Resources

Essex Heritage provides leadership to a coalition of stakeholders developing the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway. The 90-mile roadway links 14 coastal communities from Lynn to Salisbury and features scenic views, period architecture, historic sites and recreational opportunities. With the twin goals of preserving the byway’s intrinsic qualities and spurring investment in its infrastructure, attractions and amenities, Essex Heritage worked to secure state scenic byway designation and federal funding for a comprehensive management plan that is guiding community and regional leaders in their efforts to implement tourism-based economic development.

In March 2011, Essex Heritage completed a Corridor Management Plan (master plan) for the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway. A shorter Summary Report of the CMP serves as the primary use document, while the full CMP is considered a reference resource.

Developed with substantial community and regional stakeholder involvement, the comprehensive Corridor Management Plan recommends strategies for preserving and promoting the byway’s historic, cultural, natural, and recreational resources, including byway’s many businesses and visitor services.

In addition to being a useful planning tool for the communities and the region at-large, the Corridor Management Plan is a prerequisite for designation of the route as a National Scenic Byway.

The Corridor Management Plan was prepared by Brown Walker Planners, Inc. of Newburyport with grant funding from the National Scenic Byways Program and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).