What does "continuing the overall progress" look like?
The voters of the Town of Essex on March 3 chose to advise the Selectboard to continue the overall progress in implementing a new municipal complex at 80-90 Upper Main Street as well as to complete the public infrastructure planning and design for the site.
Some details about 80-90 Upper Main Street
After the purchase of the 32-acre 80-90 Upper Main Street, the Town completed a 7-month planning process in March 2025, with the Selectboard acceptance of the Upper Main Street Planning project report.
The planning process accessed future town needs and opportunities for the site, including the potential to house new Town offices, a fire station, community space, and expanded programming space for library, senior, recreational activities, and more. Located in the town center area, it will support development and a vibrant downtown envisioned in the 2024 Town Plan and the ETC Next (Essex Town Center) plan.
Possibilities for the new municipal site:
- public space for walking trails
- private development could support community needs such as housing and commercial space
- town offices and services located within town borders
- replacing the small and outdated fire station and library
What is Next for 80-90 Upper Main?
In the near future, the Selectboard will consider accepting the $500,000 grant received from the Northern Borders Regional Commission (NBRC) for the planning and design of the public water, sewer, roadway, and stormwater infrastructure.
The Selectboard will also begin to lay out a draft timeline for site development. Stay tuned to the project webpage for more details about the project’s proposed phasing, schedule, budget, and how you can be involved.