Essex P&Z approves text change to allow dance studios and OKs studio at 10 Bokum Road
July 07, 2026 | Essex, Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region, Connecticut
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The Essex Planning and Zoning Commission voted July 7 to amend Section 63A.2 of the town zoning regulations to permit dance studios that include instruction and rehearsals in the Residential Life Care District, and to grant a special exception for a studio at 10 Bokum Road.
Herbert T. Clark III, manager of EST Trust and applicant for the text amendment, told the Commission the change is compatible with other district uses and “creates beneficial potential effects for the community and the economy, activating otherwise vacant spaces and providing opportunities.” Town staff noted the district covers 10 Bokum Road, the Essex Meadows complex and Cobblestone Court townhouses.
Applicant Kristen Veale said she intends the proposed studio to be a long-term tenant offering youth and adult instruction in afternoons, evenings and weekends, and to build ties with the community. Commissioner Robert Day said the amendment’s definition was intentionally aimed at instruction rather than general fitness or exercise uses.
The Commission closed the hearings and approved the text amendment (motion by Robert Day, seconded by Mark Reeves) with an effective date of July 31, 2026, and separately approved the special exception for 10 Bokum Road (motion by Jane Siris, seconded by Gary Riggio). Both motions carried unanimously.
Next steps: the regulation change will take effect on July 31, 2026; the special exception for 10 Bokum Road was approved without additional conditions.
Herbert T. Clark III, manager of EST Trust and applicant for the text amendment, told the Commission the change is compatible with other district uses and “creates beneficial potential effects for the community and the economy, activating otherwise vacant spaces and providing opportunities.” Town staff noted the district covers 10 Bokum Road, the Essex Meadows complex and Cobblestone Court townhouses.
Applicant Kristen Veale said she intends the proposed studio to be a long-term tenant offering youth and adult instruction in afternoons, evenings and weekends, and to build ties with the community. Commissioner Robert Day said the amendment’s definition was intentionally aimed at instruction rather than general fitness or exercise uses.
The Commission closed the hearings and approved the text amendment (motion by Robert Day, seconded by Mark Reeves) with an effective date of July 31, 2026, and separately approved the special exception for 10 Bokum Road (motion by Jane Siris, seconded by Gary Riggio). Both motions carried unanimously.
Next steps: the regulation change will take effect on July 31, 2026; the special exception for 10 Bokum Road was approved without additional conditions.
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