Reinventing the Essex Landing

ATTACHMENT A: DOWNTOWN INITIATIVE APPLICATION
Reinventing the Essex Landing
Description of the Project
The Essex Town Landing is a multi-use site in the heart of the downtown area, located on the west end of the Causeway,
which is part of State Route 133, the main east-west road in Essex. The Causeway is flanked by the Essex River and a
salt marsh, the defining natural and historic characteristics of Essex Village. The Landing and the Essex Shipbuilding
Museum are co-located on the River at the west end of the Causeway, a densely developed area of upland that includes
churches, municipal buildings, and commercial activities (primarily antique shops). A noticeable exception among
commercial operations there is a kayak outfitter that runs trips from the Town Landing just north of the Causeway. The
Town Landing is the primary downtown access to the River, providing a launch site for recreational boaters, commercial
clammers, police boats, and kayakers, including a well-known kayak tour outfit located nearby. The Museum has active
shipbuilding interpretation activities on the site and is the picture of the “working waterfront”. The site’s multiple
functions are not well integrated, and it is furthermore unattractive and inaccessible for tourists or residents seeking to
enjoy the waterfront. This critical site needs re-assessment and planning.
The Causeway is home to many businesses, including several restaurants, a motel, convenience store, many antique shops,
mixed use residential buildings, and single and multi-family residences, and several privately-owned parking areas. Route
133 is currently undergoing major reconstruction to improve all aspects of the roadway – utilities, underground wiring,
road surface and width, sidewalks, and seawall.
This commercial area described above is part of the Village defined and described by the Town of Essex Long Term
Planning Committee (LTPC) in their just-released strategic plan, the “Essex Village Initiative” (enclosed with this
application as Attachment C). The Long Term Planning Committee seeks to preserve the important natural and historic
features of the area, but, at the same time, “reinvent” the Village so that it meets current needs and uses and is designed to
engage resident and visitor alike in its character. One of the major projects recommended in that strategic plan is to
address a number of features of the land area surrounding the Town Landing. These efforts should seek “to improve the
multi-use functioning of the area, while improving its visual appeal as the entryway to the Shipbuilding Museum and the
Essex River Basin. It is paramount to maintain and, if possible, improve public access to the landing and the river.”
(Description of the project can be found on page 15 of the Essex Village Initiative).
This project is one more step in the consistent efforts the Town of Essex has implemented to address the needs in the
Village Area. Previously Essex received PWED and CDAG grants to address public utilities issues that also resulted in
park improvements in the area, important additional parking, and a stairwell from the parking area up to the Town
Landing area. Essex also participated in a “walkability” assessment of the Village area. The Town also has a pending
application under the Seaport Bond Bill for additional public access to other areas of the waterfront.
The Town Landing, the centerpiece of this project, is an area with an odd configuration and many uses. (See area map and
aerial photograph in Attachment A). The parcels of interest include the Town Landing (parcel 22), the Essex Historical
Society and Shipbuilding Museum (parcel 14), and Periwinkles Restaurant (parcel 23), termed “the site” for the remainder
of this application. There is a significant amount of parking here that is inefficiently configured based on the lot lines. The
entrance is wide to accommodate boats and trailers. Land on the side of the Shipbuilding Museum is used to repair boats.
The land uses in the area are not efficiently or attractively located. This area does not function as well as it could, and
attractive and functional design in the area is not yet realized.
Some recommendations have already been offered in the Village Initiative. Essentially the plan calls for a “campus master
plan” for the Town Landing area in conjunction with the other uses in the area. Some specific design features have been
recommended. Some of the town-owned land is partially land-locked by the Museum land, is covered in phragmites, and
could be much better utilized. One suggestion for this site is to place a Museum display there showing the construction
features of boats historically built in the area. The area offers great potential to better serve local clammers and boaters,
the Museum, restaurant-goers, tourists, and more.
Technical Assistance Needed – Description of the Project
Identify and review the areas, land uses, configuration, and location of the parcels that are to be included in a
design effort. Review the waterfront area and development constraints on the upland.
Hold an initial meeting with land-owners (the Town, Museum Board and Periwinkles owners), town officials, and
LTPC members and members of the Essex Merchants Group to identify what uses are desirable to remain on site,
which have historic value, whether any can be removed, which need more room, appropriate new uses in the area,
and other issues.
Based on the input describing needs and flexibility of land-owners, prepare a listing of the key features and
elements for the site, and prepare 2-3 concept plans for potential reorganization of the site to create a campus
plan. The concept plan should identify areas for public parking; parking for boaters; bicycle parking; areas for
benches, boardwalks, and other pedestrian viewing; locations for museum outdoor displays, and other desirable
uses.
Provide a preliminary version of two to three optional concept plans for initial local review. Present and describe
the plans at a meeting with the same stakeholders. Receive comments on the plans and select the most desirable
plan to provide a more detailed concept plan. Distribute again for final review and final adjustments.
Prepare an implementation report suggesting next steps for the further implementation of the concept plan.
Make a final presentation at an open meeting in Essex describing the selected concept plan and the
recommendations for implementation.
This project can be undertaken with varying levels of detail, and varying numbers of meetings. The maximum allowable
money available under the grant is adequate to provide a very useful project and product.
Evidence of Strong Partnerships to Improve Public Access
The LTPC will be the entity responsible for this grant. The Essex Merchants Group (100 members) and the LTPC have all
been involved as organizations to improve conditions in the Village area of Essex. Four members of the Essex Merchants
Group also serve on the Long Term Planning Committee, as does the owner of Periwinkles Restaurant. The years of work
already accomplished by these dedicated citizens have led to the advocacy for the road improvement that MassDOT is
now undertaking, as well as the production of the Village Initiative. The LTPC, in preparation of the Village Initiative,
explored a variety of town-wide issues and projects, and determined that the improvements in the Village Center had the
most support and were most ready to proceed. They also selected this project for preparation of the MDI application.
The Essex Shipbuilding Museum (www.essexshipbuildingmuseum.org) was incorporated in 1976 to preserve the Town’s
shipbuilding history, house historic artifacts, and provide experiential learning for families and schools. The Museum has
become a central actor in the Town, providing both cultural and social involvement in their many projects. Their
longevity, central role, and central location make them a strong partner in working on this project. Their support letter
(Attachment C) is indicative of their interest and involvement in making this planning effort successful.
The Essex Merchants Group (www.visitessexma.com) is a local business oriented organization dedicated to promoting
Essex as a destination for dining, shopping, recreation and appreciation of the Town's open space and river access. Over
one hundred local businesses and individuals participate in a myriad of projects to advance the Town and improve the
quality of life for visitors and residents alike. The Essex Division of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce
(www.capeannvacations.com) has a long history of serving the Essex community in business, politics and local events.
Both the Essex Division and the Merchants Group work cooperatively to benefit the Essex community and are proud to be
instrumental in advancing projects like Reinventing the Essex Landing.
Representatives from all of these organizations comprise the dedicated group that will work on the project, but the Long
Term Planning Committee is responsible for the grant and its implementation.
Positive Outcomes Expected from Assistance
The preparation of a physical concept plan for a different configuration of land uses is often critical in allowing
participants to visualize new options. Essex can anticipate that the production of such a concept plan, with active
involvement of the key parties working together, and prepared by a capable design professional, will be an important step
toward forming commitments to the project. The goals of the project that would be incorporated in a positive outcome
include: 1) improve access to the River (visual and actual), 2) increase recreation opportunities on the site, 3) coordinate
the Town’s planning with the long-term planning now being undertaken by the Museum, 4) improve access from Rt. 133,
and 5) undertake beautification on the site. A successful project can lead the participants to begin to make the
commitments of further time, effort, and money to bring the project to fruition. The important timing associated with the
reconstruction of Rt. 133 in this area, and the potential to proceed with additional work on coastal features with Salem
State College, lends further enthusiasm and credibility to the potential success of this collaborative effort.
The ultimate outcome of the assistance would be a well-designed public and private landing area that can serve more
users, more effectively and efficiently, and that the entire site will be more attractive.
Demonstration of Ability to Begin Implementation
This project has been designed to have some recommendations that can be implemented relatively quickly and have a
significant impact. The final product, however, is a concept plan and road map for implementation. None of these short
term improvements will preclude future improvements. The elements that can be implemented expeditiously include:
With review by the Conservation Commission, cut the phragmites (this has been done in the past). This will make
a significant difference in visual access to the Essex River. (See photograph 6 in Attachment A for current view of
the Essex River)
The boat display for the area with the phragmites has already been constructed. This could be located on the site
after the phragmites are cut.
Interpretive signs that have already been designed by the Essex National Heritage Commission can be fabricated
and located on the site. (Potentially using Community Preservation funds)
The entrance to this site is located in the area where MassDOT is undertaking the road improvements. Construction of
the roadway improvements will continue for another 18-24 months, with the work at the entrance taking place later in
that period. Recommendations regarding the entrance configuration and signage can potentially be adjusted in the
field as the MassDOT work goes forward. The completion of the concept plans will assist the Town and the Museum
in working with MassDOT on the most beneficial approach to work in this area of Town. There is widespread support
for this project as is shown by the willing participation of the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum, and
letters from the Essex Board of Selectmen and business organizations.
Project Partners
The Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum Inc. – Background and Board of
Directors
Background
1937. The Essex Historical Society, Inc. is founded and operates a small house museum in the center of town.
For many years, the society encourages its members to conduct research into all aspects of life in early Essex and
to present their findings to the membership. The result is a body of historical papers for which contemporary
researchers into early Essex life are deeply indebted.
1950s. Town meeting grants custody of the town’s hearse house and two rare horse-drawn hearses to the society.
1976. The Society establishes the Essex Shipbuilding Museum as part of the town’s observation of the American
Revolutionary Bicentennial. Funding is provided by the society, the town of Essex, the Massachusetts
Bicentennial Commission and the American Revolutionary Bicentennial Commission.
1990. The museum acquires the EVELINA M. GOULART–– one of only seven historic Essex-built schooners
that survive.
1993. The society purchases the historic site where the Story family operated its shipyards from 1813 to the end
of WWII.
1998. The EHSSM commissions the construction of a Chebacco Boat, the LEWIS H. STORY to serve as the
museum’s flagship.
Board of Directors
Mark Lindsay, President
Jim Watson, Vice-President
Tia Schlaikjer, Treasurer
Rick Brown, Secretary
Dave Brown
Harold Burnham
Kurt Hasselbalch
Don MacQuarrie
Barry O’Brien
Barbara Pratt
Charles Storey
Brad White
Kurt Wilhelm
Sarah Willwerth-Dyer.
Staff
Kerry Schwarz, Education Director
Dave Delorey, Tour Guide/Educator
Brad Sargent, Tour Guide/Educator
Linda Scott, Office Assistant and Tour Guide
Essex Merchants Association – Active Members
Robert Coviello
Ed Howard
Tom Guertner
Sue Lufkin
Heidi Dean
Robert Marquis
Bonnie Scatterday
Daisy Nell
Cynthia Schlaikjer
Kevin Ricci
Kristen Weiss
Lynne Marchetti
Rhonda Woodman
Long Term Planning Committee Members
Westley Burnham
Robert Coviello
Michael Dyer
Michael French
Tom Guertner
Edwin Howard
Peter Kellerman
Susan Lufkin
Eamon McGilligan
A. Raymond Randall, Jr.
Andrew St. John
Lisa O’Donnell
Tom Lang
Susan Talbot
Attachment A: Assessors’ Map of Target Area and Aerial Photograph
The Town Landing is shaded in yellow. The triangle to the right (parcel 23) is Periwinkle’s Restaurant and the
rectangle to the left is the Essex Shipbuilding Museum. The Causeway is in the center of the figure
Attachment B: Photographs of the Project Area
1) Interpretive Sign describing initial purpose of the site
2) View of landing with Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum in the
background
3) Boat launch area and short term dock at landing, showing Town land with phragmites
growing in the background
4) Signage and town planter at entrance to Town Landing and Museum site
5) Front of Museum – yard area of Museum and landing to the right
6) View from Shipbuilding Museum of the Essex River with interpretive sign in foreground
7) View from Town Landing into repair yard at Essex Shipbuilding Museum
Attachment C: Support Letters
Attachment D: Essex Village Initiative