize impacts on wildlife.

During the public hearing, Provencher told commissioners that state wildlife consultations found no state-listed plant habitats on the property, although two state-listed mussel species and two state-listed turtle species — the Eastern box turtle and wood turtle — were identified in the surrounding area. He said the project was designed to comply with Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requirements.

Commissioners questioned the proposed dock's location, anchoring system, navigation over shoreline vegetation, potential impacts to wetlands and wildlife, and whether any trees would need to be removed. The applicant said no trees would be removed and that the dock would be located as close to shore as practical.

Following the close of the public hearing, commissioners continued discussing the application during the regular meeting. Members expressed support for the dock itself but questioned whether the project also required a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals because of setback requirements governing structures near the shoreline. Rather than seeking immediate action, the applicant withdrew the application and said it will apply for a variance at the Zoning Board of Appeals' September meeting before returning to the Planning and Zoning Commission in October. Commissioners also asked the applicant to determine whether the adjacent grass area must be included when calculating the dock's square footage for regulatory purposes.

The commission also held a preliminary discussion on a proposal to reconstruct an existing dock at 22-2 Selden Road. The applicant outlined plans to remove the current dock, rebuild it approximately 12 to 15 feet east of its current location and reconstruct an existing marine railway used to launch boats from a boathouse. Commissioners requested additional information on vegetation, wildlife and lighting, encouraged the use of dark-sky-compliant fixtures, and noted that state approval from DEEP will be required before the project proceeds. A site walk also was discussed.

Commission members received an update on the Eightmile River management district, including work to revise the district's management plan, complete a scientific study of the river and pursue annual federal funding. The report also highlighted ongoing research involving reptiles and amphibians, aquatic resource management and expanded educational outreach.

Under old business, members reviewed progress by the commission's ad hoc committee studying implementation of Public Act 25-1, the state's sweeping land use and housing legislation. Committee members reported meeting July 7, developing questions for legal counsel and revising draft documents. Discussion also included affordable housing compliance requirements, parking mitigation districts and other state policy changes. Commissioners requested a special meeting to continue reviewing the legislation.

Zoning Enforcement Officer Lannie Mossberg concluded the meeting by reviewing approvals and requests received during June. Commissioners also approved minutes from meetings held June 8, June 22 and July 7 before adjourning at 9:30 p.m.