East Lyme Voters Approve More Than $2 Million For Open Space Purchase

EAST LYME, CT — Voters overwhelmingly approved of a town plan to purchase $2.25 million of open space in a referendum Tuesday.

The referendum ballot was regarding the purchase of the East Lyme Land Trust Properties known as Brainerd Road, Oswegatchie Hills, and Hathaway Farms.

A total of 1,654 voters participated and the referendum passed with an 89.7% approval rate. Twelve percent of registered voters participated.

The referendum language stated the total purchase price would not exceed $2,35 million, as closing costs and fees are estimated to be less than $100,000.

The town will use $200,000 from the open space fund and $400,000 from a grant held by the East Lyme Land Trust. These funding sources will reduce the cost to taxpayers to no more than $1.75 million, according to the town.