ESSEX, CT — The Essex Planning and Zoning Commission will hold public hearings Tuesday, Oct. 6, on proposed zoning changes addressing middle housing and the creation of a Parking Management District, with both proposals also listed for possible action later in the meeting.
The commission's text amendment would modify numerous sections of the Essex zoning regulations in connection with Public Act No. 25-1. The proposal would allow for middle housing, create a new Section 46 describing middle housing and its permitting process, establish a purpose under the Waterfront Business District regulations and modify parking requirements. The Planning and Zoning Commission is the applicant.
A second commission-initiated application proposes a map amendment creating a Parking Management District. Both applications appear again under unfinished business and action items following the public hearings.
The commission also has unfinished business involving a proposed detached accessory dwelling unit within the town's coastal boundary. The application is a coastal site plan application under Section 102 of the zoning regulations for the project at 1 Foxboro Road. Mary Coons is listed as the applicant and owner. The matter was continued from the commission's Sept. 1 meeting.
Another application involving outdoor music at 124 Westbrook Road is listed on the agenda but will not have its public hearing Oct. 6. The amended agenda says the hearing has been continued to Nov. 4. Cogent Holdings LLC is seeking modification of a special exception under the Commercial District regulations to permit outdoor music at the property.
The commission is also scheduled to receive a new town application for a dog pound and garage at 72 Plains Road.
PZC #26-11 seeks a special exception under the Limited Industrial District regulations to construct a 48-by-80-foot dog pound building and a 50-by-80-foot garage, along with a septic system, drainage, parking and other site improvements. The Town of Essex is both applicant and property owner. The proposal is listed for receipt as a new application, not for an Oct. 6 public hearing or decision.
Under new business, the commission will consider an application from Jetta and Atillio Albani for open-space tax abatement status under PA 490 for a property identified as "New City Street," Map 28, Lot 43.
Other business includes regional housing information from the Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments Regional Planning Committee and reports from the Economic Development Commission, Ad-Hoc Historic Preservation Committee, town planning consultant and land use official.
The hybrid meeting begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Conference Room A at Essex Town Hall, 29 West Avenue. Residents may also participate through this Zoom link.
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