In February, the Essex Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing to solicit public comment about a proposed amendment to the Essex zoning regulations. The amendment would create a new “overlay” zone, which would allow an alternate set of regulations to define permitted uses on particular properties. This process might enable the development of certain desirable building projects that would otherwise be prohibited in the Bokum area.

At the hearing, reaction was overwhelmingly negative. Some said the amendment would radically change the rural character of Essex. Another suggested that the amendment was intended to benefit some unnamed developer. No one spoke to support the plan.

At the June 4 Commission meeting, the proposal was withdrawn.

That’s too bad. The proposal wasn’t given due consideration, and the emotional opposition made reasoned discussion impossible.

This proposal was offered in good faith, in part, to address an issue that Essex has been facing for some time – the lack of affordable housing.

Like many towns in Connecticut, high housing costs make it difficult for young people to move here. The school-age population of Essex is declining significantly. The median age of Essex residents, already high, continues to increase. More affordable housing could help correct this imbalance. And other people, of more limited financial means, would also welcome the chance to live in Essex. Many people who work in our town can’t afford to live here. Do we want a town that is populated only by an increasingly older and wealthier demographic? I don’t.

The Bokum overlay zone was intended, in part, to address the affordable housing issue. Simply saying “no” to any proposal that might represent change is not enough. But perhaps those in opposition have some good ideas for bringing affordable housing to Essex. I look forward to hearing their suggestions.

Alan Kerr

Essex