Open Space and Land Preservation Commission

The Open Space & Land Preservation Commission shall consist of nine (9) members appointed by the Town Council for three (3) year terms, staggered so that no more than three (3) terms expire in any one year. Vacancies shall be filled by the Town Council for the remainder of the unexpired term. The Commission shall annually elect a Chairperson and such other officers as they deem appropriate.

Commission Members:

Susan Anderson

Dick Bixby

Brian Janes

Ginger Lacy, Co-chair

Gayle Lawrence

Martha Moore

Garry Plunkett, Co-chair

Phil Schuyler

Martin Van Hof

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Open Space and Land Preservation Commission shall report to the Town Administrator.   Responsibilities include the management of existing public open space/conservation lands, the identification and protection of significant natural and scenic resources in the Town such as unique plant and animal habitats, ecological or archaeological sites, the identification and development of potential nature sanctuaries, greenways and sites for nature studies, the orderly development and accessibility to open space areas to all neighborhoods, a town-wide inventory of open land and town owned land, the encouragement of farm preservation as well as liaison with other town agencies to foster town-wide land use planning. (Ref. Section 1004 of the Home Rule Charter).

The Commission is guided in its efforts to preserve and manage land, and to promote the preservation of farmland by the town's Comprehensive Community Plan, Element 9.

Meeting Schedule:

On the third Monday of each month.   Meetings run from 7:00 PM to approximately 9:15 PM at the Essex Library on Highland Road.

Contact:

Inquiries may be directed to Garry Plunkett (624-2549) or Ginger Lacy (624-3762).

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