Old Lyme’s Sound View Improvements project was mischaracterized by Sloan Danenhower in his letter, “Time for a shakeup in Old Lyme,” (Oct. 22), and he failed to acknowledge that he is the spouse of candidate for First Selectman Jude Read. This long-desired project is not funded by the state. Rather, a federal transportation reimbursement grant, contractually signed before the project began, covers 80 percent of the cost of the improvements.

The Town voted at Town Meeting to move forward with the project, from planning through construction. Sound View had received no significant attention in decades until the current administration was elected. With this valuable grant, construction cost the town $182,220. New ADA-accessible sidewalks and drainage alone would have cost the town about $500,000 without the grant. The project has local and regional support by our 17-town Council of Governments.

The infrastructure project was completed substantially under budget, allowing for 80 percent reimbursement for improved road drainage and paving of the project area, making it safer to drive and bike. That is “watching the store,” listening to the community and saving money.

Angelo Faenza

Sound View Improvements Committee

Old Lyme