Long Term Planning CommitteeOctober 2009

LTPCLTPC ChargeChargeFormed Spring 2007Charged 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 concernsRecommendations of distinct projects

Committee’s need to focus its effortCDP reviewID’d 6-8 critical issues2008 citizens survey agreedLTPC and citizens’ concerns about “down town”Presto! All the critical issues meet in the

“Village”

““Village Initiative”Village Initiative”

Town’s Critical IssuesTown’s Critical IssuesPlanningEconomic developmentMixed housing stockOpen space; resource protection; “working

natural landscapes”TransportationPublic health and safetyTown infrastructure

Village’s Critical IssuesVillage’s Critical Issues

LTPC’s VisionLTPC’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 WorkVillage Project WorkEnhancing Village Character Transportation and ParkingAccess to River and RecreationZoning and PermittingMunicipal Infrastructure

Project descriptionsImplementationFunding opportunities

Enhancing Village Enhancing Village CharacterCharacter

Coordinated Design PlanHistoric Reproduction Street LightingLandscaping & benchesPlaques & signage

Improvements to Village BuildingsDesign theme and preservation of historic

features Encouragement to consider

Enhancing Village CharacterEnhancing Village CharacterFreight House and Antique Hand Tub

Historic railroad freight house, relocated to Village site

Essex Veteran Fireman’s Association’s “Essex #2” – preserve, display and use

Potential site shown in depiction here

Transportation and Transportation and ParkingParking

Route 133 Reconstruction Project Improved roadway, sidewalks along Causeway,

resulting benefits in safety, aesthetics, and bicycling and walking

Maximize value w/companion projectsParking Study

Limited street parking + private parking with varying peak times

Opportunity for sharing agreements Inventory; then investigate: sharing, adding if

necessary

Transportation and Transportation and ParkingParking

Investigate Southern Avenue Property Re-useParking for southern end of VillagePocket parkAmenities for visitors

Access to Essex River and Access to Essex River and Recreation Recreation

Transient Dock and BoardwalkDesign and construct to improve access,

encourage visitorsStreet level boardwalkFloating dock belowSeeking Seaport Bond bill funding to study

Access to Essex River and Access to Essex River and Recreation Recreation

Town Landing Improve multi-use & owner function and visual

appealMaster Plan and cooperative effortTown-owned pocket park, benches, and deck“Ship’s ribs” display

Access to Essex River and Access to Essex River and Recreation Recreation

Community PathRe-use rail bed parallel to Main StreetMultiple phasesUltimate goal to connect Town Hall to Southern

AvenueWonderful community asset for hiking, skiing, birding

Access to Essex River and Access to Essex River and Recreation Recreation

Tennis Courts and Ball Fields

Access to Essex River and Access to Essex River and Recreation Recreation

Paglia Property and Spar PondPocket park w/landscaping and benchesHistoric interpretation of Spar Pond

Woodman’s Beach Pocket ParkGranite benches from

seawallLandscape, reconstitute

beach

Zoning and PermittingZoning and PermittingBusiness Overlay District

Careful review and developmentRemove burdensome barriers to allow for

better use of existing properties

• Consider demolition delay bylaw for more careful consideration of historic structures

Municipal InfrastructureMunicipal Infrastructure

Town Hall RestorationUnique building, a National Historic LandmarkNo clear road map for its future

• Municipal and Public Safety BuildingWork of Building Committee underway

LTPC goal: maximize people’s use of the Village area for conduct of public business

The Way ForwardThe Way ForwardBOS Review

Prioritize Implementation funding and organizations to do the

work!• LTPC

Short term: grant proposal(s), w/Town Planner Next 12 months: re-examine the Big Picture and focus

on the next : “chapter” LTPC will exceed original 3-year term: LOTS TO DO

• Outreach to other Boards & Committees• Replenish our membership