The Economic Development, Planning, and Zoning commissions held a joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen to discuss making the towns regulations more conducive to the establishment of new businesses and the expansion of existing ones. The Sept. 21 discussion focused on how zoning regulations could be revised to make the application and permitting process simpler for potential businesses to locate in Essex.

“We want to do what we can to facilitate economic development, to make out town easier to work with. I hope this meeting will get that conversation started,” said First Selectman Norman Needleman.

Still, he observed that simplifying regulations is not a simple or a straightforward job.

“Everybody has a pet regulation that they hate until one day they like it and vice versa,” he said.

Needleman pointed out that some issues were beyond the reach of the three commissions. He described rents for stores on Main Street were extremely high, making it financially impossible for businesses to locate there. There was a time, he added, when most buildings on Main Street had local landlords. Now many of the owners don’t live in town, or anywhere in the vicinity, which can make them less amenable to local concerns.

Lon Seidman, chair of the Economic Development Commission, focused on the permitting process for new businesses, which he described as far too onerous.

“If we could simplify it, we would improve the business climate,” he noted. “Where permits are not necessary, other towns have eliminated them.”

Seidman said Essex regulations are too specific, making it necessary for would-be businesses to apply for exceptions, which lengthens the time necessary to launch and discourages businesses from locating in town. He described the regulatory language as reactive rather than pro-active. He pointed to the case of someone who wanted to open a coffee shop, but abandoned the idea because of existing regulations about locating a restaurant in proximity to other businesses.

“Once one business shies away, it has a cascading effect” on discouraging businesses, Seidman said.

Nonetheless, he pointed out that relaxation of some regulations that apply to restaurants had result in the opening of several new restaurants in the community.

Al Wolfgram of the Zoning Commission noted that a subcommittee he headed was currently working on an update of the zoning regulations, which have been in place since the 1970s. Needleman suggested the complexity of the zoning regulations might make it desirable for the Zoning Commission to have the help of a professional in the field of community development planning, suggesting John Guszkowski, who currently works as an advisor to the Planning Commission.

Alan Kerr of the Planning Commission noted the group had just completed its state-mandated update of 10-year Plan of Conservation and Development for the three villages that make up the Town of Essex. He noted, however, that the plan is not a static document and unless it guides actions, it becomes less relevant.

Unlike some communities in which Planning and Zoning is a joint commission, Essex has two separate commissions.

In the question period, members of the audience suggested a brochure or an expanded web page description of the various regulatory steps involved in setting up a business. Needleman also noted that the town’s Economic Development consultant Susan Malan could help be the “point person” to shepherd potential business owners through the entire process.

“The worst problem is to sign a lease and then find out problems in the process that should have been taken care of months before. It’s better to know up front before you are paying rent,” he said.

Members of public who attended the meeting had no difficulty identifying the issues involved.

“I’m upset by all the empty stores on Main Street,” said Essex resident Nancy Gould.

“I feel the downtown need revitalizing,” echoed Carol MacElwee.

Janice Atkeson, chair of the Essex Housing Authority, pointed out that other towns in the area have taken a more pro-active stance to attracting new business, pointing to zoning regulations in both Chester and Deep River that are aimed at attracting a new mix of businesses.

“In Essex, we’ve had the idea that the market will take care of it,” she said.

Needleman emphasized that the town now has a pro-active position in regard to encouraging economic development, but agreed there was work to do.

“We’re better than some towns, but not as good as others,’ he said.