COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP
Towns of Essex & Jericho
- View of Mt. Mansfield, Route 15 in Essex
The Towns of Essex and Jericho are in eastern Chittenden County, between Burlington and Mt. Mansfield. Both communities enjoy spectacular views to the mountains, and scenic resources are an important part of the quality of life and the economic foundation of the two towns. However, both Essex and Jericho are experiencing significant growth pressure, and local residents have expressed a desire to protect scenic views as their communities grow.
Smart Growth Vermont worked with the two towns to develop and implement strategies for protecting their scenic views. We helped the communities assess the current state of scenic resources, develop proposed strategies, and draft new bylaw language. Mapping and data analysis help came from the Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission. The ultimate outcome of this project is the publication of Views to the Mountain: A Scenic Protection Manual (Part 1 9.8 mb, Part 2, 8 mb, Part 3 9.4 mb), which details the assessment process and the resulting recommendations.
QUICK LINKS
Views to the Mountain: A Scenic Protection Manual, download in three PDFs. Part 1 9.8 Mb, Part 2 7.8 Mb, Part 3 9.4 Mb.
Video: View a WCAX news report on the project.
Video: View the Dec 10, 2009 Essex Planning Commission Meeting.
Project Overview:
A four-page summary of what the goals of the project are, who is involved, and how it is funded.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Get answers to your questions about the project here!
Volunteer instructions:
Everything volunteers used to complete the scenic assessment.
Results:
Essex Scenic Assessment Presentation
Essex Scenic Assessment Map (7 Mb PDF)
Local Views (Each about 10 Mb PDF):
Chapin Rd | River Rd | Route 15 | Towers Rd | Weed Rd
Jericho Scenic Assessment Presentation (3 Mb PDF)
Jericho Scenic Assessment Map (7 Mb PDF)
Local Views (Each about 10 Mb PDF):
Bolger Rd | Browns Trace Rd | Lee River Rd | Route 15
Essex Scenic Protection Options Presentation (2 Mb PDF)
Essex Matrix of Scenic Protection Options (PDF)
Jericho Scenic Protection Options Presentation (4 Mb PDF)
Jericho Matrix of Scenic Protection Options (PDF)
Questions?
Town Contacts:
Seth Jensen, Town of Jericho:
sjensen@jerichovt.gov 899-2287 x 6
Dana Farley, Town of Essex:
dfarley@essex.org 878-1343
The primary focus of the project is on regulatory tools to protect views to Mount Mansfield, a scenic resource of unparalleled value for both towns. Other scenic assets, including views of Camels Hump, outstanding local views, and outstanding features of the built environment such as classic barns and farmhouses.
The project is a two-town endeavor, taking advantage of a significant dovetail between the needs and priorities of the towns relative to scenic resource conservation and reducing costs for each town. The final products will consist of a detailed assessment of scenic resources, identification of a range of regulatory and non-regulatory scenic resource protection options, development of a Scenic Roadscape Protection Manual, and drafting of regulatory language.
Funding for the project comes from a variety of sources. Each town is contributing both cash and in-kind labor. In addition, the Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization has made a grant to support the project, and the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission is providing GIS services. Finally, Smart Growth Vermont is contributing a portion of the budget using grant funds.
This project is part of Smart Growth Vermont's "Roadscape Guide" initiative. For more information, please download a copy of The Roadscape Guide (2Mb PDF).