By Lynne Parshall and Kristin Kelley
At Lyme Little Town Meeting on March 3, 2026, voters can learn more about Warrant Article 2, a proposal that will be voted by paper ballot on March 10. It deserves a “YES” vote.
Warrant Article 2 proposes to amend the town’s zoning ordinance to allow “Adaptive Reuse” in the Lyme Center, Lyme Common and Commercial Districts. Adaptive reuse is the purposeful conversion of an existing building into a new, viable use while preserving its structure and character and meeting the community’s needs. Adaptive reuse is a solution that honors Lyme’s character while allowing the Town to evolve responsibly. It addresses many of the concerns and reflects much of the will expressed in the Housing Survey that was conducted in late 2025. It is the least intrusive way to increase affordable and attainable housing while preserving the qualities of Lyme that we care about most.
What the Lyme Community Told Us
The recent Housing Survey revealed that 72% of respondents are comfortable with at least doubling the rate of new housing construction in Lyme. Among the most popular initiatives were those that help seniors remain in town and those that create housing with a mix of price ranges.
Residents recognize that Lyme needs housing options — not sprawl or large-scale development — but thoughtful opportunities that serve real community needs. Warrant Article 2 does exactly that.
What Warrant Article 2 Does
Warrant Article 2 proposes an amendment to the town’s existing building conversion rules. It would allow buildings in the Lyme Center, Lyme Common, and Commercial Districts to be subdivided into multiple residential units — such as apartments or condominiums — based on what can reasonably fit within the existing structure. Adaptive reuse simply allows optimized, continued use of buildings that already exist.
It does not allow new buildings, it does not open new land for development, it does not require new roads or infrastructure, it does not bypass Planning Board review, and it does not override septic, parking, fire, or safety requirements. Outside the named districts, nothing changes.
What Could This Look Like?
A large older home in the Lyme Common district could become several apartments. Upper floors of commercial buildings, such as Stella’s, could be converted to housing. An inn or short-term lodging property, such as Dowds Inn, could transition to long-term residences.
There are current community-driven efforts to help create housing for those the community would like to see housed: seniors who wish to downsize, workers in Lyme’s restaurants, businesses and schools, and others who want to remain in Lyme. Those efforts would stall if Warrant Article 2 does not pass.
Addressing Concerns
The Planning Board voted 3–1 to not recommend this amendment, but agreed that adaptive reuse is important for increasing housing stock. The concerns of those who voted “no” were focused on integration with existing ordinances. Importantly, however, the zoning ordinance already says that when provisions conflict, the more restrictive standard applies. Nothing in the proposed amendment overrides these existing protections.
Some members of the Board expressed interest in developing a more detailed proposal over the next year. But in the meantime, Lyme’s Planning and Zoning Administrator confirmed that the amendment as written can be administered within the current framework. Waiting has consequences. Potential community-led projects exist now that may not exist later. Passing the amendment now does not prevent refinement in the future. We can always adopt improved language at a future Town Meeting. Waiting forestalls thoughtful progress.
Concerns that Lyme’s entire housing stock could gradually convert to apartments are unfounded. This amendment applies only to the Lyme Center, Lyme Common, and Commercial Districts. Moreover, suitable properties rarely become available, and structural and market constraints naturally limit what is feasible.
Learn More and Vote
We invite you to learn more at Little Town Meeting on March 3. Ask questions, voice opinions and engage in thoughtful discussion with the community. Then vote YES on Warrant Article 2.