Planning Board Prepares Zoning Bylaw Amendments for Fall Town Meeting
The Essex Planning Board reviewed and discussed draft zoning articles prepared for the Fall Special Town Meeting, agreeing to edit them per recommendations from Town Counsel Amy Kwessel.
Planning Board · Meeting of September 16, 2026
ESSEX — The Essex Planning Board reviewed and discussed draft zoning articles prepared for the Fall Special Town Meeting, agreeing to edit them per recommendations from Town Counsel Amy Kwessel. Proposed amendments include a temporary moratorium on data center development through January 1, 2028, inclusionary housing requirements mandating at least 10 percent of dwelling units be affordable in applicable developments, definitions for battery energy storage systems and data centers, wetlands delineation changes, and increased zoning violation penalties from $20 to $200 per day. Town Planner Valerie Massard agreed to develop incentive language for the Inclusionary Housing bylaw.
The board also elected officers: Lisa O'Donnell as Chair, Beth Walsh and Ariel Brain as Co-Vice Chairs, Shelly Bradbury as Clerk, and Peter Levasseur as Vice Clerk.
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Source: the Planning Board meeting of September 16, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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