The Town will hire a consultant for the site planning process that is anticipated to take approximately 8 months. This process will include the following (subject to additions):

1. Master Planning for the entire site:
   • Robust public engagement and participation throughout the process.
   • Developing draft master plans for site layout
   • Identify the infrastructure needed for the site including but not limited to roadways and sidewalks, water, wastewater, stormwater, traffic access and improvements. Public Works updates their Sewer Capacity study every 5 years, and this will be completed following the master planning process to incorporate the desired buildout of the Upper Main Street parcels. (Most of the acreage is within the Town’s sewer core.)
   • Prepare a high-level order of magnitude cost estimate to include the new town buildings contemplated, infrastructure needs, site improvements, etc. 
   • Prepare a list of preferred uses that could potentially be included on the site. It is already known that the Town plans on locating new municipal facilities on the site. However, phasing of the different uses must still be considered. For example, the fire station may be constructed at an earlier date than the municipal offices and the library. Additional use analysis should reflect the uses the Town needs / wants on the site in addition to what other uses could be included that will complement these such as multi-family housing, commercial uses, recreational access, public spaces, etc.
2. Discuss and determine the preference of full buildout or phasing of the municipal facilities, along with cost estimates of each option.
3. Identification of what changes would need to be made to the Town Zoning Regulations to allow for the desired site buildout. (Note that the ETC Next Plan has already envisioned zoning changes for the whole Essex Town Center area, so a zoning change for the Upper Main parcels is in line with the Plan’s vision.)
4. Preparation of a boundary survey of the Site.
5. Concept presentation to the Selectboard at decision points.
6. Continue to work with Gail Henderson King, formally of White + Burke Real Estate Advisors:
   • Provide project management for this phase of work.
   • Identify financing options for the buildout of the site. This will involve considering phasing, local and state grants/loans, TIF (tax increment financing) option, etc.
   • Identify site buildout options for the buildout of the site. Where areas have been identified for future development beyond what the Town will need, how could they be handled such as public private partnerships, subdivision / sale of lots, lease, etc.
7. Pursue New Town Center Designation from the State of Vermont to occur following the site planning work.
   • Town did not receive a Municipal Planning Grant for this work.
   • State legislature is currently considering overhaul of designation program, which would potentially eliminate this and other designations and replace with new designations and processes.
8. Work on Official Map (a requirement of the New Town Center designation) to proceed with the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) after Master Planning.