Public raises concerns over Essex Park road access and development responsibilities

The Essex Planning Board meeting on July 2, 2025, was marked by intense discussions surrounding a proposed development and its implications for local residents. A key focus was the management of an emergency access road, which raised concerns about public safety and maintenance responsibilities.

Residents voiced their worries about the emergency access road's role in ensuring safety for emergency vehicles. Susan Robinson, a local resident, questioned whether the road was included in the impervious surface calculations, to which developers confirmed it was accounted for. However, the discussion quickly shifted to the management of this access road and its potential impact on Turtleback Road residents.

Cathy Befaro, another resident, expressed concerns about how the emergency access would be maintained and coordinated with Turtleback Road, emphasizing the need for clarity on who would be responsible for its upkeep. The developers assured that the homeowners association would manage the emergency access, but residents were left wondering about the coordination with Turtleback Road, which is privately maintained by its residents.

Further complicating matters, residents raised questions about the long-term implications of increased traffic and potential damage to their roads due to the new development. Concerns were also raised about the financial burden on Turtleback residents, who have invested in maintaining their road, should the emergency access be used frequently.

Ruth Preen, another attendee, urged the board to reconsider the proposal to donate open space to the town, advocating instead for the land to remain under the ownership of local homeowners. She argued that this would prevent the town from bearing the long-term costs associated with maintaining the infrastructure.

The meeting highlighted the delicate balance between development and community needs, with residents seeking assurances that their concerns would be addressed as the planning process moves forward. The board's decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the future of the area and ensuring that both new developments and existing residents can coexist safely and sustainably.