September 25, 2025
.com
Chester, Deep River, & Essex Vol. XXV Iss. 39
Demolition Begins on Historic Pratt Street Building By Christian Maldonado Staff Writer
On Sept. 9, demolition of the historic building at 3 Pratt St. finally began. After months of discussion, town meetings, and public hearings, the building has been torn down. According to the Town of Essex, apartment buildings will replace the former structure.
Peter Coombs, an Essex resident, architect, and chair of a subcommittee to the Essex Planning & Zoning Commission, said he and others are now exploring legislation and ordinances aimed at preserving historic buildings in Essex and throughout Connecticut. “We have been looking at what other towns in the state have when it comes to legislation on things like this,” he said. “I made
various calls to stop the demolition of the building, and even drew a modified design of the building.” Coombs also referenced the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), which is updated by the town every 10 years and examines the town’s condition and challenges. The next POCD is scheduled to be See Demolition Begins page 8
Kali Penders is helping young people along the shoreline grow healthy..................................2
A Sweet Summer Sendoff Sisters Delilah, 3, Essie, 6, and Alice McGuire, 8, wave their sign and jump to attract passersby to their lemonade stand in front of their home in Chester as their mother, Laura, keeps watch from the yard on Sept. 21, the official last day of summer.
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/ Valley Courier
A Winning Week The Valley/Lyme-Old Lyme football team grabbed a win at home last week, and volleyball picked up a pair of victories............................14
Lanternfly Alert The state wants your help with an invasion of uninvited guests.........25
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