Planning Board rejects OSRD bylaw repeal, backs associate member amendment
Planning Board rejects OSRD bylaw repeal but backs associate member amendment. Essex planners voted 6-0 to recommend Article 14, formalizing the appointment process for associate members, for May 4 Annual Town Meeting action. The board voted 5-1 against recommending Article 28, a citizen petition
Planning Board · Meeting of April 15, 2026
ESSEX — Planning Board rejects OSRD bylaw repeal but backs associate member amendment. Essex planners voted 6-0 to recommend Article 14, formalizing the appointment process for associate members, for May 4 Annual Town Meeting action. The board voted 5-1 against recommending Article 28, a citizen petition to repeal the 15-year-old Open Space Residential Development zoning bylaw (Section 6-8), with only Member Ariel Brain voting in favor.
After the current review of the pending 36-lot Preserve at Essex subdivision, if the OSRD bylaw survives Town Meeting, the board intends to revisit and update the section. The Preserve hearing continued to May 6 pending technical consultant review of stormwater and lot-coverage documentation.
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Source: the Planning Board meeting of April 15, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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