Planning Board continues Preserve at Essex hearing without approval vote
Planning Board continues Preserve at Essex hearing as open space questions remain unresolved. The 36-lot Open Space Residential Development application by Bell Point LLC, first heard March 4, has been continued to June 3, 2026, with the decision deadline now set for June 23, 2026. The board
Planning Board · Meeting of May 20, 2026
ESSEX — Planning Board continues Preserve at Essex hearing as open space questions remain unresolved. The 36-lot Open Space Residential Development application by Bell Point LLC, first heard March 4, has been continued to June 3, 2026, with the decision deadline now set for June 23, 2026. The board reviewed a draft decision with conditions but did not vote on final approval, instead directing staff and counsel to develop revised language addressing open space ownership, public access, and specific waivers.
Chairman Lisa O'Donnell noted that 25 of the 36 lots are within wetland buffer zones requiring Conservation Commission review. Applicant Dan Gorman stated he was willing to discuss public access to the open space but was not prepared to commit the homeowners association to managing it.
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Source: the Planning Board meeting of May 20, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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