Personnel committee recommends Irvin Mata for Lawrence Zoning Board of Appeals

The Lawrence City Personnel Committee voted unanimously May 12 to send Mayor-proposed nominee Irvin Mata to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation for appointment as an associate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals.

The zoning board hears appeals from decisions by the building commissioner and considers requests for dimensional, density and parking variances. The committee discussed Mata’s background and members emphasized careful review of projects that may affect parking and neighborhood character.

Jeannie O'Rant, administrator of boards and commissions, introduced the candidate and presented his resume and application. Mata told the committee he is a “lifelong member of the Lawrence community” and a real estate professional who wants to “contribute meaningfully to the city's growth.”

Councilors asked Mata how he would balance approval of development with long-term impacts. Mata said he would rely on the city’s zoning ordinances and the municipal master plan and apply a data-driven approach. He told the committee he would, when feasible, visit project sites to assess neighborhood impacts rather than decide on documents alone.

Counselors also urged attention to parking impacts. Councilor Wendy Luzon said developers will come to the zoning board seeking approvals and asked Mata to “take a minute to analyze parking.” Councilor Anna Levy asked for diligence and warned about concerns some residents have raised about projects being approved without sufficient on-site assessment.

Committee members noted Mata’s resume lists activity as a real estate investor and property developer and reminded him of conflict-of-interest rules. Councilors said they expect appointees to be aware of state and local conflict-of-interest laws and to recuse themselves when appropriate.

Councilor Levy moved to send Mata’s nomination to the full council with a favorable recommendation; Councilor Federlina Santiago seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

The full City Council is scheduled to consider the nomination at its next meeting; the committee asked the clerk to ensure Mata’s English-language resume is included in the full-council packet.