The Town of Essex has finalized its purchase of a 32-acre tract of land in the town center that will be used to build new town offices, a fire station and more.The Essex Selectboard approved the $3 million purchase on Nov. 20 with a 4-1 vote. The money needed for the purchase came from the town’s American Rescue Plan Act funding.Selectboard Chair Andy Watts said the land purchase was crucial after Essex split from Essex Junction last year, causing the town offices to no longer be located within the town.This is a huge step for the future of Essex,” Watt said in a prepared statement. “Locating these buildings in the Town Center will help Essex create a vibrant new center for the community.”Officials said the town’s existing fire station is too small and outdated for the current needs of the community. Other buildings that could potentially be located within the town center include a library and recreational programming space.Right now, elected officials and staff are working on a development timeline, which includes ways to fund future development at the site. Town officials are also working to obtain a New Town Center Designation from the state so that public and private development on that land can be authorized.
The Town of Essex has finalized its purchase of a 32-acre tract of land in the town center that will be used to build new town offices, a fire station and more.
The Essex Selectboard approved the $3 million purchase on Nov. 20 with a 4-1 vote. The money needed for the purchase came from the town’s American Rescue Plan Act funding.
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Selectboard Chair Andy Watts said the land purchase was crucial after Essex split from Essex Junction last year, causing the town offices to no longer be located within the town.
This is a huge step for the future of Essex,” Watt said in a prepared statement. “Locating these buildings in the Town Center will help Essex create a vibrant new center for the community.”
Officials said the town’s existing fire station is too small and outdated for the current needs of the community. Other buildings that could potentially be located within the town center include a library and recreational programming space.
Right now, elected officials and staff are working on a development timeline, which includes ways to fund future development at the site. Town officials are also working to obtain a New Town Center Designation from the state so that public and private development on that land can be authorized.
