Essex Board of Selectmen Meeting | July 13, 2026

The Essex Board of Selectmen held a meeting on July 13, 2026, discussing several key topics related to town governance and community projects. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the potential restructuring of the town's authority, including the formation of an ad hoc government study committee to explore options such as bylaws, special acts, or a formal charter. The board also addressed the revival of the River Day event, approving the use of up to $5,000 from the town events fund to cover essential costs like police detail, dumpsters, and insurance, with plans to finalize the event date and form a volunteer committee. Additionally, the Affordable Housing Trust presented plans for a local initiative project involving the redevelopment of a contaminated parcel to add 10 affordable housing units, representing a 25% increase in the town's affordable housing stock. The board discussed inclusionary zoning bylaws and potential grant funding to support technical assistance for these efforts. Other procurement-related actions included approval of fiscal year 2026 and 2027 weekly warrants totaling approximately $434,546, and acceptance of the updated Essex Open Space and Recreation Plan. The meeting also covered procedural matters such as house numbering enforcement and upcoming joint public hearings and sitewalks.