New London — The Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to resume a public hearing Thursday on a plan by the New London Maritime Society to alter zoning regulations citywide to allow for fundraising events and tours at New London Harbor Light, among other places.

The requested amendment would allow, with a special permit, “events and tours for historic property preservation” and make changes to parking and sign regulations in residential zones anywhere in the city that fits the criteria of the proposal.

One of the criteria is that a property be listed on the National Register of Historic Places or recognized for its historic significance.

It is unclear how many properties the change would impact.

The Maritime Society had requested the change in part as a response to a cease-and-desist order levied by the city last summer that essentially has barred outside visits to the Harbor Light on Pequot Avenue.

The city’s zoning enforcement officer contends the increase of activity at the lighthouse was not in compliance with zoning for the residential neighborhood.

The Maritime Society lost its appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals and has filed suit in New London Superior Court.

The society argues that public access was a requirement when it took ownership of the lighthouse from the federal government.

Neighbors say the commercial activity and attempt to change zoning runs counter to that same agreement.

George Sprecace, president of the New London Maritime Society, told planning and zoning commissioners at the April 7 meeting that the society was acting as stewards and advocates for all citizens "on behalf of our rich history that must be a living history, open to the people and to your children.”

“Our plan presented tonight is well-suited to maintaining the historic public access to these sites while safeguarding the legitimate needs of private parties — both at New London Harbor Lighthouse and upon specific application at other national historic sites that grace the city,” he said.

The Maritime Society meanwhile also still is embroiled in a federal lawsuit filed by abutting property owners Bonita and Randy Waesche.

They originally filed suit over a property line dispute but also have complained about unpermitted construction and lighthouse visitors trespassing on neighbors’ properties.

Randy Waesche, in a recent interview, said he has several issues with the proposal.

He said the society is seeking changes that go beyond tours but also change rules on parking and use and sizes of signs — all detrimental to residential neighborhoods.

Waesche said wording in the proposal is vague about who determines things like times of tours, how many people are allowed at any one time and how many fundraising events will occur within a year.

“We’re attempting to protect residents from commercial activity that is far from the best interests for the citizens of New London,” he said. “It’s in the selfish best interests of the maritime society.”

Waesche said he was a supporter of the Maritime Society but became frustrated when they could not come to a compromise in their ongoing dispute.

He said the society also pursued a campaign to discredit his concerns and those of the Rings, whose home is the former lighthouse keeper’s residence but no longer part of the lighthouse property.

Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Barry Levine, wielding a gavel, explained to participants at the public hearing that the commission was in a position to act in a legislative capacity and consider only statements aimed at the proposed regulation change.

He asked participants to “avoid the elephant in the room.”

“This is not about the New London Harbor Lighthouse,” Levine said.

Thursday's meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the New London Senior Center.

g.smith@theday.com