On Thursday, June 8th @6:30 p.m., the Planning Commission (PC) will meet to discuss development applications.
The meeting starts off with ‘Public to be Heard’. IF there is a Consent Agenda item, this is the time for the public to raise your hand and be heard. This time also allows the public to talk to the PC about any other topic on their mind (except for other warned applications.)
‘Consent Agenda’ is a process wherein a draft approval letter is written up for the Planning Commission to review and approve. A copy of the draft letter is mailed to the abutters of the project. Consent Agenda items are minor in nature (such as a boundary adjustment, simple-parcel, minor tweak to a site plan, etc.) These approvals were done in earlier years through an administrative approval in the office. In 2008, in continued efforts to be transparent, the Planning Commission created the Consent Agenda process. Draft approval letters are still written by staff, however the Planning Commission reviews and approves the proposal. This way, the public gets an opportunity to voice its comments.
Consent Agenda: Bob Miller was granted a boundary adjustment in 2013 to combine two lots into one lot and to construct 3 buildings located at 30-42 Allen Martin Drive in the RPDI zone. To date, only 1 building has been constructed. The site plan approval has expired – meaning no more construction without an additional PC review. Mr. Miller's proposal is to ‘undo’ the boundary adjustment and return the land into 2 lots (a 20.0-acre lot and a 30.8-acre lot.) No construction development is proposed with the current application under review – this is strictly to re-create boundary lines to create 2 lots.
Site Plan Amendment: Did you all hear that the roller skating rink went out of business? They tried hard, but there was not enough interest to keep it going. On the other hand, the go-cart facility is a success. Al Senecal has agreed to expand the go-cart business and use the remaining space to create 2 warehouse units. The warehouse units require a PC review. The public should provide comment when the PC Chair opens the Public Hearing (after staff and the applicant provide a brief presentation.) The property is located at 6A Susie Wilson Road in the Industrial Zone. A conditional use approval was granted by the Zoning Board of Adjustment on June 1st.
Site Plan Amendment: Back in October, 2014, Blackrock Development received approval to develop a lot located at 6 Freeman Woods to include a 56-bed memory care facility (up & running); 17 townhomes (8 constructed-others in progress); a 6,000 s.f. commercial bldg. (not built); and a 71-bed assisted living facility (not built).
The changes proposed are to eliminate the 6,000 s.f. building completely from the site, and expand the footprint of the 71-bed facility from 24,000 s.f. to 39,243 s.f. , no increase in the number of beds. This has caused some confusion as the legal ad read “from 24,000 sq. ft. to 62,000 sq. ft.” The engineer has since fixed the discrepancy on the plan. The building remains as a 2-story building, and no change to the number of beds - remains at 71.
A Sign Application has been requested for property located at 2 Carmichael Street (former Blockbuster building). As this property is located in the Business Design Control Overlay District – and because the colors proposed are not on the color chart for the area, the PC must review and approve. The tenant is Phoenix Books (who will be moving from 21 Essex Way (near Carter’s). They will share the building with Dunkin Donuts.
Staff Reports and plans are found on the Town's website www.essex.org.
Remember, ticks, mosquitos, etc., are as bad as ever. Visit the State Health Dept. website http://healthvermont.gov for great information on several issues!
On going construction: Old Colchester Rd/Route 2A: Al Senecal has approval to construct a contractor's yard, including 20,000 s.f. building. Gardenside Lane/Rte 2A: construction of a 16,000 s.f. commercial bldg., a 24-unit apt. building; and six 4-plex residential buildings.
Hope to see you at the PC meeting!
Jan 25, 2025, 1 to 6 PM
Preschool Story TimeJan 29, 2025, 10:30 AM
Join Us at the Richmond Public Safety ForumJan 29, 2025, 7 to 8 PM