ZBA: Marlborough Needs a City Planner

Members of the Planning Board continue to voice the need for a city planner.

"We have some expertise, but a city planner — that is his background," said ZBA Chairman James Natale.

The issue came up following the a 225 unit apartment complex. The need for a city planner initially came up during a discussion of where the development fit in the long-term for the city.

Following the approval of the development, two board members resigned. In her resignation letter, Lynn Faust stated that the city needs a planner.

"Because of the lack of a city planner and the resignation of Building
Commissioner Steve Reid, it is very difficult as a ZBA member to obtain enough data to confidently vote on matters before the ZBA," said Faust in her resignation letter.

Faust had pushed for a review of the project and housing needs by Metropolitan Area Planning Council that is contracted by the city to review development issues in lieu of a City Planner.

"Unless city boards and departments use sound planning data to guide their actions, the city is bound to make mistakes that harm taxpayers for the benefit of a few," wrote Faust.