Essex Village Initiative Long Term Planning Committee October 2009
LTPC Charge Formed Spring 2007 Charged by BOS to articulate long-term vision (25 years) and strategy, embracing the Town's history and culture Members: citizens, business persons, Town board and department representatives Exchange of ideas with Town Boards, Chamber of Commerce Survey residents’ ideas and concerns Recommendations of distinct projects
“Village Initiative” Committee’s need to focus its effort CDP review ID’d 6 -8 critical issues 2008 citizens survey agreed LTPC and citizens’ concerns about “down town” Presto! All the critical issues meet in the “Village”
Town’s Critical Issues Planning Economic development Mixed housing stock Open space; resource protection; “working natural landscapes” Transportation Public health and safety Town infrastructure
Village’s Critical Issues Examination and revision of zoning and by-laws Encouragement of small business through mixed use structures and home occupations Development of safe multi- modal transportation, with a walk-able Causeway Re-evaluation of the Town buildings and facilities Improvement to various infrastructure and implementation of enhancement projects Improved river access Planning and re-use of underutilized properties Adequacy and availability of parking in the Village Promotion of a mixed housing stock Preservation of open space and viewscapes
LTPC’s Vision "The Village is the geographic, economic, and social core of the Town of Essex. It should balance thoughtful residential and business development with preservation of cultural, natural, historic, and recreational resources and be an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike. "
Village Project Work Enhancing Village Character Transportation and Parking Access to River and Recreation Zoning and Permitting Municipal Infrastructure Project descriptions Implementation Funding opportunities
Enhancing Village Character Coordinated Design Plan Ø Historic Reproduction Street Lighting Ø Landscaping & benches Ø Plaques & signage Improvements to Village Buildings Ø Design theme and preservation of historic features Ø Encouragement to consider
Enhancing Village Character Freight House and Antique Hand Tub Ø Historic railroad freight house, relocated to Village site Ø Essex Veteran Fireman’s Association’s “Essex #2” – preserve, display and use Ø Potential site shown in depiction here
Transportation and Parking Route 133 Reconstruction Project Ø Improved roadway, sidewalks along Causeway, resulting benefits in safety, aesthetics, and bicycling and walking Ø Maximize value w/companion projects Parking Study Ø Limited street parking + private parking with varying peak times Ø Opportunity for sharing agreements Ø Inventory; then investigate: sharing, adding if necessary
Transportation and Parking Investigate Southern Avenue Property Re-use Ø Parking for southern end of Village Ø Pocket park Ø Amenities for visitors
Access to Essex River and Recreation Transient Dock and Boardwalk Ø Design and construct to improve access, encourage visitors Ø Street level boardwalk Ø Floating dock below Ø Seeking Seaport Bond bill funding to study
Access to Essex River and Recreation Town Landing Ø Improve multi-use & owner function and visual appeal Ø Master Plan and cooperative effort Ø Town-owned pocket park, benches, and deck Ø “Ship’s ribs” display
Access to Essex River and Recreation Community Path Ø Re-use rail bed parallel to Main Street Ø Multiple phases Ø Ultimate goal to connect Town Hall to Southern Avenue Ø Wonderful community asset for hiking, skiing, birding
Access to Essex River and Recreation Tennis Courts and Ball Fields
Access to Essex River and Recreation Paglia Property and Spar Pond Ø Pocket park w/landscaping and benches Ø Historic interpretation of Spar Pond Woodman’s Beach Pocket Park Ø Granite benches from seawall Ø Landscape, reconstitute beach
Zoning and Permitting Business Overlay District Ø Careful review and development Ø Remove burdensome barriers to allow for better use of existing properties • Consider demolition delay bylaw for more careful consideration of historic structures
Municipal Infrastructure Town Hall Restoration Ø Unique building, a National Historic Landmark Ø No clear road map for its future • Municipal and Public Safety Building Ø Work of Building Committee underway LTPC goal: maximize people’s use of the Village area for conduct of public business
The Way Forward BOS Review Ø Prioritize Ø Implementation funding and organizations to do the work! • LTPC Ø Short term: grant proposal(s), w/Town Planner Ø Next 12 months: re-examine the Big Picture and focus on the next : “chapter” Ø LTPC will exceed original 3 -year term: LOTS TO DO • Outreach to other Boards & Committees • Replenish our membership
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