Commission schedules hearing on Chestnut Market beer permit; staff reports two ongoing enforcement matters

The Old Lyme Zoning Commission received an application on July 13 to amend the special permit for Chestnut Market (85 Falls Road) to allow grocery beer sales from existing refrigerated cases; no site changes were proposed. Attorney Amy Souchuns told the commission the amendment is limited to beer and that state licensing requirements (including sales‑mix documentation for grocery beer permits) will be handled in the state liquor application process. The commission scheduled a public hearing for the Chestnut Market amendment in September.

Separately, town land‑use staff reported two active enforcement and permit items. A zoning‑enforcement update noted that property 308‑1 received a state surface‑water discharge permit and, following that development, a two‑year temporary ZEO permit was issued while town staff continue to document the permitted scope and prepare clear written limits in the file. The land‑use official said he will continue to collect detailed exhibits and maps to define permitted activities and avoid future ambiguity.

On a second enforcement matter at 166 Mile Creek, the town reported a court judgment in favor of enforcement; staff have removed the equivalent of six dumpsters of debris so far and plan further removal. The land‑use official said the town will file a lien for cleanup costs and has a July 22 hearing to review the progress and remaining work. That official also said neighbors have expressed gratitude for the cleanup work, and the town will monitor remaining items (including two trucks and an RV) that remain on adjacent property outside the immediate judgment scope.

What happens next: Chestnut Market’s amendment will come back for a public hearing and staff will continue to gather documentation on 308‑1 and proceed with enforcement actions at 166 Mile Creek as ordered by the court.