Town staff has been preparing for a public engagement process around future development of 80 & 90 Upper Main St. Staff has also looked into the potential for recreational amenities at the site – such as gardens and trails – in the nearer term.
Regarding the public engagement process for design and planning of the site, a Request for Proposals (RFP) has been issued to seek proposals to create a master plan and concept plans for the property. The RFP is attached, and has been posted on the Town’s webpage for Bid Postings (https://essexvt.org/Bids.aspx). The RFP has also been shared with the Northern New England Chapter of the American Planning Association, the Vermont Planners Association, the Vermont Development listserv, and the Vermont League of Cities and Towns. The deadline for submissions is February 23, with the project work scheduled to begin by April 1, 2024. Staff envisions the work being complete by December 13, 2024, which would leave enough time for the Selectboard to decide whether or not to pursue any questions – such as a bond vote – on the 2025 Town Meeting ballot.
As for recreational amenities in the near term, access to the site remains a primary challenge. The Vermont Agency of Transportation has informed the Town that the existing curb cuts are not sufficient for a permitted public use. To allow public access for a recreational use, VTRANS would need a permit application and site plan showing an improved access. VT Route 15/Upper Main Street would also need to have a turn lane added.
The Town Ordinances provide definitions and guidelines for public land in Title 9. Chapter 9.04 defines “parks” “to include all recreational facilities and land owned by the town of Essex and used for open space and recreation. It includes, but is not limited to, playgrounds, ballfields, tennis courts, trails, pathways, picnic areas, pools, drives and parking lots, whether such public grounds are developed or undeveloped.” Staff feels that the definition covers the land at 80 & 90 Upper Main St. Section 9.04.080 of the ordinances goes on to specify that all parks are “closed and off limits between nine p.m. and seven a.m. unless a permit … is obtained from the parks and recreation department.” Furthermore, “motorized vehicles … are allowed only within the areas provided for public parking.” Camping is prohibited within park boundaries. Staff will work to install signage at 80 & 90 Upper Main St., but otherwise does not believe any steps are necessary to limit parking or camping on the site.
Exceptions to the park rules exist for Indian Brook, and are defined elsewhere in the ordinances.
Lastly, as the Town prepares for upgrades to the Center Road water line this summer, the property at 80 & 90 Upper Main St. may serve as a staging area for the construction.