Essex Parking Saga Comes to a Close
By Emma White, October 13, 2026
The Essex County sheriff lost his appeal against an ongoing parking lot construction project, which he claimed would threaten public safety.
Judge Dismissal
Judge Joseph McLean recently dismissed Sheriff Trevor Colby's appeal, stating that his concerns about department operations did not meet the requirements to challenge the project under local zoning bylaws.
Parking Lot Redesign
The dispute revolves around changes to a construction project at the Eben Judd Justice Center. The new plan reduces parking spaces from 22 to nine and includes a retaining wall, which Colby argues will limit access to the sheriff's office.
Legal Battle
Colby, representing himself, filed an appeal in the Vermont Superior Court’s Environmental Division on September 4. He claimed "interested person" status, allowing individuals affected by zoning decisions to appeal. However, the judge found that Colby did not meet the criteria for this designation.
Legal Arguments
Colby argued that his primary workplace is the sheriff's office and that he had previously testified and expressed concerns at a public hearing. The opposing attorney, Nicholas Low, questioned Colby's claim to be an "interested person" and whether he was appealing on his own behalf or the department's.
Outcome
Despite the sheriff's efforts, the appeal was dismissed, emphasizing the importance of proper legal standing and the distinction between individual and official appeals.