Need for Town Planner/Grant Writer

The town administrator has recently stated the need for a town planner.  Several well informed residents of Stoneham have stated the need in the past in Patch and at official meetings in town. 
Some of the elements for such an individual that should be considered are as follows: 

The salary has been mentioned from $63000 to $73000. For a decent planner.   My thoughts are that possibly the town should consider a Town Planner/Grant Writer thereby making such individual cost effective.

·      The town of Stoneham is in need of a Town Planner /Grant Writer

·      The need has become increasingly evident with the recent issue of the prospective development of The Commons at Weiss Farm.   We should have learned our lesson from the failing of the Ravine Rd development in the past.

·      We are in need of a Town Planner well versed in Chapter 40B, Chapter 40R and fully aware of all grants and funds available for our community by State and Federal agencies.

·      The planner must be capable of bringing economic development to our community but still maintain the quality of life we are all accustomed to in our town.

·      The planner must be well versed in seeking and writing proposals for funds successfully from State and Federal coffers. 

·      Planners do a great variety of things. The most important role for a planner in Stoneham is to work with the public to identify a community's goals, and then help to marshal resources-community organizations, developers, and elected officials-to accomplish them

·      A planner will shape the physical layout of Stoneham by zoning specific areas for different types and intensity of development (residential, commercial, industrial; high-rise, low-rise) and working with engineers and architects to plan for the location of major public facilities

·      Planners also work to preserve and improve the spatial and visual character of places.

·      A planner will review and recommend what Stoneham needs to grow and prosper

·      They aim to balance the conflicting demands of housing, industrial development, agriculture, recreation, transport and the environment, in order to allow appropriate development to take place.

·      Planners are at the heart of regeneration within towns, taking into account the often-competing views of business and local communities.

·      They must ensure that development is sustainable and that the right balance of development is achieved to preserve the town.

·      Develop creative and original planning solutions to satisfy all parties

·      Consult with stakeholders and other interested parties and negotiating with developers and other professionals, such as surveyors and architects

·      Assess planning applications and enforcing and monitoring outcomes as necessary;

·      Research and design planning policies to guide development;

·      Research and analyze data to help inform strategic developments, such as increases in affordable housing provision;

·      Design layouts and drafting design statements

·      using information technology systems such as CAD (computer-aided design) or GIS (geographical information systems)

·      Attend and present at planning boards and appeals and at public inquiries

·      Keep up to date with legislation associated with land use

·      Promote environmental education and awareness

 That's my 2 cents on this seriously needed position in town.