ESSEX — The CEO of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is blasting a town zoning proposal, only days before the idea is to be considered at Special Town Meeting on Monday.
The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce does not support the warrant article that would create residential zoning districts in town, CEO Steve Buckley said, as it would harm Essex business interests.
While business owners are willing to work with town officials, worries about the zoning proposal have been voiced, Buckley said.
“One of the concerns is there’s little room for economic development,” he said. “There are already concerns from the business community there is economic decline in Essex. The business community is deeply concerned.”
Planning Board Chairperson Lisa O’Donnell said the board is aware of the chamber’s position.
“My understanding is the Chamber of Commerce is backing the business interests in town that are opposing it,” O’Donnell said. “The businesses want to have access to any location in Essex.”
Yellow signs have been posted around town that read: “Support our Local Businesses. Vote No on Zoning Article,” Buckley said.
Article 3 of the 17-article warrant for Special Town Meeting in Essex would create two types of residential districts — “village residential,” close to downtown, and “rural residential districts,” located in the outlying areas of Essex. They would provide formal protections from potential businesses for residential property owners. O’Donnell said attention has been paid to developing a fair measure for both business interests and homeowners.
“It’s not like we’re putting stronger measures in place than any other town,” she said. “In the Village District, we’re still permitting new businesses to open through the special permit process. I think there’s considerable flexibility in those residential neighborhoods.”
The proposed zoning is a “hybrid approach” that would allow for a mix of residential and commercial entities, O’Donnell said.
“The proposals we have put out are fairly generous compared to business opportunities in other towns where they don’t have the hybrid approach,” she said. “We’re trying to find that middle ground. But we’re also trying to provide some protection to our residents who do not have that right now.”
But the Chamber still wants residents to vote no on Article 3.
“We are deeply concerned that the proposed zoning will lead to further economic decline,” Buckley said. “More specifically, the zoning proposal would prohibit new business uses in large areas of town where businesses have long existed and apply overly subjective special permit standards to existing businesses that want to expand.”
The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce advocates for Essex’s future as a thriving community where both businesses and residents benefit, Buckley said.
“Essex businesses are not separate from the community,” he said. “Essex businesses are owned by residents and employ locals. These businesses are the cornerstones and backbone of the town.”
Special Town Meeting will begin at 6:45 p.m. Monday at Essex Elementary School, 12 Story St.
The complete warrant may be found related to this story at gloucestertimes.com and on the “Town Meeting Warrants & Minutes” page of the town website, www.essexma.org.
Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.