Multiple residents apply for Planning & Zoning seats; candidates cite housing, infrastructure and resiliency

The Stonington Board of Selectmen interviewed multiple applicants on Sept. 24 for two open seats on the Planning & Zoning Commission, drawing a larger applicant pool than recent cycles.

Candidates identified a mix of priorities for the commission. One applicant with more than nine years of commercial-real-estate experience said the commission should vet projects for fit with the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) and zoning statutes and described experience navigating planning processes across three states. David Resendes described decades of zoning and development work and said projects in the Pawcatuck area and a POCD rewrite will be priorities. Lindsay Craig Fairchild emphasized transparency, consistent decision-making and coastal resiliency efforts, citing service on the town’s climate change task force and waterfront commission. Another applicant, who serves as a Zoning Official and Wetlands Enforcement Agent in a neighboring town, emphasized climate resilience, accessibility and affordable housing.

Applicants were reminded of a new state training requirement — four hours within a year of seating and recurring per term — and asked about time commitments; most candidates said they could meet the requirement and expected to attend first‑and‑third‑Tuesday meetings. The board thanked applicants and noted the interview for a Capital Building Committee applicant (Vera Garland) was postponed due to illness.

The interviews will inform upcoming appointments; the board separately moved several reappointments for other boards during the same meeting.