Old Lyme Commission Seeks More Information On Whippoorwill Road Development

OLD LYME, CT — The Old Lyme Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission postponed action on a proposal to construct a single-family home near the Blackhall River, instead directing the applicant to provide additional environmental information before the application returns for further review. The commission also scheduled site walks for three new applications and approved an amendment to an existing wetlands permit during its July 28 meeting.

The commission continued its review of an application from Connecticut Real Estate Properties LLC for excavation and grading associated with a proposed single-family home at 41-1 Whippoorwill Road. After reviewing a July 1 site walk, commissioners identified several issues they want addressed before the proposal returns on Aug. 25, including expanding vegetated buffers, evaluating potential impacts on wetlands and the Blackhall River, improving stormwater management, documenting any species of concern identified in the state's Natural Diversity Database, and providing a wetlands scientist's assessment of the site. Commissioners also requested a complete property survey and additional information on how the project could affect neighboring properties.

The commission also continued discussion of a wetlands violation at 72 Grassy Hill Road. Wetlands Enforcement Officer Eric Knapp said he issued a notice of violation following the commission's recommendation at a previous special meeting, after which the property owner submitted an application. Attorney Frank Sablone and applicant Craig Agro discussed a proposal to remove an unauthorized block and rock wall extending beyond an existing seawall and replace it with a reinforced concrete retaining wall featuring a lowered section for lake access and drainage. The commission will continue its review at its Aug. 25 meeting.

Among new business, the commission scheduled an Aug. 17 site walk for a proposal from the Old Lyme Open Space Commission to reconstruct a washed-out bridge and boardwalk at 129-1 Whippoorwill Road. Bill Ruel told commissioners the replacement boardwalk would use treated and dead cedar planks, while the bridge would be constructed of treated cedar.

Commissioners also scheduled an Aug. 17 site walk for a proposal at 23 Osceola Trail, where McDonald Sharpe & Associates is seeking approval to demolish an existing house, detached garage and driveway and replace them with a reconfigured three-bedroom home, detached garage, new septic system, well and relocated driveway. A project representative said the proposed home would be about 38 feet from Rogers Lake and that erosion-control measures would be used to minimize wetland impacts. The project has received approval from the Ledge Light Health District.

The commission unanimously approved an administrative amendment to an existing wetlands permit for 64 Grassy Hill. Mystic River Building Company is proposing to construct a detached patio with a pergola, sitting wall and outdoor kitchen that had been identified as a future improvement in the original 2025 permit.

Commissioners also scheduled a site walk for Aug. 17 at 7 Shore Drive, where property owner Russell Albrycht is seeking approval to repair a seawall and address two unpermitted sheds located within 100 feet of wetlands. Albrycht told the commission the work is intended to correct deficiencies left by a previous contractor who failed to obtain required permits and implement erosion controls.

Knapp also informed the commission of a pesticide general permit notification for treatment in Rogers Lake near 96 Grassy Hill, noting the item was informational only.

During regular business, commissioners discussed ongoing monitoring of work at 308-1 Mile Creek and updates regarding properties at 16 Neck Road and 2 Sharon Drive.