Save Rural Essex
Preserve Local Character
Thank you to all who attended the Planning and Zoning Commission
meeting on 10/3
The Planning and Zoning Commission in Essex decisively turned down the proposed text amendment to authorize high density and multifamily housing within the main residential zone of Essex, the commission voted 6-1 against the proposition.
We wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for the unwavering support for the message of SaveRuralEssex.org
We truly appreciate the time, energy, and passion you have invested in this cause. It's through your collective efforts that we can work together to find solutions that balance progress with the essential preservation of Essex's beauty.
Once again, thank you for standing with SaveRuralEssex.org and for being an integral part of our community's vibrant spirit. Your support continues to be the driving force behind our mission.
We extend our gratitude to everyone who joined the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on September 5.
With over 200 people in the meeting room and another 54 participating virtually; and over 500 people now having signed the petition, Essex, CT residents’ strong opposition to this developer’s proposal to change town zoning has been voiced!
The Planning and Zoning Commission has closed the public portion of the hearing and will vote on the proposed text amendment within 65 days.
What Can You Still Do?
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If you haven’t yet… Sign the petition to show
your support -
Continue to spread the word to friends
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Attend the next Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting on October 3, 2023 at 7:00 PM at Essex Town Hall
News Coverage
Developer Proposes Zoning Change for Essex to Allow Higher-Density Housing, 48 Condos off Saybrook Road — CT Examiner, Brendan Crowley, 9.13.2022
Join Us To Say No!
Speaking out against a developer’s proposed zoning changes for high-density and multi-family housing
A large, out-of-town developer wants to change the zoning in Essex to allow high-density, multi-family development in single family zoned areas.
Essex already has a well-defined town development plan. This includes already established areas for multi-family units and affordable housing that have yet to be fully developed.
The town plan has been successful to meet the needs of residents and develop a town that is hailed repeatedly as a very special community:
Essex Planning and Zoning Commission Meetings
At the August 1st Essex Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing, over one hundred Essex residents joined to unanimously voice their disapproval for this proposal. Due to the overwhelming public interest in this matter, the commission decided to extend consideration for public comments until the next meeting to allow more Essex residents to voice their opinion.
Over 250 people participated in the September 5th meeting, with the high majority expressing strong opposition to the proposed zoning change via comments in the meeting and/or signing the petition. After more than 2 hours, the Commission closed the public hearing and will vote within 65 days on the proposed zoning change.
What The Developer’s Proposal Means
PZC Application 23-07 Proposed Text Amendment under Section 123 of the Essex Zoning Regulations to change the text of the Zoning Regulations to add a new Section 61A.2(G) to permit Multiple Dwelling Projects in the Rural Residence District Applicant: Greylock Property Group, LLC
The proposal submitted to the Essex Planning and Zoning Commission would amend Essex Zoning Regulations to allow multi-family development on several parcels across the town’s Rural Residential Zone, which currently restricts development to single family homes on 2-acre lots.
If approved, the amendment to town zoning would:
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Change the established Town Development Plan, allowing this developer and future developers to proceed with high-density, multi-family development
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Significantly increase the population and traffic across Essex
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Stress the existing natural and town resources
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Change the character of our small town that we all love!
Sign the petition to show your support
