Case Study

Town of Essex LWRP

Community Name & Location:
Town of Essex, NY, Essex County

Challenge:
The Town needed to resolve seasonal pressures, such as ferry traffic, tourism, and growing second home ownership that affect the quality of life in this historic hamlet. Use conflicts on the lake were occurring more frequently as water-based recreation grew in popularity.

Vision:
Maintain economic growth supported by its position as a tourist destination while retaining historic charm.
  The Town of Essex is using its LWRP to protect its small town character and make the most of its attractive lakefront location. The LWRP included a new zoning law and harbor management law to protect existing community character and the environmental quality of Lake Champlain. Together these laws established clear standards to protect the historic character of the hamlet; to regulate erosion control and shoreline stabilization measures; to provide local control over moorings and dock facilities; and initiating a site plan review process for all development activities within a Shoreline Protection Overlay District. The Program also promotes the expansion of public access along the shoreline and raises public awareness regarding the Town's cultural and natural resources.
 
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  The Town is finalizing their LWRP document.
A total of 29 LWRP projects have been identified including infrastructure improvements; improvements in the appearance of public spaces; development and improvement of public recreation; infrastructure and public facility improvements for community development; integration of historic preservation with community and economic development; development of projects that protect natural resources; sponsorship of projects that aid economic development and protect natural resources; development of housing to meet the needs of young families and the elderly; and implementation of projects that facilitate public administration.
 

By completing its Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, the town is well positioned to achieve its vision of protecting its small town historic character. Dedicated volunteers can make a real difference to the community.

How/why is this a success?
With no planning staff and limited funding, the task of completing the LWRP fell to an enthusiastic and dedicated group of local residents, with technical assistance from Essex County and the Department of State. This public involvement and support contributed to participation, commitment, and approval by the Town Board.
 

Partners
Town of Essex Zoning and Shoreline Review Committee; Essex County Planner; Essex Community Heritage Organization; Lake Champlain Basin Program; NYS DOS.

Project Dates
1999 - present
 

Community Contact Information
Suzanne Perley, Town Board
Essex Town Offices
Main Street - P.O. Box 355
Essex, NY 12936
(518) 963-8895
suzperley@cs.com

DOS Contact Information
Charles McCaffrey
NYS Department of State, Division of Coastal Resources
41 State Street
Albany, NY 12231-0001
(518) 473-3368


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