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Honor the Process

As Essex residents, we are alarmed at the tone of recent discourse about the Carlson Landing project currently before the Essex Zoning Commission.

Essex’s zoning process calls for a period of review and open meetings at which all questions and concerns about a proposed project can be addressed. Requiring answers to questions is a critical part of the process. We are all stakeholders in this project; a revitalized downtown is good for all of us. As residents, we have an obligation to voice concerns. Why disparage those who ask questions about how this project might affect the Connecticut River Museum and the rest of the downtown area?

We made a conscious choice to raise our family here. We were drawn to Essex by its unmatched charm and sense of community. The Connecticut River Museum embodies everything positive our town has to offer. We enjoy its recreational and educational activities, and want to ensure that this town asset is protected for future generations.

Parking in downtown Essex during events like the recent Shad Bake is a recognized concern. The Zoning Board requires the museum to have a parking plan to address this issue. In obtaining its permit to hold such events, the Connecticut River Museum allowed the zoning process, questions and all, to unfold as it should. Shouldn’t the developers of Carlson’s Landing be held to the same standard and answer legitimate concerns about parking, traffic, septic issues and land use?

We are not opposed to the Carlson’s Landing project. Like most residents, we believe it could be a great addition to our waterfront. We simply don’t think it is unreasonable for concerns to be addressed and the plan to be improved from its current iteration so that the Connecticut River Museum and our community are not irreparably damaged.

Jeffrey and Jennifer Farrell

Ivoryton