WFSB — Bill proposes to change access to town beaches

Proposal to change access to town beaches

Feb 17, 2023

By Luke Hajdasz WFSB Channel 3 Connecticut News — OLD LYME, CT — Who’s allowed and how much you pay to be at certain Connecticut beaches could soon change.

The proposed changes have some shoreline residents pretty upset.

House Bill 6650 would put an end to certain municipalities prohibiting non-residents from accessing beaches. It would also limit the charges of non-residents to be no more than 50% more than what residents pay to be at public beaches.

“The state of Connecticut has put in a lot of money to ensure the success of Long Island sound and I’m glad we have, and I do believe our Connecticut residents deserve access to those same beaches,” 96th District Democratic Representative Roland Lemar said.

Andy Pace spends his summers in Old Lyme. He likes it because it tends to be quiet. Now, he’s worried what this summer could bring.

“It’s going to bring traffic,” Pace said. “It’s going to be more people down here.”

His biggest concern is extra congestion and if everyone will stay safe.

Local leaders agree.

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