In Old Saybrook, there are two separate and unconnected streets called “South Cove Road.” One heads north to the cove from Maple Avenue, the other goes south to the cove from College Street. Also, there are two entirely separate streets called “Sea Lane”—one in Cornfield Point and one in Saybrook Manor. These are known, informally and maybe formally, as “South Cove Road I” and “South Cove Road II” and “Sea Lane I” and “Sea Lane II.” There’s also a Soundview Ave. 1 and Soundview Ave. 2, at least one of which has no view of the Sound.

Back in December, the Selectmen’s Office proposed changing at least three (and perhaps all six) of these names so that there’s less confusion among delivery people and just plain folks trying to get to a friend’s house. That’s a good idea, although apparently no decision has yet been made on the issue. I wonder why the powers that be allowed so many duplicates to begin with?

And when they solve that issue, they might tackle another: How come the sign at the south end of my street reads “Sea Crest Road” (three words), and the one at the north end reads “Seacrest Road” (two words)? Choice is good, but consistency has its virtues, too.

Henry McNulty

Old Saybrook