PZC Discusses Vacant Planning Director Post

The Stonington Planning and Zoning Commission is unsure if the town should fill the vacant director of planning post.

At their Tuesday meeting, PZC members sought clarification on the difference between the role of planning director and town planner, reported town plans to cut the position and discussed their potential recommendation to the town on the position.

“We need a town planner and a director of planning to get the plan of conversation development and updates to the zoning regulations done,” PZC Chairman Rob Marseglia said.

By the end of their discussion the PZC decided to ask First Selectman Edward Haberek Jr., to hold off on making a decision on the position until after the commission’s May 15 meeting which will give the PZC the chance to discuss the position with Haberek.

“If he thinks that the position is going to go away I want to make we sure know what support mechanisms are in place,” PZC Member John Prue said.

passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer in April.

After Hasse’s death First Selectman Edward Haberek Jr., told The Westerly Sun the town was considering eliminating the position.

“The town’s planning office is not as busy as it once was,” Haberek told The Westerly Sun, “because fewer housing projects and subdivisions are going through the office.

Currently, Town Planner Keith Brynes is serving as acting director of planning.

“We could have Keith continue to act as the director of planning but not get paid for it, but that stinks,” Marseglia said, adding that the other option if the position is left unfilled is for it to become the First Selectman’s position but that was a lot of additional work.

There is roughly $89,500 in the for the director of planning position.

PZC members were unsure of the differences between the director of planning and town planner positions at the meeting.

Marseglia and Byrnes explained that the director of planning looks at long-range planning, project management and manages the . The town planner reviews applications, develops staff reports and collects information from other committees.

“I’m concerned will not be able to do what we need to do unless we have a planning director and town planner,” Marseglia said.

According to The Westerly Sun Haberek “plans to meet with representatives from the town’s various land-use boards to determine the status of the town’s immediate and long-term planning needs.”