Land use coordinator named

By Bill Gilman

Journal Staff Writer

With an eye toward long-term planning and streamlining town hall services, Ashby leaders have hired the town’s first land use coordinator.

Patti McCloy, who held the same position in her hometown of Townsend from 19962000 was officially hired by selectmen at their meeting on July 27.

The part-time position, 20 hours a week, was established by voters at the annual Town Meeting in May with a salary of $15,500. Members of the screening committee that recommended McCloy, were scheduled to meet on Aug. 3 to establish an office schedule for her.

“We’re very fortunate to have someone with her background in the position,” said Tim Bauman, chairman of the conservation commission and a member of the screening committee, along with Alan Pease of the planning board and Fred Stacy of the zoning board of appeals.

“As I mentioned at the meeting when she was hired, I expect her to able to hit the ground running.

The position of land use coordinator is seen by municipal leaders as critical for Ashby, as the town deals with more and more complex land development issues. McCloy’s office will serve as a hub, connecting the various land use offices and boards.

“She can act as a funnel and a coordinator to bring things through the various departments,” said Bauman. “She can handle some of the details that might slip through the cracks with the volunteer boards.”

McCloy will also bring grant writing skills to the position, as well as knowledge of the state’s 40B anti-snob zoning regulations. While Ashby has not yet had to deal with a major 40B proposal, most town leaders agree that it is just a matter of time.

Pease said McCloy would also be a benefit to citizens as they wade through the permitting process for building projects.

“The regulations are getting more and more difficult for citizens to follow,” he said it will help to have someone at Town Hall to help guide them through the permitting process.”

McCloy was selected for the position over five other candidates. The screening committee began meeting in June to go over resumes, then interviewed all six candidates before recommending McCloy to Town Administrator Linda Sanders.

McCloy could not be reached for comment.

Bill Gilman can be reached at (978) 827-3386 ext. 15, or e-mail: billgilman1@aol.com