LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The majority of the audience’s questions at the East Lyme first selectman debate focused on the Gateway Project. After the Planning Commission voted unanimously that adding 120 more apartments is not in accordance with the East Lyme Plan of Conservation Development, audience members wondered why First Selectman Nickerson persuaded Zoning to ignore the recommendation. He stated that college kids moving back to East Lyme have nowhere to live, and previously the Planning Commission voted for the project.
Many of us didn’t know so many college kids needed luxury apartments with monthly rent starting over $1,200. More importantly, what was not communicated is that the Gateway area was formerly zoned as Light Industrial. Adding 120 more apartments to the 280 already approved by Planning and Zoning runs contrary to the mixed use intended by the Plan of Conservation Development. Gateway originally was permitted for increased commercial development. As stated in the Planning Commission minutes, the developers have not completed the promised access road or acquired the land where junior stores are to be located. Taxes from more apartment buildings are negated by paying for more kids in the school system, which could become a deficit.
When the commercial is completed, then talk about more apartments. Anne Thurlow East Lyme
I am writing to correct a misstatement by First Selectman George Crouse at the debate that took place Oct. 15 at the Stonington Community Center. Crouse stated the Board of Finance had bonded for operating expenses, further stating that he had experienced several zero-increase budgets while a teacher. Neither one of these statements is correct.
The Board of Finance has never bonded for operating expenses, our bond rating would have been seriously damaged were that the case. Additionally, the Board of Education has not seen a zero increase in its budget in the last 30 years. Glenn J. Frishman, chairman, Stonington Board of Finance June D. Strunk, Ph.D., secretary, Stonington Board of Finance Stonington