Essex Co. to begin study of 'zombie' properties

ELIZABETHTOWN | On Monday, Aug. 25, the Essex County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution to authorize a study of zombie and blighted properties throughout the county. The study, to be conducted by the Lake Champlain/Lake George Regional Planning Board (LCLGRPB), will provide a detailed inventory of vacant and deteriorating properties. The LCLGRPB is a multi-county agency with a proven track record of regional planning and economic development. This initiative is part of an effort to better understand the county's housing landscape, as Essex County's vacancy rate stands at 37.6% (more than double the national average of 17.6%) according to 2018-2022 American Community Survey 5-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. The study seeks to identify properties that could be rehabilitated or repurposed to expand the county's available housing supply. "This study is about more than cataloging vacant properties—it is about building a framework for action," said County Manager Michael Mascarenas. "This project is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when we leverage regional partnerships. By understanding where these properties are, their condition, and the challenges to bringing them back into productive use, we can make strategic investments. This careful planning ensures that Essex County families will have the housing opportunities they need in the years ahead." The initiative is an important part of the county's Housing Task Force, chaired by Lewis Town Supervisor James Monty, who also leads the Essex County Land Bank. Monty has been a key driver in the work of the Land Bank, including the recent renovation of a Lewis home that had been unoccupied for more than 30 years, an effort that complements this new study. The contributions and housing knowledge of Ken Hughes, Town Supervisor of Essex, have also been instrumental in housing throughout the county. Hughes was an early proponent of forming the Essex County Land Bank and has been an active member of the Housing Task Force, often highlighting the link between housing availability and job retention in the county. "We have a housing shortfall, and these properties represent a potential resource," said Monty. "By studying them, we can explore strategies for their redevelopment and help ease pressure on our housing market." "The findings of the study will provide a roadmap for the county, offering insights to support housing policy, stabilize neighborhoods, and address public safety concerns," said Shaun Gillilland, Chairman of the Essex County Board of Supervisors. "The Housing Task Force has been essential in guiding us on this path, and we are confident that their collaboration with the Lake Champlain/Lake George Regional Planning Board will yield the information we need to turn these vacant houses into homes for our residents." The study is expected to offer several benefits for Essex County residents: Expanded Housing Options: Increase the number of available homes for local families and workers. Improved Neighborhood Conditions: Stabilize property values and enhance neighborhood aesthetics. Enhanced Public Safety: Identify neglected structures that may pose safety hazards. Informed Policy Decisions: Provide a basis for future policy discussions, grant applications, and revitalization programs. The study is expected to begin immediately. Its findings will help guide policy, grant opportunities, and revitalization programs, ultimately improving the quality of life and creating more homes for Essex County residents.

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Essex Co. to begin study of 'zombie' properties

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