Commission approves text amendment to rezone Black Point Road corridor to R-10, sends to public hearing

The East Lyme Zoning Commission approved a proposed text amendment to change a stretch of zoning along Black Point Road from CA to R-10 and agreed to schedule the amendment for public hearing. The proposal covers the corridor from West Main Street through the CA zone to McElhinney Drive and the south entry to Crosley Court but specifically excludes the Sign Craft and Smith Acres properties; commissioners voted 6–0–0 to move the amendment forward.

A subcommittee member described the approach as a way to avoid creating extensive nonconforming lots by shifting the zoning to R-10 for small residential parcels in the corridor. Maps were provided to commissioners for review during the meeting. Commissioners noted that several commercial uses remain allowable under R-10 (including two-family dwellings, certain childcare uses, bed-and-breakfasts, greenhouses and similar small-scale businesses), and characterized those uses as unlikely to produce large buildings in the area.

The commission’s action sends the text amendment to the public-hearing process where residents and affected property owners can comment before a final decision is made.