Old Lyme ― A committee charged with creating a vision for the shoreline area is asking what residents want to see along Route 156 and Sound View Beach.

The Shoreline Gateway Committee announced a survey this week for year-round residents, seasonal residents and business owners to gauge their perceptions of the area and their thoughts on its future. The survey is available online at www.oldlymesurvey.com.

The “gateway” encompasses Shore Road from Otter Rock Road to Breen Avenue, as well as Hartford Avenue to Sound View Beach. The committee is looking only at commercially-zoned properties, including those in the Sound View Village District.

As a public beach in an otherwise private enclave, Sound View is still trying to recover from a seedy reputation going back at least to World War II. The area then was characterized by bars and strippers.

The village district was created in 2005 to relax some of the town's strict zoning rules in the hope of encouraging property owners to renovate their buildings. It was part of redevelopment efforts going back decades.

Committee co-chairwoman Martha Shoemaker, who is also a selectwoman, said the survey is part of “an inclusive process” with the goal of preserving the important historical area and making it attractive going forward.

“This is an opportunity for people to have their opinions heard, and to help reach a consensus that will meet the future needs of the town's residents, businesses, and the local environment,” Shoemaker said.

The committee was formed by the Board of Selectmen at the request of the Economic Development Commission in early 2022. Membership includes beach association members and townspeople with expertise in areas such as zoning, community beautification, small business development and housing. Members are currently assessing zoning regulations and looking at improvements made by other shoreline communities.

The survey is online now and will be open through Oct. 7. Printed copies will be available at the Old Lyme Town Hall starting Sept. 7.

For more information, contact the first selectman’s office at 860-434-1605 or go to www.oldlyme-ct.gov/shoreline-gateway-committee.

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