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Essex preservation panel readies for State Review; residents urged to weigh in on 40 Prospect Street
Summary
The Essex Ad‑Hoc Historic Preservation Study Committee said the National Register nomination for an Essex Village historic district goes to the State Review Board on June 12 and urged residents to submit letters opposing demolition at 40 Prospect Street; CEPA applies while the district is under consideration.
Chairman Peter Coombs told the Ad‑Hoc Historic Preservation Study Committee on May 11 that the National Register of Historic Places nomination for an Essex Village historic district is scheduled for review by the State Review Board on June 12.
Land Use Official Carey Duques said the town has posted nomination materials on its website and that she will email committee members a link and the meeting location for anyone who wishes to attend in person. Duques explained that while the district remains under consideration each parcel within the proposed boundary — including 40 Prospect Street — is subject to review under the Connecticut Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).
Duques said she had discussed the situation with Todd Levine of the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), who advised that residents concerned about proposed demolition may submit letters of opposition. Duques said SHPO can ask for review by the Historic Preservation Council if it receives 20 letters of opposition; that council could then consider referring the matter to the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.
The committee did not take formal action on any demolition proposal at the meeting; members focused on informing the public of the June 12 State Review Board schedule and the CEPA notification pathway. The committee encouraged residents who wish to oppose demolition to follow SHPO guidance on submitting letters of concern.
The committee’s next regular meeting on historic preservation outreach and zoning is scheduled for June 15 at 5:00 p.m.
