5 Things To Know In Chester, Essex & Deep River: 'Do Not Solicit' Vote, Town Meeting, Budget Talks And More

CHESTER-ESSEX-DEEP RIVER, CT — Essex holds its annual town meeting Monday and a hearing and special town meeting Wednesday on a "Do Not Solicit" registry, and Deep River's Board of Finance sets 2027-28 budget targets in two special meetings.

Here are five things to know about life around Chester, Essex and Deep River this week:

1. Essex Votes On 'Do Not Solicit' Registry
When: Wednesday, Nov. 18, public hearing then special town meeting at 6:55 p.m.
Where: Meeting Room A, Essex Town Hall, 29 West Ave., Essex, and on Zoom
What to know: Essex residents will be asked to adopt an ordinance creating a "Do Not Solicit" registry, according to the town meeting call. Homeowners and occupants could sign up to keep door-to-door commercial solicitors off their property; the list would be kept by the first selectman's office. The Board of Selectmen meets at 7 p.m.
More information here.

2. Essex Annual Town Meeting
When: Monday, Nov. 16, 7 p.m.
Where: Essex Town Hall, 29 West Ave., Essex
What to know: The annual town meeting will accept the town accounts, the treasurer's report and the superintendent's report from the 2025-26 Annual Town Report, and approve appointments to the Conservation, Economic Development, Harbor Management, Inland Wetlands, Park and Recreation, Planning and Zoning, Zoning Board of Appeals and Gateway commissions, according to the call.
More information here.

3. Deep River Finance Board Sets 2027-28 Budget Targets
When: Tuesday, Nov. 17, and Thursday, Nov. 19, 6 p.m.
Where: Richard H. Smith Town Hall, 174 Main St., Deep River
What to know: The Deep River Board of Finance holds two special meetings on 2027-28 budget target guidance for the town and Board of Education, according to the agendas.
More information here.

4. Deep River Planning And Zoning, Firehouse Committee Meet
When: Tuesday, Nov. 17, 6 p.m. (Firehouse Building Committee); Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6 p.m. (P&Z)
Where: Richard H. Smith Town Hall, 174 Main St., Deep River
What to know: The Firehouse Building Committee meets Tuesday and the Planning and Zoning Commission meets Wednesday, according to the town calendar.
More information here.

5. Chester Finance Board, Fire Commissioners Meet
When: Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6 p.m. (Finance); 7 p.m. (Fire)
Where: Chester Town Hall, 203 Middlesex Ave.
What to know: Chester's Board of Finance and Board of Fire Commissioners meet Wednesday, according to the town calendar. Chester's Zoning Board of Appeals (Mon.) and WPCA (Tue.) meetings are CANCELED.
More information here.