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Sustainable CT Community Certification Report

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This is the Sustainable CT Certification Report of Old Saybrook, a Sustainable CT silver certified applicant.

Old Saybrook was certified on October 27, 2020 with 585 points. Listed below is information regarding Old Saybrook’s Sustainable CT efforts and materials associated with the applicant’s certified actions.

Contact Information

The designated Sustainable CT contact for Old Saybrook is:

Name:Lynette Wacker
Title/Position:Program Assistant / Land Use
Phone:860-395-3131

Actions Implemented

Each approved action and supporting documentation for which Old Saybrook was approved for in 2020 appears below. Please enjoy this opportunity to view and learn from the information and materials provided.

Notes: Submission content was created by Old Saybrook, and Sustainable CT makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the submission, beyond that an individual reviewer approved at least some elements of the action for certification. Further, standards for actions below may have changed, and the documentation listed may no longer satisfy requirements for that action. Finally, approved actions here may include some documents and descriptions in support of action elements that were not approved, in addition to elements that were approved. In preparing your own application, please rely only on the action write-ups for the current certification year to guide your submission. Please contact [email protected] with specific questions.

  • 1. Inclusive and Equitable Community Impacts

    1.1 Optimize for Equity — REQUIRED for All Certification Levels

    30 Points

    Approved Information: 9.1_1.4.1: COVIDLocalBizRoundtableSupport_EQUITY_2020 (10 points) 9.1_10.1: Innovation_CensusCCC_EQUITY_2020 (10 points) 9.1_10.1: Innovation_SocialServicesHelpDays_EQUITY_2020 (10 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Additional Information: 9.10.1 Census 2020 Complete Count Committee: The Old Saybrook Board of Selectmen established a Census 2020 Complete Count Committee to reach ALL residents with census education, assistance and reminders to fill out the form and be counted. 9.10.1 Social Services Help Days have been taking place since 2012, providing an accessible, community-supported "one-stop-shop" for social services and other programs for those in need of assistance. 9.10.1 COVID Local Business Support Roundtables: The Town reached out to business stakeholders to learn what resources or support businesses closed by the COVID-19 pandemic need for resilience and recovery.

  • 2. Thriving Local Economies

    2.1 Support Redevelopment of Brownfield Sites

    70 Points

    Approved Information: 1.1.1: Municipal Brownfields Inventory (15 points) 1.1.2: Municipal Brownfields Map (5 points) 1.1.5: Priority Site_Boston Post Road_ESA Info (20 points) 1.1.6: Reuse Options_Mariners Way Proposal_(5 points) 1.1.7: Communicate Brownfield Opps_Mariners Way Props_(10 points) 1.1.8: Remediate Brownfield For Housing (15 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Partners: The Town partnered with Hope Partnership, a local non-profit community developer, to remediate the brownfield and build the Ferry Crossing incentive housing development and park. The Town participated in the CT Brownfields Initiative Spring 2020 Municipal Assistance Program, working with UConn students to inventory, prioritize and map specific brownfields within the Town.

    Additional Information: 1.1.1 Town staff worked with UConn students through the CT Brownfields Municipal Assistance Program to identify brownfields within Old Saybrook. 1.1.2 Using the above inventory, UConn students created a map of brownfields sites within Old Saybrook. 1.1.5 The Town selected for further assessment a brownfields site with good potential for redevelopment, located on Boston Post Road and consisting of nine contiguous parcels. The Town contracted with a licensed environmental consultant to do the assessments and report. 1.1.6 Through a multi-step process of public engagement, a Discovery+Action Plan was created for the redevelopment of the Mariner's Way brownfields area. 1.1.7 The Town continues to actively market the brownfields area know as Mariner's Way both online and through direct marketing of current information to potential developers. 1.1.8 Town acquired property from State excess property inventory (2008), worked with CT DOT to remove polluted soils (2009), worked with local community developer and CT DECD to build affordable housing and a municipal park (2012).

    2.3 Inventory and Promote Local Products and Services

    5 Points

    Approved Information: 1.3.1: Local Retail Inventory - Farmer's Market Inventory (5 Points), updated for 2020

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 1.3.1 This compilation of web pages shows the online marketing efforts of the RiverCOG for local farmers markets, farms, CSA's and pick-your-own farms, and has been updated for the 2020 season.

    Partners: 1.3.1 The Town of Old Saybrook is a member of the Lower CT River Valley Council of Governments (RiverCOG), of which the RiverCOG Regional Agriculture Council is a part. The RAC developed the Knowyourfarmers.org website to help regional farmers advertise their products and services. 1.3.2 The Town of Old Saybrook supports the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce in many ways. The Town leases a building on Main St. to the Chamber at a reduced rate and covers all of the maintenance and upkeep for the building and property. Space at other Town facilities is made available at no cost for Chamber meetings and events. The Town sponsors and promotes the Chamber’s events and efforts, and works closely with the Chamber to attract and welcome new businesses to Town.

    Additional Information: 1.3.1

    2.4 Provide Resources and Supports to Local Businesses

    15 Points

    Approved Information: 1.4.1_LocalBiz_ReopeningRoundtables_2020 (5 points) 1.4.2_LocalBiz_SupportEntity_LTRC_SmallBusiness&EmploymentRecovery_2020 (5 points) 1.4.3_LocalBiz_BizCommunityEvents_LocalBizSupport_ChamberEvents_2020 (5 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Partners: The Town of Old Saybrook is a member and financial supporter of the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, and supports Chamber in many ways. The Town leases the property to the Chamber at a reduced rate and covers all of the maintenance and upkeep. Space at other Town facilities is made available at no cost for Chamber meetings and events. The Town sponsors and promotes the Chamber’s events and efforts, and works closely with the Chamber to attract and welcome new businesses to Town.

    Additional Information: 1.4.1 The Town hosted several roundtables to provide support for local businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. 1.4.3 Business Community Recognition Events: The OS Chamber of Commerce, with support from the Town, hosts a number of events to promote local businesses, provide networking opportunities, and provide education/skills development which will help businesses grow and succeed.

  • 3. Well-Stewarded Land and Natural Resources

    3.1 Provide Watershed Education

    20 Points

    Approved Information: 2.1.1a Citizen and Business Owner Education, (5 points), 2020 2.1.1b Watershed Signage, (5 points), 2020 2.1.1c Watershed Health Pledge, (5 points), 2020 2.1.2 Citizen Science, (5 points), 2020

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 2.1.1a: WatershedEducation_SaybrookEventsArticles&CRCCDBrochures_2020 2.1.1a: WatershedEducation_CRCCDBackyardWaterResourcesGuide_2011 2.1.1a: WatershedEducation_CRCCDCreateAStreamsideBuffer_2008 2.1.1a: WatershedEducation_CRCCDPetWasteBrochure_2018 2.1.1a: WatershedEducation_CRCCDRainBarrel_2010 2.1.1b: Watershed Signage Maintenance 2.1.1c: Watershed Health Pledge & Posting 2.1.2: Watershed Monitoring by Ecology Club

    Partners: 2.1.1a. The Town partners with the CT River Coastal Conservation District as a member community to provide watershed education to residents and businesses.

    Additional Information: 2.1.1 a. The Town continues to use The Backyard Water Resources Guide (as a handout and online) as its "staple" primer about how the health of watersheds is affected by non-point source pollution (via hazardous household products, septic system maintenance, lawn care and landscape management) of drainage and storm water runoff. The Town recently posted three additional guides related to watershed health to the municipal website for public education: Pet Waste, Water Quality & Your Health; Use a Rain Barrel; and Create a Streamside Buffer. All of the publications were produced by the CT River Coastal Conservation District. 2.1.1 c. The Old Saybrook Conservation Commission created, publicized and distributed a watershed health pledge on social media and in its quarterly newsletter. It will continue to be posted and distributed at future CC events, including Coastal Cleanup Day in September. 2.1.2 The students in Old Saybrook High School's Earth Science class, led by teacher David Plotkin, took part in a watershed health monitoring project. Students each collected and analyzed data to answer a self-generated question. These questions were related to different bodies of water in town, and dealt with topics ranging from salinity to the filtering capabilities of different soils.

    3.3 Engage in Watershed Protection and Restoration

    45 Points

    Approved Information: 2.3.1a: Priority Project - Founders Park Native Plantings (15 points) 2013 2.3.1b: Priority Project - Crystal Lake Fishway Buffer (15 points) 2012 2.3.2: Regulations - Special Setback From Tidal Wetlands (15 points) 2017

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 2.3.2 Town Zoning Regulations "Special setback from tidal wetlands" on pages 6 & 7.

    Partners: 2.3.1a. The Town partners with the Friends of Founders Memorial Park to plant native species at the park as part of the restoration of a former landfill. 2.3.1b. The Town partners with the Old Saybrook Land Trust to restore the watershed for native species at Crystal Lake in Clark Town Park.

    Additional Information: 2.3.1 The Town has completed several priority restoration projects to protect watersheds, particularly conserving land in floodplains and re-vegetating riparian buffers. Brochures were produced and distributed for the Founders Memorial Park and Clark Park projects to inform and educate the public about these projects and the benefits of watershed protection and restoration. 2.3.1a-Working with volunteers, the town planted native species at Founders Memorial Park which is situated on a hill adjacent to North Cove, an estuary of the CT River where it joins the LI Sound This former landfill turned public park is now planted with native vegetation, providing many benefits including watershed protection. Native plants conserve water by using plants that are adapted to local weather conditions. By providing erosion control and requiring less fertilizers and pesticides, native plants help reduce pollution to our coastal waters. 2.3.1b-At Clark Park, the Town worked with volunteers to establish a riparian buffer along the new fishway situated on the west fork of the Oyster River. The fishway used the existing grade of the Crystal Lake spillway, creating a “natural” way for fish to pass through. The upland slopes were seeded with grasses and the banks of the fishway were planted with native vegetation. Riparian buffers serve a critical environmental role by helping to shade and provide nutrients to the waters, create important habitat, and protect water quality by filtering sediment and pollutants from runoff. 2.3.2 The Town has adopted special rules developed locally to further protect natural resources. Special Setback From Tidal Wetlands: https://www.oldsaybrookct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif3626/f/uploads/section_68_neighborhood_pattern_building_design_2020_1.pdf

    3.4 Develop an Open Space Plan

    30 Points

    Approved Information: 2.4.1 Complete an open space inventory, (10 points), 2018 2.4.2 Prioritize resources for protection, (5 points), 2013 2.4.3 Develop an open space plan, (10 points), 2014 2.4.4b Protect open space - increase open space in your community, (5 points), 2020

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 2.4.1 The Town has maintained an open space inventory for decades, and we attempted to update the attribute table per the new SustainableCT template. 2.4.2 In recent years, the Town has studied its ability to adapt its land use to better its coastal resilience to climate change and sea level rise, resulting in salt marshes as the prioritized resource for protection. Marshes with the ability to migrate inland meet the most criteria for acquisition or protection. The Town especially supports the Old Saybrook Land Trust and the Connecticut River Gateway Commission in its tandem efforts. 2.4.3 The Town's Plan of Conservation & Development is updated on a rolling basis; so while its last update to the Conservation & Open Spaces section was 2006, a 2014 update to the overall Town Plan focused on State and local scenic roads for protection of their natural and aesthetic resources, identifying specific properties prioritized for acquisition for meeting criteria explained in the Plan (pp. 7, 11, 15, 19 & 23). https://www.oldsaybrookct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif3626/f/uploads/scenicroads_plansection_20140618adopted_20140715effective.pdf 2.4.2 a. The Town set aside almost 10% of its land over the past 10 years, bringing up the overall conservation of land to more than 25%.

    Partners: The Town works closely with the Old Saybrook Land Trust, the Gateway Conservation Commission, the State of Connecticut, the Trust for Public Land and The Nature Conservancy.

    3.5 Create a Natural Resource and Wildlife Inventory

    15 Points

    Approved Information: 2.5.1 Natural Resource Inventory, (10 points) 2.5.2 Use of NRI in Municipal Planning, (5 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Additional Information: 2.5.1 Map of natural resources maintained up-to-date as needed. 2.5.1 Maps for Great Cedars display soil type and topography of these locations. 2.5.1 Reports for the Great Cedars East and West Conservation Areas depict the present plant and animal life, and other resources in the area. 2.5.2 Inventories for the Great Cedars Conservation Areas influenced the proposal for a trail system and its expansion. 2.5.2 Trail maps keep park patrons on track to keep the well-being of the natural environment in check.

    3.8 Implement Low Impact Development

    15 Points

    Approved Information: 2.8.1a Publish LID Educational Info 2019 (5 pts.) 2.8.2b Encourage LID in Regulations 2018 (5 pts.) 2.8.3a Implement visible LID project 2012 (5 pts.)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 2.8.2a. The zoning regulations included in Section 68 Neighborhood Pattern & Building Design are highlighted on pages 1-10.

    Additional Information: 2.8.1a. The Town provides LID education to the public on its website and participates in using the National LID Atlas as its LID info to private property owners. 2.8.2b. The Town's Zoning Regulations encourage the implementation of LID solutions. 2.8.3a. A Rain Garden was built and publicized in front of the local Acton Public Library.

    3.9 Manage Woodlands and Urban Forests

    10 Points

    Approved Information: 2.9 Manage Woodlands and Forests, (10 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Additional Information: 2.9.1 The Town has participated in a long-running partnership with the Land Trust to manage the forest area within Gt. Cedars Conservation Area (1999), and its membership is now involved with an expanded committee that includes residents of adjacent towns to manage the forest within a supplemental annexation of The Preserve (2015). 2.9.2 The Town commissioned a thorough biological study of 1,000 acres of forest that was delivered Summer 2020. The full report is being reviewed and redacted for the public (to protect to exact locations of rare species); the draft without appendices is submitted to SustainableCT.

    3.10 Facilitate Invasive Species Education and Management

    5 Points

    Approved Information: 2.10.2 Municipal Removal of Invasive Species, (5 points), 2020

    Supporting Documentation:

    Additional Information: 2.10.2a The Preserve Stewardship Grant Fund provided funding to protect, secure, and improve The Preserve from 2016 to present. 2.10.3a "Invasive Plants in Your Backyard" is an informational guide to identifying and controlling invasive species, available on the Conservation Commission's website.

    3.11 Implement Green Grounds and Maintenance Program

    10 Points

    Approved Information: 2.11.2.c Runoff BMP Pervious Pavement Policy Regs Code 2010 (5 points) 2.11.2.c Runoff BMP Disconnect Pervious Surfaces 2.11.2.d Land Use BMP Native Planting Policy (5 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

  • 4. Vibrant and Creative Cultural Ecosystems

    4.1 Inventory Tourism and Cultural Assets

    5 Points

    Approved Information: 3.1.2: CT Visit profile, updated 2019 (5 pts.)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 3.1.2 The Town of Old Saybrook’s CTVisit account was updated for 2020. http://www.ctvisit.com/listings/town-old-saybrook

    Additional Information: 3.1.2 Our CTVisit account was updated this year.

    4.2 Support Arts and Creative Culture

    10 Points

    Approved Information: 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.3 (10 points) 3.2.1 Poet Laureate 3.2.2 Municipal Marketing Links 3.2.3 Dedicated Municipal Funding for the Arts

    Supporting Documentation:

    Additional Information: 3.2.2 Old Saybrook actively promotes arts and cultural events on the Town's website, department websites, and links to department and Chamber of Commerce social media. The Town also permits the use of its electronic announcement signs for events sponsored by non-profit organizations free of charge. 3.2.3 Every year, Old Saybrook sets at least $60,000 out of its town budget to fund The Kate, our local cultural arts center. An additional $1+ million goes to Acton Library, much of which goes toward arts and culture events. 3.2.10 Old Saybrook works closely with the local Acton Library on all events, and the library has its own page on the town website, so all publicity done by the library is done through the town.

  • 5. Dynamic and Resilient Planning

    5.3 Develop Agriculture-Friendly Practices

    15 Points

    Approved Information: 4.3.1 Ag-Friendly Practices in Zoning Regulations (5 pts.) 4.3.1 Ag-Practices Section 27 Conservation C District 2020 4.3.5 Ag-Friendly Practices Open Space Acquisition Fund, 2019 (10 pts.)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Partners: The Town of Old Saybrook is a participating member of both sponsoring agencies: RiverCOG and RiverRAC.

    Additional Information: 4.3.1 The Zoning Commission delegates its authority to the Planning Commission to act on any application for open space subdivision of land as a special exception. 4.3.1 The Town created a Conservation District the reflects uses solely allowed in certain areas and that are regulated in tandem with other uses throughout town. The Town exempts from permitting: sign for farm. Generally, the Town permits as-of-right: farm; farmers market (retail use); fish market primarily handling local catches; home /business occupation (garden, farm, fruit, produce and preserves); keeping of livestock/poultry; and roadside stand. The Town permits as special exception: agricultural nursery or greenhouse; private-community garden; dock, wharf, slip basin or similar landing facility for vessels or base operation engaged in processing or sale by commercial fishery or shellfishery; commercial tree cutting (forestry); commercial kennel or stable; livery, boarding stable or riding academy; and nature preserve or wildlife sanctuary. 4.3.1 4.3.5 The Town maintains a land acquisition fund and, as required by law, a separate fund account for fees-in-lieu of open space set-asides by the Planning Commission.

    5.4 Assess Climate Vulnerability

    25 Points

    Approved Information: 4.4.1 Climate Vulnerability Assessment, Primary Effects - 10 points 4.4.2 Identification of secondary impacts of climate change - 5 points 4.4.3 Special Consideration Given to Low- to Moderate-Income Residents - 10 points 4.4.1_ClimateVulnerability_PrimaryWeather_CommunityFloodResilienceStudy_RiverRegion_2017 - see pp. 24-25 & p. 32 re: vulnerable critical infrastructure 4.4.1_ClimateVulnerability_PrimaryWeather_CoastalResilienceStudy_OldSaybrook_2018 (5 pts.) - see p. 22 re: outreach to vulnerable community (Chalker Beach) - see Attachment 4 re: vulnerable populations and infrastructure - see Attachment 5 re: priority vulnerabilities and resilience strategies 4.4.1&2&3_ClimateVulnerability_PrimaryWeather&SecondayClimate&TertiaryVulnerablePopulations_NHMP_Old SaybrookFenwick_2019 (10 pts. & 5pts.) - see pp. 93 Attachment 1 re: cultural & historic resources - see p. 123 & p. 165 Attachment 2 re: hail and drought - see p. 207 Attachment 3 re: extreme heat temperatures 4.4.2_ClimateVulnerability_SecondayClimate_SLRCACRptFindings_OldSaybrook_2015 - see p. 11 re: culture, - see p. 15 re: public health - see p. 19 re: recreation - see p. 25 re: public infrastructure 4.4.3_ClimateVulnerability_TertiaryVulnerablePopulations_CoastalResilienceStudy_2018 (5 pts.) 9.4.4.3_ClimateVulnerability_TertiaryVulnerablePopulations_OptimizeEquity_2019 (10pts under Catergory 9)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: 4.4.1_ClimateVulnerability_PrimaryWeather_CommunityFloodResilienceStudy_RiverRegion_2017 - see pp. 24-25 & p. 32 re: vulnerable critical infrastructure 4.4.1_ClimateVulnerability_PrimaryWeather_CoastalResilienceStudy_OldSaybrook_2018 - see p. 22 re: outreach to vulnerable community (Chalker Beach) - see Attachment 4 re: vulnerable populations and infrastructure - see Attachment 5 re: priority vulnerabilities and resilience strategies 4.4.1&2_ClimateVulnerability_PrimaryWeather&SecondayClimate_NHMP_OldSaybrookFenwick_2014 - see p. 11 re: vulnerable populations, vulnerable critical facilities and vulnerable resources - see p. 62 re: sea level rise - see p. 68 re: heat wave 4.4.1&2&3_ClimateVulnerability_PrimaryWeather&SecondayClimate&TertiaryVulnerablePopulations_NHMP_Old SaybrookFenwick_2019 - see pp. 93 Attachment 1 re: cultural & historic resources - see p. 123 & p. 165 Attachment 2 re: hail and drought - see p. 207 Attachment 3 re: extreme heat temperatures 4.4.2_ClimateVulnerability_SecondayClimate_SLRCACRptFindings_OldSaybrook_2015 - see p. 11 re: culture, - see p. 15 re: public health - see p. 19 re: recreation - see p. 25 re: public infrastructure 4.4.3_ClimateVulnerability_TertiaryVulnerablePopulations_CoastalResilienceStudy_2018 9.4.4.3_ClimateVulnerability_TertiaryVulnerablePopulations_OptimizeEquity_2019

    Partners: The Town supported assessment of a priority climate vulnerability with a Study of "Long Term Recovery and Land Use Resiliency through Community Flood Resilience". The Town is a member and appoints a representative to the Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments, the Town subscribes for these services as a member of the regional Council of Government, the Town hosted and participated in a handful of workshops the region conducted throughout the process of the study, and the Town actively used the partner-created study in its update of the Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan.

    Additional Information: The Town expanded its assessment of natural hazards to consider how climate change might add to or exacerbate the natural hazards to which the Town would typically work to reduce or avoid long-term vulnerability--drought, extreme heat, increased precipitation and flooding due to sea level rise were included in the update to the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. To prioritize vulnerabilities listed in the NHMP, the Town charged an ad hoc committee to identify how the secondary impacts of climate change, generally, and sea level rise, specifically, might affect Old Saybrook's environment (coastal geologic processes, coastal plan and animal communities), community (culture, public health, recreation) and economy (private residences, public infrastructure, commerce and industry). The Region matched a Storm Sandy CDBG-DR (disaster recovery) grant from the CT-DOH to thoroughly study how susceptible assets along the Lower Connecticut River Valley are to flooding and how to make land use resilient and recoverable. The Town matched a Storm Sandy CDBG-DR (disaster recovery) grant from the CT-DOH to thoroughly study how to make resilient Old Saybrook's coastal areas. The Town gave special consideration to economic risk and vulnerable populations in: the Town Center (low and moderate income residents); the Chalker Beach community (an example of an area geographically vulnerable to the impact of extreme weather events); and owners of historic homes in need for technical and financial assistance by older, retired, single/widowed and moderate-income property owners about how to make resiliency upgrades with bulding materials that respect the integrity of the historic structures).

    5.5 Inventory and Assess Historic Resources

    5 Points

    Approved Information: 4.5.4 Achieve “Certified Local Government” status (5 pts.)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Partners: The Town partnered with the Old Saybrook Historic District Commission, the CT-SHPO and the property owners.

    Additional Information: 4.5.1 The Town supplements the SHPO's database of historic resources listed on the State and National Registers with in-house entries for each local historic resource inventoried since the 1930s; the Town makes these inventories available via the website of the local Historic District Commission (a NPS-CLG). This inventory is a precursor to any subsequent assessment (see 4.5.2), but is assessed in its entirety in a 2018 study about how to make resilient Old Saybrook's coastal areas, especially the viability and long-term health of historic resources. 4.5.2 The Town has been assessing the viability of individual historic resources, as well as historic resources overall as a class of assets vulnerable to climate change, especially sea level rise. to do so we partner with the Old Saybrook Historic District Commission, the CT-SHPO and the property owners themselves to hire professionals to consider the existing condition of the resources and how to appropriately preserve them in keeping with the context of their original construction. 4.5.3 No submission this year. 4.5.4 The National Park Service recognized Old Saybrook's Historic District Commission as having attained the status of a Certified Local Government in 2013.

  • 6. Clean and Diverse Transportation Systems and Choices

    6.1 Implement Complete Streets

    65 Points

    Approved Information: 5.1.2: Complete Streets Training (5 points) 5.1.6: Transportation Network Connection Projects (60 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Additional Information: 5.1.2 Christine Nelson, Town Planner, logged 1 hour of training on 7/25/18, watching "Complete Streets: Closing the Gap between Policy and Practice" presented by Tuesdays at APA on-demand webinar. Susan Beckman, Economic Development Director, logged 1.75 hours of training on 8/4/20 watching "Parking Reform Made Easy" presented by Smart Growth Online. 5.1.6 Bike Amenities (2017) 5.1.6 "Mariners Way Boulevard" Plan (2017) is ready for engineering design ($220k CT-DECD BAR grant), to create a safe, connected active transportation network across the Mariner's Way brownfield area. The Town worked with property owners, tenants and the community to develop a comprehensive plan for this area which includes upgrading the quality and multi-modal capacity of transportation infrastructure as a "complete" boulevard. 5.1.6 Municipal Campus "Connections Park" (2017) is a "though-park" constructed ($500k CT-OPM STEAP grant) to extend across Main Street from the open spaces of the municipal town green, the recreational fields and the tidal marshes of the Connecticut River. Phase I of the design is constructed: the Town demolished the building that formerly housed the Police Department to create pedestrian and vehicular access to a new Police Services complex (2013-2018). Phase II of the design is in programming: the concept will be considered as part of the Town’s strategic planning for updates to Old Saybrook’s parks and recreation (2021-2025). 5.1.6 "Saybrook Junction" Town Center Streetscape (2017) is designed ($125k CT-OPM RG-TOD Grant) and funded for constructed 430325 - CT-DOT LOTCIP Grant - North Main Street RECONSTRUCTION (2015) $1.4M CLOSED-OUT (2017) expanded our transportation network across the north end of our town’s Main Street—Route 1, North Main and Stage Road—to a concentration of transit-oriented development there. The Town, the Estuary Transit District and the State have implemented new sidewalks and roadside lighting; and reconstructed the two-block length of North Main Street with new storm water infrastructure management in the form of underground trenches. 5.1.6 "Route 1" Town Center Sidewalk (2020) is out to bid for construction ($225K CT-DOT CCGP) of sidewalks along U.S. Route 1 between the neighborhoods on Pond Road and Lynde Street. The walkway will feature an "overlook" of an adjacent isolated-wetland marsh.

    6.2 Promote Effective Parking Management

    35 Points

    Approved Information: 5.2.2: Non-Regulatory Parking Management Strategies (15 points). ongoing 5.2.3: Regulatory Parking Management Strategies (20 points). ongoing

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: A recent development project that was able to employ these regulatory strategies is a Dunkin Donuts restaurant and a Smithland Supply store, which shares a cross-access parking lot; completed July 2019. Another project is a mixed-use development of retail, office and residential, called Hanford Commons, that will share a parking lot and on-street parking when constructed.

    Additional Information: 5.2.2 a. Town Zoning Regulations permits both 'Joint Use of Parking Lot' and 'Shared Parking', allowing multiple properties to use the same lot. Examples of this include shared space by: Carquest and Liberty Bank; and The BFF LLC., the municipality, and The Kate. 5.2.2 b. For any development with a gross floor area greater than 3,000 square feet, the Town permits a "reservation" of landscaped area sufficient to construct a future increase in demand for parking on-site.

    6.4 Support Zero Emission Vehicle Deployment

    10 Points

    Approved Information: 5.4.1: ZEV education event (5 points) 9/21/19 5.4.4: ZEV charging_municipal (5 points) current

    Supporting Documentation:

    Additional Information: 5.4.1 The Town hosted an annual EV informational event which showcased electric vehicles and educated the general public as to their benefits during National Drive Electric Week in September 2019. 5.4.4 There are four ZEV charging stations located on public property in the parking lot of the train station.

    6.5 Promote Public Transit and Other Mobility Strategies

    15 Points

    Approved Information: 5.5.1_PublicTransit_XtraMilePromotion_2019 (5 points) 5.5_PublicTransit_ETDStudy_2020 (10 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Partners: The Town is a member of the Estuary Transit District and partners in all programs.

    Additional Information: 5.5.1 As a member of the Estuary Transit District (ETD), the Town educates residents via an existing website, online mobility manager, town-wide newsletter articles, and brochure displays. The Town helps promote the XtraMile first/last mile solution trial and extension of the trial. XtraMile is a free, on-demand ride-sharing service that anyone can use, anywhere within the service area which includes Old Saybrook.

  • 7. Renewable and Efficient Energy Infrastructure and Operations

    7.9 Participate in and Promote the C-PACE Program

    15 Points

    Approved Information: 1.6.1:C_PACE Agreement (5 points) 2/20/13 1.6.2:C-PACE Promotion (5 points) 2019-2020 1.6.3:C-PACE Project-StencilEase (5 points) 9/17/19

    Supporting Documentation:

    Additional Information: 1.6.1 Old Saybrook joined C-PACE in 2013 and provides links on its website to https://www.cpace.com/Building-Owner. https://www.ctenergydashboard.com/CEC/CECTownData.aspx?CECTownID=106 1.6.2 The Economic Development Director continually promoted C-PACE in her monthly e-newsletter with a link to details on the Town’s website. 1.6.3 Stencil Ease was the first business in Old Saybrook to be approved for and close on C-PACE financing from the CT Green Bank to undertake clean energy improvements on their property

    7.6 Install Efficient Exterior Lighting

    15 Points

    Approved Information: 6.7.2 Plan and Covert Municipally-Owned Street Lights, (15 points), purchase agreement 6/9/2017

    Supporting Documentation:

    Additional Information: 6.7.2 Through CCM's turnkey Street Lighting Program, the Town purchased the streetlights from Eversource (not the poles) and upgraded the bulbs to LED technology.

  • 8. Inclusive Engagement, Communication and Education

    8.1 Hold a Sustainability Event

    15 Points

    Approved Information: 7.1.1: Hold 10 or more Sustainability Events, (15 points)

    Supporting Documentation:

    Partners: 7.1.1: The Town is a participating member of RiverCOG, and provided additional support for their events by promoting them on the Town website, social media of various commissions, electronic sign announcements, and direct emails to commission members. The Town of Old Saybrook supports the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce in many ways. The Town leases the property to the Chamber at a reduced rate and covers all maintenance and upkeep. Space at other Town facilities is made available at no cost for Chamber meetings and events. The Town sponsors and promotes the Chamber’s events and efforts, and works closely with the Chamber to attract and welcome new businesses to Town.

    8.3 Train Municipal Representatives

    5 Points

    Approved Information: 7.3.1: Municipal Official Training (5 points) 2018-2019

    Supporting Documentation:

    Additional Information: 7.3. At least six commission members, including members from the IWWC and Zoning Commissions, attended and completed training relevant to their commissions.

  • 10. Optimal Health and Wellness Opportunities

    10.3 Improve Air Quality in Public Spaces

    10 Points

    Approved Information: 7.10.2:No Vaping Campaign (10 points) Oct 2019 - Jan 2020

    Supporting Documentation:

    Additional Information: 7.10.2 A “No Vaping” campaign took place during the 2019-2020 school year, spearheaded by several Old Saybrook High School students through their E3 group (Encourage, Empower, Engage) in partnership with Youth and Family Services (YFS) and the Old Saybrook Police Department (OSPD). The purpose of the campaign was to educate students and the public about vaping, and to override the widespread misunderstanding and misinformation that exists. It was anticipated that people would be less likely to vape if they were aware of the many negative consequences. Presentations were conducted in schools and for the general public, and the OSPD distributed $25 gift cards to any students that turned in vapes. Several events were held to provide education and discourage vaping: - OSHS all-school assembly about the effects of vaping, 10/21/2019 - Video message to OSHS students by Senator Richard Blumenthal - YFS presentation to parents and the general public about effects of vaping, 10/21/2019 - Vaping education presented to 7th-12th grade students in health classes, Dec. 2019 and Jan. 2020 - OSPD Vape Buy Back, 10/25/19 and 10/30/19 The E3 group has been working over the past few years on an anti-vaping efforts. One community awareness effort involved creating table-tents with facts about the hazards of vaping for restaurants to display. The E3 student group is continuing to discourage vaping and other substance use through a Social Hosting Campaign which encourages parents to publicly commit to providing a substance-free environment for their kids and friends by purchasing and displaying a blue garden flag in front of their home.

  • 11. Healthy, Efficient and Diverse Housing

    11.2 Grow Sustainable and Affordable Housing Options

    40 Points

    Approved Information: 8.2.2 Increase your municipality’s affordable housing, as compared to a baseline year within the past 5 years. (40 points) Old Saybrook is on the most recent annual Affordable Housing Appeals list with a current percentage of affordable housing in our community at 2.77% (as of 2019). Old Saybrook created 59 units of housing affordable over the past 5 years for residents earning less than 80% of the lower of state income. This is a 1.06% increase from 1.71% (2014) to 2.77% (2019) This is the latest information available from CT-DOH, as of 4/15/2020.

    Supporting Documentation:

    Documentation Details: DOH_FinalAppealsSummary_2019 = 2.77% DOH_FinalAppealsSummary_2014 = 1.71% 1.06% / 0.25 = 4.24 (40 pts.)

    Partners: The Town worked with Old Saybrook Senior Housing.

    Additional Information: 8.2.2 The Town has reported to CT-DECD a 1.06% increase over the past 5 years in the number of dwelling units (59) permitted to be developed for people with income restrictions.

  • 13. Innovative Strategies and Practices

    13.1 Implement Your Own Sustainability Action

    30 Points

    Approved Information: 10.1.1: Social Services Help Days (20 points) 2012-2020 10.1.2: Census 2020 Complete Count Committee (10 points) 2019-2020

    Supporting Documentation:

    Additional Information: 10.1.1: Since 2012, the Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services/Department of Social Services has been holding monthly Social Services Help Days, a "one-stop shop" for those in need of a wide variety of services such as food, housing assistance, medical assistance and employment training. Having a host of services available in one accessible location allows those in need to get help more quickly and efficiently, in many cases allowing them to get back on their feet sooner. 10.1.2: The Old Saybrook Board of Selectmen established a Census 2020 Complete Count Committee to reach ALL residents with census education, assistance and reminders to fill out the form and be counted.