Essex Planning Board Approves 36-Lot Open Space Subdivision After Eight Hearings

ESSEX -- June 17, 2026, Essex Planning Board approves 36-lot open space subdivision after eight public hearings. The board voted 5-1 Wednesday to approve a definitive subdivision plan for The Preserve at Essex, a development by Bell Point LLC on 0 Essex Park Road and 0 Pond Street Rear, subject to roughly 35 conditions governing stormwater, invasive species planting, emergency road access, and public trail access to the development's open space. Chair Lisa O'Donnell noted the hearing had been continued seven times since March to allow completion of a peer review by Weston and Sampson Engineers. Member Ariel Brain cast the lone dissenting vote on both the waivers package and the final approval. A Planning Board covenant will be required before plan endorsement, and construction must begin within two years of endorsement and may not be halted for more than six months.