Old Lyme ZBA schedules multiple hearings for July, continues Mile Creek and Columbus applications

At its June 18 meeting the Old Lyme Zoning Board of Appeals set dates and continuances for multiple pending applications. The board unanimously voted to continue the public hearing for case 26-6300 (Mile Creek Road) to the July 16, 2026 regular meeting after the applicant provided written consent.

Staff reviewed additional items that will appear at the July meeting, including a complete application for 87 Hillrest Road, a complete filing for Sill Lane, and a newly filed ZEO appeal for 50 Shore Road. Board members discussed statutory timelines that require the board to receive and schedule complete applications within 65 days and noted there is no regular meeting in August, which increases scheduling pressure.

For 72 Columbus Avenue staff told the board wetlands commission action and a public-health/test-hole approval were still pending and would not occur in time for July. The applicant consented to a continuance to the September 17, 2026 meeting; paperwork was signed on the record. The board explained that without wetlands approval it cannot act on an application that requires coastal or wetlands review.

Board members also discussed the option of denying an application with or without prejudice when applicants repeatedly submit incomplete materials, noting that a denial with prejudice would generally prevent reapplication for six months while a without-prejudice denial would allow earlier re-submission subject to board acceptance. The board will receive the new filings and handle each case in July according to statutory timelines and available review results.