This Week In Chester-Essex-Deep River: Middle Housing Rules, Lanternfly Talk, Budget Fix And More

DEEP RIVER, CT — Essex holds hearings on zoning changes to allow "middle housing," Deep River's library hosts the state entomologist on spotted lanternflies and two local history programs, and Chester sets a town meeting to correct its budget figure.

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

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1. Essex Hearings On Middle Housing, Parking District
When: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m.
Where: Conference Room A, Essex Town Hall, 29 West Ave., Essex
What to know: The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on its own text amendment to bring Essex's zoning into line with state housing law, Public Act 25-1. The amendment would modify numerous sections to allow middle housing, create a new section describing middle housing and how it's permitted, add a purpose statement for the Waterfront Business District and change parking requirements. A second hearing covers a map amendment creating a parking management district. The commission will also receive the town's own application to build a 48-by-80-foot dog pound building and a 50-by-80-foot garage at 72 Plains Road. A hearing on outdoor music at 124 Westbrook Road has been continued to Nov. 4.
More information here.

2. State Entomologist On Spotted Lanternflies In Deep River
When: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 6 p.m.
Where: Deep River Public Library, 150 Main St., Deep River
What to know: Sustainable Deep River presents a workshop on the invasive spotted lanternfly, with State Entomologist Jacob Ricker as guest speaker, according to the first selectman's weekly update. Also on Tuesday, volunteers are invited to a trail cleanup work party at the Pratt Cove parking area on Essex Street.
More information here.

3. Native American Stoneworks, Revolutionary Women Programs
When: Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m.
Where: Deep River Public Library, 150 Main St., Deep River (Wednesday); Deep River Historical Society Carriage House, 245 Main St., Deep River (Friday)
What to know: Local historian Richard Kalapos presents "Native American Beliefs and Legends, Written in Stone," on ancient technology and works by pre-Colonial Native Americans found in Deep River, including at the town's Solar Observatory. The program repeats Oct. 14, and no registration is required. On Friday, storyteller and historian Janice Steinhagen performs "Stories of Revolutionary Women," a library and Historical Society program marking the nation's 250th anniversary. An American Revolution traveling banner exhibit is also on display in the library's upstairs lobby.
More information here.

4. Chester Housing Committee Studies Cottage Clusters
When: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m.
Where: Community Room, Chester Town Hall, 203 Middlesex Ave., Chester, and on Teams
What to know: Chester's Affordable Housing Committee will get an update on its state Department of Housing grant, which has an expanded scope and an additional $6,000, according to the agenda. Members will also finalize a parcel analysis and review research and recommendations on cottage cluster housing. They'll discuss a communication strategy and hear updates from the regional affordable housing committee, including feedback the town submitted on Chester's existing conditions report. A public engagement training is proposed for Dec. 1.
More information here.

5. Chester Town Meeting Set To Correct Budget Figure
When: Notice posted; meeting Tuesday, Oct. 13, 7 p.m.
Where: Chester Meeting House, 4 Liberty St., Chester
What to know: Chester voters will be asked to ratify the 2026-27 town budget at $19,311,304. A scrivener's error in the legal notice and town meeting minutes listed the total as $19,211,304, though the published financial spreadsheets showed $19,311,304 and the mill rate was based on that amount, according to the town's notice. Voters will also consider amending the town's permit ordinance by adding the words "or Fire Marshal Permit" after "Sanitary Sewer Permit." The proposed amendment is available on the town website and at the town clerk's office. The meeting is in person only.
More information here.