Town Topics to Consider

The town of Essex is rich in natural resources, and many residents have been working together to protect the vitality of the Great Marsh and nearby wetlands.  SEL has increased scrutiny on two proposed projects at 65/73 Eastern Avenue that may have a direct impact on the health of residents, wildlife, and the nearby Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC).  SEL is also looking at large-scale development proposals in neighboring towns of Hamilton and Ipswich. With the very real threat to our groundwater, this is an issue our town cannot ignore.  For more information
about these and other local topics, please
review the Essex Strategic Plan, which details
the goals and challenges our town will
consider in the years to come.  The outline
can be found HERE.  

Zoning
At the annual town meeting in May 2021
residents voted to implement a two-year
zoning moratorium. The town currently lacks
clear residential and commercial zoning, and
has sought guidance through the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC).  This partnership will allow for residents and town administration to ask questions, provide feedback, and to envision potential revisions to the current zoning bylaw.  To learn more about the process, click HERE.

Affordable Housing
Chapter 40B is the state’s Affordable Housing Law.  This law was enacted with the goal of making at least 10 percent of every community’s housing affordable.  It enables developers to build affordable housing with a streamlined permit process and more flexible zoning rules. The process is available to developments that devote at least 20% to 25% of their units to low- and moderate-income families.
Essex real estate prices have escalated while inventory remains low, making it harder for lower-income buyers to purchase a home.  Additionally, with construction of a new emergency services building in Essex and a full renovation of Manchester Memorial Elementary, there has been a sharp rise in property taxes. Town officials have acknowledged the deficit in affordable housing in Essex, and we at SEL welcome discussion of sustainable and responsible solutions to this critical need. 

Tidal Flooding and the Causeway
In recent years Essex has had some record-breaking tides, often rendering the causeway impassable.  The reality is that waters are rising, and we are vulnerable to its devastating effects.  This is an issue that residents and town administration have been concerned about for many years.  The Essex County Greenbelt has been studying these environmental changes along the Great Marsh and our coast, and has done considerable outreach to educate the public on these shifts.  To learn more click HERE.