Old Lyme rule would fight blight

Selectmen review draft ordinance with power to levy fines

Old Lyme — The Board of Selectmen is reviewing a draft ordinance that would address blighted properties, joining other communities in the region that are considering a blight ordinance or have already approved one.

First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder said the town's health and building codes and zoning regulations can address some aspects of blight, but a blight ordinance would address the property as a whole.

Reemsnyder said she had asked the Building and Zoning Departments, Fire Marshal and Health District to work with her on putting together a draft blight ordinance. She said the selectmen have wanted to look at a blight ordinance for a long time, as there are some blighted properties in town that people have complained about.

Other southeastern Connecticut towns are considering passing a blight ordinance, such as Preston, or have recently passed an ordinance, such as East Lyme.

Under Old Lyme's draft ordinance, the town could levy fines of up to $90 a day, following a period of non-compliance.

During Monday's Board of Selectmen meeting, the selectmen compared Old Lyme's draft ordinance to documents from other towns. For example, Old Lyme's draft contemplates having police and certain town officials enforce the ordinance, while some towns have a paid, part-time blight enforcement officer to enforce the ordinance.

Selectman Skip Sibley supported exploring the idea of a part-time blight enforcement officer who could serve as a “gatekeeper,” that handles tasks, including tracking and documenting when people are notified.

Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal said some towns' ordinances address commercial properties, and she wanted Old Lyme to also address commercial properties. She pointed out that some of the blighted properties on Hartford Avenue are commercial.

The selectmen recommended the representatives who compiled the draft meet again to review the draft document in light of the additional discussions

If the selectmen move forward, the next step would be to submit the draft ordinance to the town attorney.

The selectmen would need to send a final draft ordinance to a town meeting for approval before it could be enacted.