The Town of Essex Community Improvement Plans (CIP) were created to stimulate private sector investment through municipal incentive-based programs. The CIP has a variety of grant programs for eligible property owners that invest in façade improvements, new signage, and building renovations and improvements. These programs have facilitated and encouraged community change by providing grant funding for new development in three separate project areas that include Essex Centre, Harrow, and Colchester/County Road 50. Funding for CIP programs in Essex Centre and Harrow are no longer being allocated. However, the Colchester & County Road 50 CIP Program is still forecasted until 2027 and has an approved budget of $50,000.00 annually. Grants distributed through the Tax Increment Financing Program are above and beyond the budget allocated for the CIP program and are paid to applicants once their annual taxes are paid in full.
Colchester/CR50 Community Improvement Plan Projects Supported in 2024
Carolinia Cider Co, 793 County Road 50 E
(Colchester & CR50 CIP)
Landscaping & Buffering Grant
Building Permit Fee Grant $5,603.65
Garfield’s, 1 County Road 50
(Colchester & CR50 CIP)
Façade Improvement Grant
$2,875.00
Classy Caps, 2636 County Rd 20 E
(Harrow CIP)
Tax Increment Financing Grant
Final Payment in 2026
(Approved prior to the discontinuation of
the Harrow CIP)
$26,791.9
The Grove Motel, 96 County Road 50 W
(Colchester & CR50 CIP)
Tax Increment Financing Grant
Final Payment in 2028
$31,511.00
Colchester Ridge Estate Winery, 108 County Road 50 E
(Colchester & CR50 CIP)
Tax Increment Financing Grant
Final Payment in 2024
$22,534.1
