ESSEX — In what may be a true democratic process, Essex residents had the opportunity to publicly speak what’s on their minds concerning input for the town’s Comprehensive Plan — Essex 2040, A Blueprint for Advancing Community Vitality — and thus, the future for the town.
The town’s previous Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2002. In 1989, the Trancic Study, conducted by Roger Trancic, an urban design consultant, dealt mainly with details concerning the hamlet and not the town as a whole.
At the start of the meeting, Jamie Konkoski, certified planner from LaBella Associates, reviewed the process for creating a Comprehensive Plan.
“We want to make sure all voices are heard,” Committee Co-Chair Kristin Kimball said.
Co-chair Steven Engelhart conducted most of the meeting.
“This is a pretty amazing process to be part of. I want to thank the steering committee. We had a wonderful consulting team. The level of engagement in the community is impressive. We live in a community that is concerned about its future,” Engelhart said.
“This plan separates the village from the town — 85% of Essex is not in the village. We don’t have a plan for the town as a whole,” Mary Nell Bochman said.
She gave as an example the importance of the Whallonsburg Grange.
“We need to focus on what does exist. This town is the center of the Champlain Area Trails. (The Comprehensive Plan is) out of proportion to the town,” she said. “Frankly, I think it needs some work.”
The proprietor of Essex Marina, Barry Hamilton, spoke of the difficulties he has had with the Town of Essex and the costs for him to run the facility.
“It’s hanging by a thread. Get in touch with reality. It costs me $75,000 to keep open. I’ve been to court 13 times,” he said.
“It’s great to have different viewpoints. It’s a way to engage a town and for people to meet. Thanks for the work you have been doing,” said Mac MacDevitt.
He was also concerned about the ferry that connects Essex to Charlotte, Vermont.
“We have the crappiest boat in the fleet. This is supposed to be a public service. It’s discouraging,” he said. “It’s our bridge to Vermont. We need to have it run more often.”
President of the Whallonsburg Grange Hall Kathy Reinhardt also spoke.
“You have only mentioned the Grange Hall three times. You lack a sense of partnership,” she said. “People are from other areas (than the hamlet). The Plan should be addressing partnerships. That’s what’s missing.”
John Davis spoke of the importance of the Split Rock Wildway that goes through the Town of Essex and provides a wildlife corridor that connects Lake Champlain with the Jay Mountain Wilderness.
Chris Maron recommended the Twin Valleys, which CATS has recently acquired, be included, as well as the Empire State Bike Trail. He added,
“(The Comprehensive Plan) is really about people, not just businesses. All of our towns need a regional approach. We need to work with other towns. But overall, I think it’s a good job,” he said.”
Jim Davis, of Westport, felt Essex needs an industry, such a high speed internet.
Others who spoke voiced concerns that Whallons Bay, short-term rentals and auxiliary dwelling/alternative housing units, and attracting young people were not addressed in the Comprehensive Plan.
Former Essex Town Supervisor Ron Jackson, who helped draft the previous Plan, wanted other entities, such as College for Every Student, the Black Kettle School and solar energy, to be included.
For more information, visit essexnewyork.com/comprehensive-plan.